† Name: Samanteina Bloodmyer
† Age: 19
† Location: England
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita fashion?
I grew up with Japan. My grandmama *rest her soul* and Mother raised me with a Japanese culture. My mother dressed me in Gothic Lolita dresses and my grandmama taught me about geishas and Japanese history. I myself dress mostly Sweet Lolita but do dress Gothic Lolita when I attend more formal events.

† What do you find appealing about GL style and culture?
To look like a doll or princess daily. I admire the courage and guts people have to be a lolita, as I myself am one in England and in England its very difficult to be yourself without a lot of criticism. And of course I adore dresses.
† What are your favorite Gothic Lolita clothing brands?
Moi-meme-Moitie / Angelic Pretty / Metamorphose / Secret Garden / Baby the Stars Shine Bright / Original designs (self made)
† Any other comments (inspiration, tips, favorites)?
Don’t be afraid to be who you are. Some of you may be Lolita, other may be VK to normal, but whatever you choose to do to express yourself follow your heart and stay happy. For love truly makes the world go round!

Wahh some fabulous news… I’m staying in Tokyo a bit longer… to host a CNN TV special! As you probably know, I write for CNNGo (my recent article made the CNNi front page, above). A CNN International producer asked me to take part in a new TV program, which explores pff-the-beaten-path aspects of Asia’s major cities. (There’s a preview of the Shanghai episode online.)

So I’ll be in the Tokyo CNN show… interviewing Japanese Goth designer Kenzo-A! (Above, with Kanae and me at Midnight Mess.) Kenzo-A is the mastermind behind Stigmata and now his own brand Rituals, sold in Kera Arena (Marui One) and other major stores. We’ll chat about Japan’s Gothic/underground culture, and then CNN will film his fashion show — which features EBM/Goth DJs and Visual Kei band MUCC.

SO excited that CNN will bring Tokyo’s vibrant Gothic and Visual Kei cultures to a larger audience… I’ll have photos and updates for you. The program will air 4-6 times in mid-June on CNN International, and then will be posted online.

Some Basil Farrow photos, since I miss my Scottish Fold. He’s doing well at home. Charming the pants off his grandparents and their friends.

That’s the major downside of travelling: no furry stomach to rub when you come home. All of Tokyo’s cat cafes have at least one fold-eared kitty, but none of them are as soft, round or earless as my baby…

There’s a whole lot more Basil Farrow on his blog, Facebook (add him!) and YouTube.

More French TV filming this week, followed by the CNN show. My Andrew Zimmern Bizarre Foods episode airs next next Monday, I believe. I’m loving this recent TV work. Let’s hope the cameras keep rolling!

Have you seen Kenzo-A’s Gothic fashion designs?

If you would like to be the next Gothloli of the Week, please read the submission instructions here. For all your Lolita shopping needs, check out the links to clothing brands on the right column of my blog.

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