ethereal spirits

h.NAOTO at AM2 Convention in Anaheim

2011-09-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

h.NAOTO and Sixh. band members are joined by the Visual Kei group heidi. following their fashion show at the AM2 Convention in Anaheim, California back in July, 2011.

The h.NAOTO booth at the convention. They have been attending many conventions across America and doing well so now will be opening a store at the New People building in San Francisco. btw, I'm not getting anything for posting all this. Just like wearing their clothing.

Eclectic is a good word to describe the various lines that fall under the h.NAOTO brand. From goth and punk to cartoon cats and lolita, plus more traditional Japanese fabrics and design elements, h.NAOTO has almost something for everyone.

Sixh. member and designer Mint was so nice to allow having his photo taken.

***************************************
This journal is not dead, it's been gently resting.
I want to work on original content, not the same thing so many others are posting.
So it won't update as often but will still be here, gently resting while it creates.

Good Night Moon

2011-08-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

Lunar eclipse from August, 2007

Check it out, try it out

2011-07-07T02:52:00.001-07:00

This is amazing

2011-06-07T08:34:00.001-07:00

The Ice Book (HD) from Davy and Kristin McGuire on Vimeo.

Alexander McQueen

2011-05-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Video created for the Met Exhibit. No sound on it though.

Yohji Yamamoto's Dream

2011-03-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

Interesting insight into the mind of an artist.

Twin Peaks 20th Anniversary Art Show

2011-02-17T23:56:00.000-08:00

At Clifton's Cafeteria in Los Angeles, February 13th. Above print of a pin by David Lynch.

This was the reason for going to Clifton's the other day. Very glad we did go. Got to finally see some of Mr. Lynch's work and also photos by Richard Beymer. Would be great to see more of Mr. Beymer's photos in the future.

Very creative work there like this puzzle piece by Paul Chathem.

Which when spun enough ends up looking like this. Titled 'A Damn Good Cup Of Coffee'.

'Walk With Bob' by Tim Biskup.

'Cooper' by Jessica Joslin. You can see a bigger version if you click on the photo and then check the sizes on Flickr. This is amazing. It's a plastic bird skull btw.

'The Owls Are Not What They Seem' by Margaret Meyer. That's Bob in there.

'She Said' by Glenn Barr.

'Concentrating on the J's' by Scott Campbell. I really like this. Plus it reminded me about the donuts!

'A Small Logging Town' by Amy Casey.

'Audrey' by Stella Im Hultberg. Stunning portrait I think.

'Looks Like A Hog To Me' by Eric White. I dig the concept of making this like an older tv set.

'Crystal Deer' by Elizabeth McGrath.

One of Grace Zabriskie's very creative boxes.

Hope you found this a bit interesting. I did. Excellent location for this event.

Oh yeah, this was put on by Twin Peaks Productions. Their site for the show is here: http://www.twinpeaks20.com/

Even better is that they are selling merchandise related to Twin Peaks. Like Double R coffee cups, Great Northern Hotel stationary and Packard Saw Mill work aprons. Not sure if they are still selling the David Lynch coffee but one could ask if interested. http://inthetreesartpreview.blogspot.com/2011/02/twin-peaks-20th-anniversary-merchandise.html

Random photos from Anime Los Angeles today

2011-01-07T23:11:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what lies beneath your feet?

2011-01-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

UNDERCITY from Andrew Wonder on Vimeo.

I find this scary and facinating. Steve Duncan and Andrew Wonder show what's below and above New York City. The Vimeo link leads to clips of their exploration. For more information their website is Urban Exploration - Undercity http://www.undercity.org/

Sanrio 50th Anniversary Art Exhibit, Baker Hanger, Santa Monica

2010-11-15T23:41:00.000-08:00

So this was a surprise for me. I'm going to start with the last piece I saw. I knew Simone Legno did one piece for the Sanrio 50th Anniversary show. That was the one with the kaiten zushi. This one I didn't know about and I have to say I really like it. Makes me wish I was rich so I could buy it. Oh well. I like how he was able to get the look of a rainy Tokyo night.

Now in no particular order and not every piece that was there. This is "Family Portrait" by Jesse LeDoux. I really like the retro look of this.

Terry Hoff's "Magic Melody". I thought this work was interesting because I believe the "blobs" are fabric. Or something along that line.

Martin Hsu's "Sanrio's 50th Family Vacation".

I love this piece. "Hey!" by Gary Taxali. I'd love to put this up where I eat but then again I don't have the guts to spend $7000. Sigh.

"Dokidoki Yummychums" by Jason Mecier.

It's made out of jelly beans. Really.

64 Colors, an artist I was not familiar with but definitely going to look up now.

64 Colors prints for sale.

Amy Sol! So happy I got to see one of her works finally. I have enjoyed seeing her creations for a while now. Not surprised that her "Kitty Collecting" was one of the first pieces sold.

Joel "Krook" Raul's "Goldzilla (Hangyodon)". Shiny!

Misha's "Sugar Skulls" series.

Joe Leadbetter's installation. I am tempted to get this print.

Buff Monster's installation.

Sharktoof's "Sanrio Stories"

"Pom Pom Kitty Pie" by Camilla d'Errico. I really like this lemon haired girl and her friends.

"Fishy Greetings" by Kozyndan. Impressive to see this in person.

"Tabo and Friends" by Audrey Kawasaki.

Part of Peekaboo Monster's installation. I think it's going for a "Fight Club" theme...

Right down to the soap.

Dan Goodsell's installation.

Junko Mizuno's "Sanrio Dream". I am so impressed by her work. They also had the pencil sketch for this with little bats painted on the corners of the frame. Adorable.

I almost forgot these two.

Great figures by MAD. Small versions would be welcome.

And my other favorite painting there, by Kukula.

And Simone Legno's other work that was hinted about before the show. Cute take on kaiten zushi.

I like this little detail including something written in Italian, as if he was at the restaurant and left a little drawing for them.

And of course Hello Kitty beer ad.

Well hope this was worth looking at. Glad to be able to share this!

I am a sad panda

2010-11-13T21:26:00.000-08:00

Because I did not get to the Gallery Nucleus Opening. But I did get to see this today

One of Junko Mizuno's wonderful paintings. Which was here

There's a new one

2010-09-04T02:42:00.000-07:00

A new one from Iamamiwhoami. Kind of long but worth watching to the end.

News Flash Pre-order open for Hello Kitty Doc Martens

2010-08-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

The Sanrio/Hello Kitty Doc Martens are up for pre-order at their website

http://www.dmusastore.com/t-Sanrio-Dr-Marten-Anniversary.aspx

Just a quick post

2010-08-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

A special thank you to Jennifer of Caerbannog! The other day she had a giveaway on her Livejournal and I had to enter because I thought what she created was so cute. I received it and wanted to take a few nice photos of it. So off I went to a place that I felt would be good enough for her gifts.

This is Pine Wind Gardens. It's not very big but has nice water features and koi. Koi always works for me.

And here is 's lovely creation!

It's a needle book complete with her own original work. I'm very impressed!

Inside three are pockets for thread and scissors. I really needed something like this. I tend to work on more than one thing and have stuff in strange boxes and bags. This definitely will help.

I almost threw the box away when I noticed there was still something in it. Surprise! Villainess soap, ribbon, BPAL imps and sugar scrub! Sugar scrubs are my favorite type so this was extra goodness.

So thank you Jennifer and here are some koi for you!

Modern Yukata outside of Japan

2010-08-04T00:47:00.000-07:00

Last year it was amazing to see so many lovely yukata being worn at the Obon Festival.

By women of all ages. Too bad there weren't any men wearing any that I could see except for those involved in events.

Sneakers and yukata

Getting an adjustment before dancing.

So many pretty outfits! The girl on the left had the most amazing ornaments attached to her obi!

hand-made jewelry

2010-06-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

Just a little something I made to hold my scent locket.

The locket was from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab.

Hoping this turns out well

2010-06-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

Oh "Gantz"! I swear this is one of the more warped anime/manga I have experienced but what a twisted story-line. I can't help but think of shows like "The Twilight Zone" when I reflect on Gantz. This ain't for kids. I am hoping they don't go with the anime's ending and no dog please. And yes that is "L", Kenichi Matsuyama as Masaru Kato.

Way to go Cats From Saturn!

2010-06-09T18:45:00.001-07:00

Ohhh, this looks very interesting!

http://www.blackphoenixtradingpost.com/underworldcup2010.html

I just wonder if they tested the Cykranoshian Catnip Perfume Oil around any Earth cats?
I definitely see a t-shirt in my future...

I am amused and impressed

2010-06-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

Bravo Prince!

So this is not a bunch of fashion photos post...

2010-06-06T04:51:00.000-07:00

Just have been thinking about things. See, for a number of years I've posted little clothing finds and such on another journal. A bit ago I thought I would move that here and expand on it. However it seems like there has been an explosion of fashion blogs and then a lot of attention given to a few. Also a number have turned to commercial promotion. Which this blog is not. My favs on the side are just that. Places and people I buy from.

So I have backed off of posting for a bit, getting a bit of space and focusing on real life stuff. I'm sure I will have something to post here soon, hopefully it will be a bit interesting and creative and not 100% like many other blogs.

Rest in peace Mr. Hopper

2010-05-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

Dude had a lot going on. One thing about each role he did, you knew it would be something. Thank you sir for the moments I had enjoying your art.

In honor of World Goth Day

2010-05-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

I give you one of my most favorite things. Vincent by Tim Burton. Plus zombie dogs.

I'd make a list of all the fun places I shop too, but instead will just mention that Kambriel Designs is having free shipping today. Just put "Black Planet" in the comment section if you order. www.kambriel.com

Meanwhile back in that box

2010-05-20T23:26:00.000-07:00

Part 2 or u-2 from iamamiwhoami

One of the things

2010-05-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

I have liked about YouTube is that they were a great platform for independent and artistic minded people.

I occasionally find some videos and music on there that is very rewarding in that way.

So here is the first part of something for people who like to think outside the box. I don't know how I came across iamamiwhoami but watching and hearing their "stories" sure makes me think.

A nice article about and with Phillip Lim

2010-04-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Just so that I have a little balance here, I would like to share a link to this rather decent article/interview with designer Phillip Lim.

Phillip Lim interviewed by Wendy Donahue for the Tribune Newspapers

A brief yet informative article about Mr. Lim and the state of fashion industry right now. Bet people will be looking at the Soho store windows a lot more closely now!

So it's okay for some people to do it?

2010-04-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hi there. I've been meaning to post here, just want to try and get together ideas and such. Since there are so many fashion blogs any more, I've been doing more watching than writing.

But seriously Google aka Blogger, I saw Tavi Gevinson's birthday post. While I'm not one who is for the trend of magazines and adverts needing to have topless and nude models (because I'm one who wants to see clothing and design thank you), I did not think that the photo was over the top or OMG SHE'S NAKED ON MY INTERNET! (it wasn't Tavi in the photo as one blog out there claimed)

I've seen way worse on very public sites. Not that I've gone looking for it but there are enough trolls and pron out there one can not help but accidently run across it from time to time.

Honestly, it wasn't an offensive photo. Blogger acting like this is like someone's granny getting in a twist because they found your school art book and darn it if there isn't photos of naked classical statues in it.

Given the number of people who have spoken against Ms. Gevinson, I'm sure someone was just looking for an excuse to complain to Blogger. And Blogger needed to be consistant has blocked Tavi's blog. Now I hope that they and she can come to an understanding and this whole thing be over with before it ends up making Blogger look like they are wearing granny pants.

Because Blogger is a really stable platform for blogging and I would hate to see this turn into something it never was. Blogger, pull up those granny pants and be the bigger person. 'kay?

eta: Thank you Google/Blogger for putting StyleRookie back on-line.

and another bit passes away

2010-04-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

You may ask why Adam and the Ants. Malcom McLaren was not only a conspirator with Ms. Vivienne Westwod but also responsible for many of my music loves. The soundtrack of those years would be well marked with his influences. He really did stand and deliver and without him people like Madonna and Lady Gaga might not be so well received now.

Looking for Liberty of London or Gaultier at Target?

2010-03-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to note that the Target on Sepulveda in Torrance, CA has lots of Liberty of London items. All kinds of Liberty of London items, including dishes, linens, coverlets, lingerie and men's shirts and ties. Even more so dresses and women's items. Actually probably way too much. Don't know if Target is planning to go more designer items but couldn't find regular every day stuff like bottle brushes and other sundry items.

They also had a better selection of Jean Paul Gaultier items including one trench coat in small. Actually there was a lot left of that too. Considering the Zack Posen items will be out in about a month, maybe Target needs to start rethinking how they do these collections. Or at least just what is going to make it on the racks. Even with the Rodarte collection, there were items that just didn't sell and others that they did not have enough of. Granted one can't know everything but gold lame' bathing suits?

Just to wrap it up, there were the bustier dresses including the black one, pink slip dresses, the pin stripe suits, brown tattoo print net dresses, all of the retro dresses and still some leather jackets.

I like the idea of designer labels at this low end, it's fun. Just wish it was a little more consumer conscious as to what people want to buy.

The sad state of West Coast Fashion

2010-03-13T19:14:00.001-08:00

In a place that is so big, where many of the movers and shakers of entertainment reside, and so many creative people live, it's amazing that so little is done regarding fashion.

I don't know if it's because people think the money shoppers have Rodeo Drive so why bother. But in a place where there are so many people living, fashion creators seem so insulated and sell in such a small percentage of real estate here it's no wonder that most of Los Angeles and the rest of the county is no man's land.

Interesting to read this article in the Los Angeles Times.
http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la-ig-lafw-20100314,0,2476400.story

Really, if they want to get people interested, invite more than just the usual suspects. While people are crying over bloggers and others showing up at the New York and Paris shows, out here it's insiders only. Even the shows open to the public want us to pay to see unknown designers.

I don't understand because there are enough fashion designers here that have work space that they could easily open to show their work. I know there are bloggers and photographers that live here. It's like a huge untapped potential for so many buyers in this basin on the West Coast and no one seems to care. I mean reading about the Rodarte warehouse sale after it happened, and that they didn't have many people there? Why? Well, lack of advertisement and heck, most people don't live in Downtown Los Angeles. It's a pain to get there and even more so to park.

I can say that I personally have bought from the few local fashion designers I have found. Sadly the only way I found them was accidently finding their shops while there for other stores. Now I live in an area where there are many people with money, yet there aren't any independent fashion boutiques or creators to be found. Maybe there are but looking on line and while I'm out has resulted in finding nothing.

Sorry if this seems a bit disjointed. I've been thinking about this for a while now, and have to agree with Adam Tschorn's article. There is huge untapped potential here and the only ones who seem to have made something of it were those that sold to sports-minded youth.

That was fast

2010-03-07T03:04:00.000-08:00

I just checked Target on-line and already a few of the Gaultier pieces are sold out.
One is the trench coat. Another is the navy and cream anchor top.

Looking at some of the close-up, the styling actually is nicer than the preview photos. Both the red dress and another with the pleats that run from the neckline down show that the pleated part is added to the dress and can be adjusted to the side. There is a black and a navy/cream top with a twist shoulder drape that also has nice styling not just for the model thin. I think the necklace sleeveless top also is a great piece for many, would work with a lot of looks.

Have fun finding new things to wear!

When Karl Speaks

2010-02-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

http://http://Karl on dresses

You know even in the funny there can be a bit of wisdom. Nice little bit about what a dress means to a woman.

Went to the H&M by me, nothing. Walked through the Winchester Mystery Mansion of Malls to find they had no Soniya Riekel items. At all. Hope Target does better next month. Target still have a few Rodarte pieces in their clearance at some of the stores. Mostly t-shirts at the ones around my area.

looking for a look

2010-02-16T19:47:00.001-08:00

Since it's fashion week in New York, why not a fashion show from Japan?
It's h.Naoto's Sixh line. The model Mint is very cute in this. Not very model-like, but then sometimes that's a good thing.

Perhaps your favorite gearhead would like this?

2010-02-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

Just a note that there is a limited set of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab scented oils for sale at Clockwork Couture. I'm not familar with Clockwork Couture, but I know limited BPAL is rather popular.

BPAL Clock Work Scents

Actually looking around the site, they have great looking boots on there! Don't know how well they are made but they sure are tempting.

Smell This!

2010-02-03T18:19:00.000-08:00

Oh things that are worth doing sometimes take time. Such is what is going on with thinking about what to write about here. So in the meantime, here is a little something.

Finally went to Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab in North Hollywood! Interesting little place, very crowded. This is a prototype scent I bought, TKO V3. Because I want to do more that just write that, here is a little review I did of this scented oil plus a little practice with my camera.

Origin: Will Call 1/30/10
Initial Thoughts: I have an imp of TKO and like it but it’s a little sweet. Works nice with lotion. Having read reviews of TKO V3 stating it has less of the marshmallow scent and more of the lavender I thought it would be worth trying. So it’s late at night and hoping not only does it smell nice (I like lavender) but helps me to have a decent sleep.

In the Bottle: The Lavender is a bit sharp, almost as if it is fighting with the marshmallow. But I know lavender tends to do this while in a liquid state.

Wet: In deed, the lavender is less sharp once applied to the skin. While the marshmallow is still there, the lavender is stronger. I don’t mind this, it’s like trying a lavender scented candy. Leaves me wondering if a little cream scent was added if it would smell like lavender scented white chocolate.

Drydown: Lavender wins but marshmallow is not far behind. This scent does get faint in just a few hours. Still, it’s nice. Many hours later I can still smell the faint scent of lavender.

Verdict. I would say that if someone wanted a lavender scent with a difference, this might be worth a try. I think the sweet marshmallow scent is a nice change from floral scents such as roses that often are mixed with lavender. I personally enjoy this one.

Why, it's not all Alice...

2010-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

(I have to go, I have to go, I have to go....)

Well look what I found

2009-12-28T01:25:00.001-08:00

It's been hard to do much of anything since I moved, especially taking photos. I'm still digging stuff out of boxes. I am hoping the new year will be better, especially since it's the white metal tiger in Chinese astrology which just happens to be my day sign. Might explain my affinity to the kitties and love of sushi. I believe that starts February 14th?

While plowing through a few piles of clothing and wondering how I'm going to handle all of it, I decided today will be a good day to trash all those items I've had around because they fit but I don't like them. You know those things you wear when you really should just do laundry? Stuff that looks sad and baggy but doesn't care if you gain or lose weight? I really didn't have room for it before I moved but even less now and really, I have other things I would rather wear even if it's just to go grocery shopping. I guess that is the curse of falling into love with certain designers. So since today is my birthday, once I get up stuff is going to go. I think I will be happier.

That thing that I found? Actually was looking for something on the internet and found an interview with Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs inventrix Beth. Since I was hoping this week to go to my first Will Call (where they sell scents out of their actual location) and it turns out there won't be one, it was nice to find this interview. BPAL Beth interview with We Heart This I am looking forward to their new creations for 2010 including Metal Tiger. Even if your favorite scent is from another company, one has to admire their gumption for creating a market for independent perfume makers and really for a lot of DIY sellers.

I wondered what they did with all those confiscated goods

2009-12-24T18:05:00.000-08:00

LAPD donates 5,000 pairs of counterfeit designer shoes

Before they use to destroy them. Which was sad because there are people who could really use a decent pair of shoes and other garments. Now they are giving them out to the Union Rescue Mission here in Los Angeles. The labels and identifying marks are removed I guess to keep these guys from reselling them as "designer" shoes.

Would be great if more places will do the same. It would help a lot of people.

Happy Holidays!

Nothing like a little holiday shopping for oneself

2009-12-20T09:42:00.001-08:00

Of course many others are saying it, but I will add that Target now has the Rodarte collection for sale. Sadly I missed the black mesh lace cardigan but I did get something else that was wildly popular. Photos later. For now, here is Target's website with the collection:

Rodarte for Target

Hopefully they will restock some items. Looks like the sale went pretty well. The outfits were nicer than I thought and the crepe floral wrap dress was lovely! Many fun pieces to mix in with ones wardrobe. I'd say it was worth going early to the store!

Fashion's Night Out

2009-09-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

h.Naoto Blood skirt, Nouvella socks from Socks Dreams and Flocked Doc Martens. Not seen, vintage X-Files t-shirt and BPAL Neo Tokyo scent.

So what did you wear?

magical

2009-08-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

by the dark of the moon

2009-08-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

or just the dark...

2009-08-13T22:00:00.001-07:00

light and dark

2009-08-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

looking out on the world

2009-08-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

we need to remember the past

2009-08-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

2009-08-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

a glimmer of a whisp

2009-07-30T22:10:00.000-07:00

of creating and exploring.

perhaps there will be more to come.

one never knows what lurks around that darkened corner...