Neo-Victoriana At NYAF

Last wet Sunday Miss Lumpy and I got up early and piled onto the train so as to visit NYAF - New York Anime Festival, and model for the up and coming classic and steampunk inspired brand, I Do Declare. I Do Declare was featured in the Neo-Victorian fashion show, a side interest to the dealers' room - which was quickly becoming a lolita haven.

Tokyo Rebel, Kinokuniya, and other lolita-catering shops could be found, including Minty Mix and Cute Plush. Tokyo Rebel brought some wares to test-drive their market - and had a beautiful array of Victorian Maiden and Algonquins (quickly becoming a favorite of mine!) Kinokuniya, the Japanese-language bookstore chain, has typically been a carrier of Baby the Stars Shine Bright clothes, or at least sparsely. But now they've expanded to add more of a motley mix, including Metamorphose, Victorian Maiden, and even a few hints of Angelic Pretty. I couldn't resist supporting Minty Mix, which is a lolita-run accessories brand; and I've always loved Cute Plush, run by a (Connecticut!) lolita as well. Both had stepped up their products, with Minty Mix presenting new brooches and bows, and Cute Plush debuting new tee-shirts (my favorite are the fawns!)

The fashion show was right on the heels of the shoppers, presenting gorgeous showpieces and commentary to encourage the growing lolita population. Shien Lee, founder of the Dances of Vice I attended earlier this month, provided the rundown while donning a beautiful green dress with Rococo side-hoops. I think the trend is picking up - there was an interval with a audience-participant show, where girls wearing everything from elegant black to teacup hats strutted their stuff. It was wonderful to see a line of lolitas curled around the stage ready to show off their style - proof that lolita fashion is moving up in the world. I hope we see many more converts!

My work was to model for I Do Declare, in a black and pale pink confection of lace. I Do Declare premiered some of its first items at the show. I Do Declare crosses classic lolita, Victoriana, steampunk and mori style to make a very romantic and wearable look expressed in cream, sage, and muted historical tones. Miss Lumpy wore a steamboat-inspired style, and other designs in the line brought about the air of the Old West, with some models carrying pop-guns (which Miss Lumpy and I quickly made off with!) Considering the rise in classic and mori style right now, I can't wait to see what they come up with next. As they continue to develop, keep your eye out for more updates from Lolita Charm!

Labels: event

posted by Victoria Suzanne @ 5:38 PM