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NEW DARK PURPLE DYED HAIR COLOR & STYLE! NHK KAWAII TV SHOOT AT ABILLETAGE, VINTAGE GOTHIC LOLITA CORSET SHOP.


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Behold, my new hair color! I’ve been a red-head since March, so it was time for my superb stylist (Isolde from Avant Garde Hair in Vancouver) to turn me dark purple. Note that it’s not one solid color: there’s plum and chocolate brown textures weaved in. Happy.

Here’s what I wore for the first part of my NHK Kawaii TV shoot:

Babydoll dress with key pattern: Banana Fish (so sad the brand is gone), from Closet Child Shinjuku
Lace Gothic Lolita purse: gifted from ModaRevise. More photos and info about the brand in this post.
Lace circular hair decoration: gifted from my friend Heathyr

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I wore purple eyeshadow to match my new hair. The doll eyelashes cost a meager 100 yen; gotta love Japan.
Horror necklace: gifted from Sourpuss
Blue gem ring: from Closet Child

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The ever-transforming Yukiro Dravarious wore flaming red.

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Our first stop: Abilletage, a recently-opened Gothic vintage and handmade corset shop in Shinjuku. The NHK cameraman filmed me meeting my spooky friends, exploring the boutique and doing my coolhunting-blogging thing.

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The lovely owner Bambi (right) is a talented corset-maker, who made outfits for Jpop stars Koda Kumi and Ayumi Hamasaki.

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Abilletage is lushly decorated with thick red curtains, chandeliers and antiques. There’s also a coffee and tea section, popular with Tokyo’s Gothic ladies and gentlemen. (Order the ice chai, you won’t regret it.)

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Bambi laces me into a purple-and-black lace corset that she sewed and decorated with crystals.

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Her studded black design is perfect for Mistress Maya. On the right: “Despite all my rage, I’m still just a rat in a cage!”

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The NHK Kawaii TV segment is about La Carmina’s world: the spooky places and people that inspire me.

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Bambi’s accessories are lovingly scouted from vintage and foreign sources. Many of the items are handmade by her designer friends.

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There’s currently a steampunk-fetish leather display. My first mate, Naomi, tries on a mask. (Photos by Naomi and me. Have you seen her comic series Domestic Animal, about her travels?)

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When Yukiro gives the middle finger… deadly.

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Abilletage is a gem of a store, created and supported by Tokyo’s vibrant Goth-steampunk-fetish subculture. Step away from the big brands and give this boutique a visit (Bambi speaks some English).

It’s located here (map) in Shinjuku, next to the AM/PM in a white building. Go up stairs and take the elevator to 3rd floor. The address is 東京都新宿区千駄ヶ谷5-32-6 大西ビル303; it opens 1:30pm.

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Filming with NHK TV was a wonderful experience, and I’m excited to see the program! Coming up: reports from the next two locations we shot. And before you ask — yes, I’ll let you know when the show airs, and put up clips.

But the important question… what do you think of my new hair? Were you surprised by the color?

Song of the Day: The Smashing Pumpkins – Bullet With Butterfly Wings (“The world is a vampire”)

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71 Comments

  1. Yuridia
    Posted October 8, 2011 at 11:58 pm | Permalink

    i love your vidios and basil it’s so cute well i truthly like your gothic lolita look <3

  2. Kima
    Posted October 8, 2011 at 11:58 pm | Permalink

     kawaii!

  3. Liv
    Posted October 8, 2011 at 11:58 pm | Permalink

    That is way too cool

  4. Charmaine
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 12:14 am | Permalink

    This new color looks gorgeous on you.

  5. Sam
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 12:19 am | Permalink

    Lovely!

  6. Gala
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 12:25 am | Permalink

    Hair looks amazing! I went purple and black a few months ago myself. You look astounding!

  7. StellaStokes
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 12:26 am | Permalink

    Its flattering for your style.

  8. Kat
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 12:41 am | Permalink

    I love it!!! You’ll look good in any hair color:)

  9. Joy-chan
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 12:42 am | Permalink

    All I have to say is dam I wanted that beautiful dress it is so my style!

    • lacarmina
      Posted October 9, 2011 at 9:18 pm | Permalink

      It’s my new favorite. I bought another Banana Fish item; pics soon!

  10. Rebecca George
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 1:29 am | Permalink

    Awesome change.

  11. Glitch
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 2:29 am | Permalink

    That spiky mask looks so bad ass. And that glove Yukiro had on it looks cool too.

  12. Felin
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 3:04 am | Permalink

    I love it!

  13. Cari
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 3:05 am | Permalink

    I absolutely LOVE your new color!!!!!

  14. Laura
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 3:06 am | Permalink

    Aaah! La Carmina’s new purplish hair is absolutely lovely!

  15. Hanna
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 3:11 am | Permalink

    I DO LOVE IT

  16. Katrina Elm
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 3:29 am | Permalink

    You new hair color looks great! I think the matching eyeshadow looked awesome with it. Do you use a special shampoo or anything to keep the color bright?

    • lacarmina
      Posted October 9, 2011 at 9:21 pm | Permalink

      Thanks dear!! I simply use salon-grade shampoo and conditioner, like Schwartzkopf. and i don’t over wash.

  17. Kokoro
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 3:42 am | Permalink

    waaaa your hair! looks awesome.. but I will miss your intense red hair *–*

  18. Yuridia
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 4:10 am | Permalink

    Omg you look awesome i love your hair but im gona miss the red

  19. Becca
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 5:13 am | Permalink

    I love the hair, that color is great…

  20. Leyla Cavusoglu
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 7:59 am | Permalink

    Love the new hair, so cool you also got to shoot with NHK Kawaii TV, I’ll be filming with them next month ^^

    • lacarmina
      Posted October 9, 2011 at 9:21 pm | Permalink

      Ohh can’t wait to hear about your experience with NHK!

  21. sassyNpunk
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 3:07 pm | Permalink

    Love the hair, I think this color suits you better b/c of all the dark colors you wear… but more importantly, I LOVE that key dress! I need to raid your closet!

  22. Moda Revise
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 3:21 pm | Permalink

    Thank you LaCarmina for loving our Gothic Black Lace Lola Satchel! 
    Anyone who wants to purchase simply go to http://www.modarevise.com, or simply email us @ customerservice@modarevise.com with special ” I Love LaCarmina” 5% discount code a@modarevise:disqus 
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  23. Raido
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 3:35 pm | Permalink

    You’re new hair is very lovely ^ ^
    And that place looks amazing! I always like seeing one of a kind shops, everyone always looks so friendly and happy with what they are doing. Bambi is a genius with those corsets! Definitely a lover of those.

    • lacarmina
      Posted October 9, 2011 at 9:23 pm | Permalink

      you can tell that these places are one of a kind… very special, the moment you walk in.

  24. Leila
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 3:57 pm | Permalink

    I really like your new hair colour! <3 And corsets are a great thing! *–*

  25. Anonymous
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 4:56 pm | Permalink

    What an interesting post, it’s so refreshing to see someone feature a corset maker in a post rather than blogging about the mass-produced off the rack corsets that are so common (they have their place, but I do prefer the handmade kind).
    I love the contrast between that girl’s Lolita outfit and her gasmask, it’s a very interesting look :)

    • lacarmina
      Posted October 9, 2011 at 9:23 pm | Permalink

      Yeahhh no kidding! The next shop we went to has handmade corsets too. Masterful.

  26. Alessia
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 7:41 pm | Permalink

     I LOVE YOUR HAIR! it’s so…classy lol XD

  27. Cloudia
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 7:41 pm | Permalink

    looks royal!! ( ´ ▽ ` )ノ I want that color~♥

  28. RoxandriaTrue
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 7:52 pm | Permalink

    Wow that purple is stunning, u look creepier then ever ;P in the drop dead gorgous way :) i think u officaially can pull anything off

  29. Ophelia
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 8:04 pm | Permalink

    like for her hair and the styling!fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!

  30. Fatuma
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 8:05 pm | Permalink

    love the new look!!!

  31. Luzy
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 8:06 pm | Permalink

    I love it! it looks great on you! any color would i guess! :)

  32. Kyoko
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 8:08 pm | Permalink

    damn! XD you beat me to it! i was going to go purple next XD

  33. Eva
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 8:08 pm | Permalink

    Classy. Love it

  34. Lena
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 8:13 pm | Permalink

    burlesque beautifulllllllll

  35. Katakana2
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 8:15 pm | Permalink

    you look beautiful dear^^

  36. Shogo
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 8:17 pm | Permalink

    love the photos :) the horror necklace is awesome e.e

  37. Kagan
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 8:24 pm | Permalink

    Black Goddess ♥

  38. Tal
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 8:24 pm | Permalink

     hair looks great! ♥ did you end up buying anything you liked in the shop?

  39. Alice
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 8:34 pm | Permalink

    Your new hair colour looks way better. Super beautiful! ♥

  40. Akie
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 9:14 pm | Permalink

     sorry for this fangirlish comment but you’re the beauty in person :x

  41. Jennifer
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 9:14 pm | Permalink

     I love it and love your hair!! I really want to see this place someday! Resharing!

  42. Alyssa
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 9:14 pm | Permalink

    I still haven’t been able to find an affordale corset……..i hate not having the money for one.

  43. Ma
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 9:14 pm | Permalink

     A beautiful princess :) you’re so sweet ^_^

  44. Joy-chan
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 10:32 pm | Permalink

    your not going to see that key dress ever!

  45. Puresilveraura
    Posted October 9, 2011 at 11:27 pm | Permalink

    I think your hair looks gorgeous with the new hair colors. I actually like it more than the red! Keep up the awesome posts.

  46. Stasya
    Posted October 10, 2011 at 4:13 am | Permalink

    Im working in Abilletage!(*^^*)And love Bambi-ちゃん☆☆☆

  47. Sarah
    Posted October 10, 2011 at 4:13 am | Permalink

    Sexy lady!

  48. MaDonna Flowers
    Posted October 10, 2011 at 1:29 pm | Permalink

    Your hair looks wonderful! The store looks amazing, too. Did you end up buying anything? That first picture of the shop that shows a table full of necklaces and jewelry – that’s my favorite!

    • lacarmina
      Posted October 12, 2011 at 8:19 pm | Permalink

      Ahh sadly I didn’t have much time to browse since we were busy filming. I’ll need to come back to shop!

  49. Tracey
    Posted October 10, 2011 at 6:29 pm | Permalink

    Your hair looks gorgeous and I love the shop pictures (must visit) A little concerned about the rat though :(

  50. Ben
    Posted October 11, 2011 at 12:58 am | Permalink

     love these photos carmina

  51. Violet
    Posted October 11, 2011 at 12:58 am | Permalink

    Ohh, I love your horror necklace. You always look so amazing. ;)

  52. Anonymous
    Posted October 11, 2011 at 10:36 am | Permalink

    Was searching everywhere for trendy hair style and glad was able to get here. These are all cool hair styles. will bookmark and share this. Thanks

  53. Aniceris CS
    Posted October 11, 2011 at 7:55 pm | Permalink

    great color choice! and I must get that deadly finger!!!!

  54. hair band wholesale
    Posted October 24, 2011 at 6:51 pm | Permalink

    Hey, I have found some of most coolest hair styles from this post. And the the colours of your hair are really looking just heart touching. It’s really looking one of the most appreciative post about exotic fashion. Thanks for sharing.

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