Oh my! What’s going on here? What is this place? More importantly… how does it stay concealed?

The answer to the first two questions is Mr. Black at Bardot Hollywood, the most vivacious gay club night in Los Angeles. Instead of the bald and buff types that flock to West Hollywood, you’ll find a peacocked flock of nightlife eccentrics here. Such as…

… the infamous poet, performer and “hyper-hyphenate” Clint Catalyst, who led us down the rabbit hole and into a half-naked, makeup-heavy bacchanal.

… and our beautiful, flame-haired hostess, Lenora Claire: artist, model, muse, scribe. She and Clint were featured in a Canal Plus documentary about LA nightlife — I’ll be working with the same producers for the Tokyo documentary I’m co-hosting in May!

Talk about an eclectic crowd: that night, Samantha Ronson DJ-ed and Lindsay Lohan tagged along. At the always-busy Mr. Black, you’ll elbow fashion designs, painters, drag queens and even denizens of the dead. (V-fingers for Kynt.)

We started our nightcrawl at Pimai It’s Thai restaurant around the corner. (Can you tell that Clint loves his sticky rice with mango sauce?) He’s wearing a tailored Alice in Wonderland suit by avantgarde American Gothic designer Jared Gold. I wish I had a photo of the matching blue spats…

Hair decorations: If you want to join the “neon hair color club” but are hesitant to commit, try pinning a bright scarf over your locks. Flowers, bows and feathers are other fun ways to add color. Or how about oversized paper clips?
Eyelashes: Flip long, fake lashes and paste them under your eyelids, for a doll-like look. Try it!
Lips: Outlined in MAC Cyber (dark purple) and filled in with light blue No She Didn’t from Lime Crime.
Black lace longsleeve top: It’s hard to see the detailing, but it’s a vintage find from a NYC shop.

Yukiro is a chameleon with his arsenal of wigs. The shirt reads “Playboy”; the butt advertises “My hips don’t lie.” Not surprisingly, he got cat-calls in the parking lot.

Mr. Black happens every Tuesday night at Bardot (Hollywood and Vine) — make it your next outing! Do say hi to Lenora and friends for us.

In the last post, many of you expressed appreciation for K’s dashing looks and Gackt poses. Happy news: with his help, we’ll be bringing you regular J-rock and Visual Kei news roundups!

† Tokyo Decadance is coming to Moscow — with Kaya! (See promo video above.)
† Versailles announced a new support member… Masashi from COSMO.
† ScReW has a new bassist, Rui (formerly in Gimmick, Garnet, Mudgett, juliadoll and Jewel). Read more here.
† Tragic news… Gakido vocalist Piyo died in a car accident. K writes: “Gakido, a unique Visual Kei band featuring three vocalists with lyrics in both Japanese and Korean were in a serious car accident on the twelfth of February. One of the vehicle’s tires exploded and control over the car was lost. Yohya, Rito, Yuu and Shutaro are all in good condition. Tossy and one of the band’s staff members are currently hospitalized, but are fully aware and conscious. We can hope for their quick recovery. Unfortunately, one of their three vocalists, “Piyo” was ejected from the car, and hit his head. He died on impact. The band was just preparing to release their first PV for the song “Yanderu Toki ni Utau Uta”. The future of the band has not been dictated, and hopefully they will be able to continue on in his memory. Deepest consolations to Piyo’s family and friends.”

Have you heard of other head-banging J-rock and Visual Kei news? Please share in the comments! (I try to respond to as many as I can.)

† Name: Maya (Nadia Capella)
† Age: 15
† Location: Buenos Aires
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita fashion?
In my school, a girl had the Gothic Lolita style … The title of her photoblog was something with the words “Lolita Heart” and when I searched on Google for “Gothic Lolita,” it showed me pictures of many brands and style … I loved it from the moment, it’s beautiful. That was three years ago and from then on, I loved the style.
† What do you find appealing about GL style and culture?
When I was little I loved clothes decorated with bows… and when I saw Lolita dresses I knew they were for me. The prints, accessories, shoes, socks… all fascinated me from the beginning.
† What are your favorite Gothic Lolita clothing brands?
Victorian Maiden, h.NAOTO, Juliette et Justine, Despair, Visible, Innocent World, Alice and the Pirates, Atelier BOZ, BlaBlaHospital… I like all brands, but those are the best (for me).
† Any other comments (inspiration, tips, favorites)?
One of the things I like most is to make my clothes. I encourage girls and boys to try making your own clothing, without caring about what others think. Innovate, be creative. And the same goes with make-up: play with shadows and eyeliners, with lipstick and glitter.

Film of the Week #43: Almost Famous (Kate Hudson, Patrick Fugit, dir. Cameron Crowe) is on my list of favorite movies of all time. After I first saw it in the theaters, I went on a mission to find a fluffy coat just like Penny Lane’s! A teen reporter and groupies (sorry, Band-Aids) tag along with a Led Zeppelin-like band on tour in the early 70s… scandal and drama and hilarity ensue. It’s based on the director’s real-life experiences as a precocious writer for Rolling Stone. I could go on and on about the grand performances (Phillip Seymour Hoffman as music critic Lester Bangs) and aww moments (like the “let’s go to Morocco” scene).

And how cute was Patrick Fugit as the wide-eyed fifteen year old?? Don’t you just want to corrupt him? Watch Almost Famous if you haven’t already. I haven’t met a single person who hasn’t dug it.

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.

If you are purchasing from Amazon.com, may I ask you to please consider supporting this blog by buying via my site? Just click here and search for whatever you want from Amazon (there are no extra costs to you).

Thanks so much and please keep in touch (I do my best to respond to messages): RSS feed, posts in your inbox, MySpace, Facebook Group, Facebook Fan page, Twitter, YouTube, Bloglovin and Google Friend Connect.

Hope to see you at our Lunar New Year + Purikura Jpop party, Saturday Feb 13 in LA! Come out on Saturday, February 13th at Kira Kira, a sparkling photo-sticker shop with all of the newest Purikura machines from Japan! The special event will be hosted by Harajuku fashion and Cute Food blogger La Carmina. The DJs from Tune in Tokyo will also be there, spinning the best in J-Pop, J-Rock, and Global Dance Pop all night long.

There will also be prizes and giveaways sponsored by Hear Japan, Lime Crime, and Gloomth. You can win Visual Kei music downloads, magic dust eyeshadows and certificates for Gothic Victorian clothing. (Photo of Carmina by Shichi; flyer by Greg.)

WHEN: TONIGHT! Saturday, Feb 13th, 8PM – 12 AM. Free and all ages.
WHERE: Kira Kira is located at the Seasons Place shopping center in City of Industry (2nd floor, above Red Mango). There’s plenty of free parking.
RSVP on Los Angeles Going or Facebook.

One of the many perks of blogging: it connects me to creative people who share my interests in J-pop kitschy-cute. Miss Angela Che is a illustrator influenced by Japanese pop culture whimsy. She stumbled upon my blog before a trip to Tokyo and wrote to me to share her work — I encourage you to do the same!

I always feature artists on my blog who do a rendering of La Carmina and/or Basil Farrow — and Angela amazed me with her digital illustration. She captured my “Rose Fetish” outfit perfectly, down to my slick red Metamorphose boots. And my fold-eared cat looks so cuddly; don’t you want to stroke his fur?

Whether it’s cute packaging, paintings, 3D art or Harajuku Tribes fabric prints, Angela rocks every medium she puts her hands on.

Surf over to Angela Che’s website to see more of her art, and if you are ever in need of an illustrator (digital or paint), she’s open to collaborating. If you would like your Carmina or Basil art to be featured here, along with your other works, shoot me an email — I’m always happy to hear from you.

J-NEWS ROUNDUP (add me on Twitter to keep up with the latest):
† Moi dix Mois announced: “And our special guest for the Tokyo show will be, Count Yu~ki! In 2010 we’re shattering the silence with our revival.” You heard that right: Yu~ki will be touring with Mana and Kozi. They’ll probably be playing three shows this summer in Japan. What’s next: a reunion with Gackt? In our boyslove dreams!
† The New York Times has an article about Japanese designers breaking into America, with quotes from Misako Aoki about Lolita fashion. What do you think?
† My funny CNNGo article is getting a ton of hits: Asia’s 10 dumbest criminals of the last 10 years. Which is your personal favorite?
† Another video-filled CNNGo article for you: Asia’s Child Prodigies, who program iPhones and jam with Ozzy Osbourne. Crazy.

Speaking of genius… the video above features I Am Sebastien! “A young European Vegan gets sent a secret map to a mysterious “Evening of Horror and Delight”. He finally finds the house but not all is not what it seems. Especially for Dravarious and The Happy Phantom.” LOL at more spooky Tokyo antics on their YouTube channel.

Does anyone know what time it is? I surely do… it’s party time, my children of the night!

If you are planning to visit Tokyo, you should come in the last week of the month in order to attend Midnight Mess. It’s the longest-running Gothic/Industrial event in Tokyo, held at the conveniently-located Shinjuku Marz. Special guests and DJS have included Skinny Puppy, Covenant, and your beloved SiSEN. Don’t feel intimidated — as you can see in this video, everyone is very friendly and the staff speak English! For Midnight Mess photos, maps, directions etc, visit my Tokyo Goth Club Guide.

9.26 MIDNIGHT MESS – with special guest Spanking Machine
- Begins midnight on Sept 26, 2009 at Shinjuku Marz. 3000/3500/4000 yen (cheaper if dresscode/RSVP). See my Tokyo Goth Club Guide for map and details.
To see the back of the flyer, click here.

11.29 presale tickets for Das Ich/GOTHIKA (Germany) available in limited quantities for 4000yen on the 26th of September at Midnight Mess. Details at http://midnightmess.com

10.24 MIDNIGHT MESS – Nightmare before Halloween
- A costume contest, suspension show, photobooth, performance by Selia and more!
- I took the photo above of the Comte de Sang (these are outtakes from the Vampire Cafe chapter of my Theme Restaurants book).
- Begins midnight on Oct 24, 2009 at Shinjuku Marz. 4500/5000 yen (cheaper if dresscode/RSVP).See my Tokyo Goth Club Guide for map and details.

11.29 MIDNIGHT MESS – With Das Ich and GOTHIKA
- A bloody vampire ball – a Goth Industrial Electro fest with Dance Macabre Records! Tickets available at the 9.26 Midnight Mess; details at http://midnightmess.com
- Begins midnight on Nov 29, 2009 at Shinjuku Marz. 3000/3500/4000 yen (cheaper if dresscode/RSVP).See my Tokyo Goth Club Guide for map and details.

9.25 Darkest Labyrinth Sponsored Event
- Greek promoters Sakura Syndrome kick-start their 5th consecutive season with rare audio-visual material of the label’s artists, exclusive pre-release songs, as well as a Double Release Party! Listen to Suicide Ali’s brand new album “Dai Yon no Waltz” and GPKISM’s new single “Barathrum”!
- Friday, the 25th of September at Cofix (Lori Margariti 11). Begins 21:00. Entrance: 4€ (drink included). For more details, visit Sakura Syndrome’s site.

10.10 Jasmine You + CLJ Records free event
- In the light of the recent passing of Jasmine You, Sakura Syndrome is holding a mini-tribute to Versailles.
- Plus a CLJ record release party with special audio and video material of SCREW and -OZ-
- And as always, giveaways, costume contests and Visual Kei/J-rock, anime music videos…
- Saturday, the 10th of October at DaSein Arts and Spirits [Solomou 12, Plateia Eksarheion]. Begins 21:00. Entrance: FREE! For more details, visit Sakura Syndrome’s site.

10.3 Glitter Channel
- DJs SiSeN, Manik(HimemaniK), and Cold+Sleep are playing a wild cyber party on Oct 3 in the outskirts of Tokyo!
- Live acts include digital-techno BESPA☆KUMAMERO, cruel electronics Marlee, and skin-piercing analog SuperBossM10.
- Exhibits by Gothic Lolita/VK fashion and accessories labels Bitch Gold, product_c, Belial

Oct 3 at Hangar Hall in Yamanashi-ken, Nakakoma-gun, Showamachi, Kasai 622-1
TEL 055-267-9011, Open 18:30 / Start 19:00, 2000/2500 yen with ID, http://hangarhall.com/
(Thanks to Comte de Sang for the translation)

One, two, three… let’s go J-News! For real-time updates of J-pop/Lolita/kawaii/Visual Kei news, you’re welcome to friend me on Twitter. Whenever I receive nifty special news, invitations, discounts etc, I immediately send a Tweet. Here’s the latest buzz…

† 6% DOKIDOKI (the legendary decora and fairy kei shop in Harajuku, as seen in Fruits) is having a meet-n-greet fan night. Founder Sebastian Masuda will answer questions, and you can “Find out the secret of Sensational Kawaii!” The event takes place on Sept 5 from 7-8pm, in San Francisco’s just-opened New People World.

† How about treating yourself to a cute bento box for back-to-school? J-List recently listed an adorable polar bear face lunch box among other kawaii bento goods.

† And if you’re pining for a back-to-school outfit, come check out the designer/vintage clothes from Hong Kong and Japan that I’ve listed in my Online Garage Sale. Tons of cute accessories added.

† Video of a Japanese kitten with EYEBROWS! Enough said.

† A new obento iPhone app is on the market. It features cute sushi with happy faces. You can see more adorable food on my Cute Yummy Time blog.

† Did any of you make it to the Sweet Streets: Art inspired by Japanese street fashion exhibit? It runs until September 14 at Nucleus Gallery in LA. Click for more info and to bid on lovely Lolita paintings.

† Finally, M.A.C. cosmetics is releasing a Style Black Collection this month — which includes black lipstick and eye makeup. What do you think? Will you be buying it? You can see how I recreate the look with body tattoo and gloss in this post.

Coming up: I showcase Aromaleigh’s new Gothic Lolita Rococo makeup and will upload a new Death Cookbook episode. Please subscribe to my channel so you won’t miss it.

Did I leave out any exciting J-news? Comment below or Twitter me — I promise to write back.

Song of the Day #190: Sally Shapiro’s Swedish neo-Italo Disco has the admiration of the Committee (Carmina, Ronan, Basil Farrow). Heart producer Johan Agebjorn. He has Italo/ambient/synth songs and playlists for download on his website.

Good news, my darklings… Basil Farrow’s not going to starve, and the Tokyo pop culture shenanigans shall continue! I landed a very neat gig as a freelance contributor to CNNGo, a soon-to-be-launched Asia travel/lifestyle website.

† What? Lifestyle content and city guides for Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Mumbai, all under the umbrella of CNN. I am writing five or more articles a week for the Explorations section, which is where you’ll land if you visit the site from anywhere other than the six above regions.

†Where? I can submit articles from anywhere in world (that’s the way a job should be!). They’ll appear on www.cnngo.com (the website is not yet up).

†When? CNNGo launches soon, in late September or early October!

How cool is CNNGo and why should you be excited? Because of…

† The subject: I get to pitch and write about the Asian pop culture oddities I adore. Such as Mr. Roboto chefs, pampered pets, overpriced fruit, cute characters, disturbing theme parks…

† The tone: It’s fun, witty writing – quite similar to my voice on this blog. No dry drivel.

† The team: My editor Chris Anderson is a blast to work with and hilarious on Skype which, in my books, counts for a lot. And the Tokyo writing team is a pack of all-stars: W. David Marx, Patrick Macias, Jean Snow, Matt Alt… yup.

† The utility: CNNGo is a resource you will come back to, especially if you live/travel in Asia. We’ll give you the scoop on the food/style/spa/nightlife gems that stud Asia’s metropolises.

I’m having super big fun with the work and the site design is great (and you know I’m picky). When CNNGo launches, I’ll post links to my articles on this blog so you won’t miss a thing. And no, of course this won’t cut into La Carmina’s daily updates. You know my OCD better than that.

I feel tremendously lucky to be able to write about my Asia pop culture fascinations for a cool site with a red-hot team. The photo above sums up the vibe: a maid café in Akihabara I shot for my Theme Restaurant book, with guests Tiffany Godoy (Tokyo fashion expert and author of Japanese Goth) and Nathan Reaven (head of HearJapan music label, which specializes in Visual Kei). May the adventures continue!

Everyone say this in a dramatic voice:
“In 2009 JAPAN will set its attention to the WORLD!
We proudly present this year’s Festival of Festivals!
In October 2009 more than 50 artists will participate
in the world’s largest visual-kei festival ever…V-ROCK!”

“For two days on four stages Makuhari Messe will be transformed into sacred ground.” This year, the performers include such Visual Rock gods as Versailles, D’espairs Ray, The GazettE, Moi dix Mois, PENICILLIN, D’espairs Ray, heidi., Vidoll, SuG, ALI PROJECT, TSUCHIYA ANNA… and Marilyn Manson? Whatever works!

Here is a 10 minute propaganda video that will get your blood flowing. Can you find Yukiro Dravarious among the interviewees?

And can you name the Visual Kei bands in all the photos? Fly over to my Visual Kei Male or She-Male guessing game for a hilarious challenge.

The V-Rock Visual Kei festival takes place October 24-25 at Chiba’s Makuhara Messe. A 1-day ticket is 12,000 JPY; a 2-day is 20,000 JPY (tax-included). For English info and a link to buy tickets, click here. Has anyone been to V-Rock before? Which bands would bring out your inner fangirl/boy?

Time for a long overdue round-up of Lolita/Visual Kei/J-pop news! If you want to receive J-news in real time, you’re welcome to follow me on Twitter. Whenever I receive press releases, store specials, invites etc, I immediately share the news on Twitter.

† Hello Kitty iPhone application launched! You can dress her in Gothic Lolita & Harajuku fashions, and there are more Sanrio wallpapers and skins on the way.

† Mana-sama is coming to Los Angeles! His Visual Kei project, Moi dix Mois, will perform at the July 2-5 Anime Expo at the LA Convention Center. Will any of you be there?

† Poketo, designer of cute limited-edition art products and accessories, is camping out at Royal/T Maid Cafe in LA from June 27 to July 18. You’re invited to the Pop-Up Shop opening and a Karaoke Dance Party on July 10.

† Japan’s three “cute ambassadors”, which you may remember from this post, are raising some eyebrows among Japanese Diet members. What do you think – could there be “unwarranted criticism against overseas tours by ‘pretty ambassadors’ wearing very short skirts”?

† Digital music label HearJapan now has over forty Visual Kei artists under its umbrella! These include Deathgaze, Dolly, Ghost, Otokage, Angelique, Hizaki’s solo project, Versailles…

† Japan & Anime event promoter Sakura Syndrome recently had two successful parties in Greece, and will be announcing more soon. Their featured band for June is DARKSIDE MIRRORS – check them out!

† Lady GaGa wears Sweet Lolita dresses while on tour in Japan. What do you think – does she pull it off? Video here.

Finally, here are some funny “only in Japan” tidbits that I found on the Net…

† How to hide from the Yakuza? By flipping your skirt over your head and laying your bag on the ground. The criminals will think you’re a vending machine and mistake your purse for a pothole!

† I wish I saw this in Tokyo… a takarazuka production of Phoenix Wright. Yes, the DS video game… with singing and dancing and an all-female cast! Check out the video; “character designs and characters and music and settings all faithfully reproduced… pretty spectacular” according to Ronan.

† Above: the Happy Phantom meets Lolita Princess Mihoko and Goth Princess Zoe. Featured films include: Satan’s Bed, Scare Their Pants Off, The Best of Burlesque! (all by ‘Something Weird Video’) and even The Beatles ‘HELP!’

† And finally, in La Carmina news… if it fancies you, my Theme Restaurants book can be pre-ordered online (it comes out in July). You’re welcome to browse my garage sale for neat clothes ($10-20). And I just got exciting news about a potential appearance… on a major TV show… with someone hardcore… cross your fingers for me!

Did I leave out any exciting J-news? Comment below or Twitter me – I promise to reply!

San Francisco was always a hub for Japanese culture, and it’s soon going to be top stop in America for Harajuku fashion. New People World is counting down the days to the August opening of its J-Pop Center: an ultra-mod 20,000 sq. foot complex in Japantown (1746 Post St.) That’s three stories and a basement dedicated to J-pop culture… including several Lolita boutiques!

† Basement: The 143-seat VIZ Cinema – with “high-definition digital projection and THX®-certified sound” – will broadcast the best of Japanese cinema. Expect anime, samurai dramas, J-horror…

† First floor: Dedicated to two of my favorite victuals: coffee (Blue Bottle, a local roaster) and bentos (Delica rf-1). I wonder if the bentos will be cute? (PS – you can now pre-order Cute Yummy Time!)

† Main floor: The New People signature shop delivers “all that is kawaii, fun, fabulous and bizarre.” Everything from music, toys, clothing, books, DVDs, and limited edition products.

† Second floor: THIS is what we’ve been waiting for. Get ready for the US flagship boutiques of Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Alice and the Pirates, Black Peace Now, and 6% Doki Doki! (You can see photos of all these stores in my shopping guide.)

† Third floor: Superfrog Gallery will exhibit fun, modern artists (soon to be announced). I hope it’ll be as fantastic as Royal/T in LA!

Seiji Horibuchi, head of VIZ Media and Pictures, spearheaded the J-Pop Center project. His vision: “to foster the appreciation, preservation and exposure of Japanese pop culture and to connect the public with its creators.” Investment to date: $15 million. A promising sign that the US interest in J-pop culture will continue to spawn…

Hot off the blogs! Get your J-news here!

† Robot runway model debuts at Japan Fashion Week. She won’t get out of bed for less than 10,000 volts… HRP-4C was designed to look like an average Japanese woman, but I think her silver-and-black body makes her look more like a Storm Trooper. Mrs. Roboto can walk, move her arms and make facial expressions such as anger and surprise – but she isn’t yet ready to do daily chores or carry out Japan’s secret plans to take over the world…

† Sakura Syndrome launches website and new Japan&Anime Party. DJs and organizers Somnium in Tenebris and Mona Risa jumpstarted the interest in Japanese pop culture in Greece with their J-music events. Their new site has concert reviews, recent press and more. Check out the details for the April 3rd party, which includes a cosplay contest!

† Mad Hatter party takes over Royal/T maid cafe in LA. LA Weekly reports on the Alice in Wonderland-themed soiree, which attracted both LA’s doll collectors and Lolitas.

† Japan Fashion Week opened last Monday; sadly, h.NAOTO and other Goth Loli designers won’t be on the runways this year. I continue to be intrigued by Ne-net, a young label that isn’t exactly wearable but strikes a chord with me nonetheless. Conehead hair, boxing gloves and champion belts, wrestler masks like the ones from Swimmer…

I posted photos of Ne-net’s store in Laforet here; you can view more Japan Fashion Week runway photos on the website. Which designers caught your attention?

Keep up the contest entries! You have a great chance of winning this time around; there are TWELVE generous Goth/Lolita prizes up for grabs (3 gift certificates from Gloomth, 9 makeup prizes from Aromaleigh!)

Song of the Day #76: Kaya – Chocolat

† † † † † † †
† HOW TO WIN
Each person can enter up to three times. You receive…
- 1 entry if you embed my new video in a blog post or forum, or link to it via Facebook, Twitter, Stumble or any other social network.
- 1 point if you promote the contest in a blog post or forum, or link to it via Facebook, Twitter, Stumble or any other social network. (You can promote it at the same time as the video.)
- 1 point if you comment here and tell me your favorite Gloomth/Aromaleigh product and why.