around the world with la carmina
FASHION WATCH
MyM’s Emily Faulder speaks to La Carmina, a professional traveller, author, journalist, blogger and TV host with a passion for Japanese pop culture and alternative fashion.
AROUND THE WORLD WITH LA CARMINA C
anadian writer and TV presenter La Carmina is on a mission to showcase youth subcultures in a positive light, while encouraging meaningful, offbeat travel. Her exploration of global fashions and cultures has seen her experience everything from drinking Hello Kitty lattes in Seoul and dining with monkey waiters in Japan to dancing in Prague goth clubs and hanging out with Israeli drag queens. MyM caught up with the lady herself to find out more... How would you describe your style and who or what has influenced it? Growing up in Vancouver, I never had an interest in the fashion I saw around me. I gravitated towards subcultures and loved expressing myself through alternative styling. I adored the details of gothic clothing, such as corset lacing and fetish inspirations. I also fell head-over-heels for Japanese street fashion, particularly the cute-dark style tribes of Harajuku, which I saw first-hand during childhood trips to Tokyo. Today, my style doesn’t fall into a single category, as I like to experiment with different approaches. However, there’s always some element of subculture: perhaps a Lovecraft cut-out top, or a studded leather biker jacket, or something printed with a kawaii drawing of my cat, who’s a Scottish Fold!
What fashion trends have you noticed on your travels recently? It’s hard to generalise, but in terms of alternative fashion, I’ve seen ‘nu Goth’ take off. This is characterised by dark, minimal and sometimes sporty/street style looks, often with satanic and pagan symbols. I’m fascinated by how fashion is influenced by the local culture, all over the world. For example, in a city like Bangkok, designers often use intricate patterns that are reminiscent of Thai temple architecture. What are your stand-out places to shop for alternative fashion? In Tokyo, I always pay a visit to the youth department stores: Laforet, Marui One and Shibuya 109. I love to browse the vintage shops in Harajuku and Shimokitazawa, and it’s inevitable that I’ll pick something up from Closet Child, which sells second-hand alternative Japanese brands. I also wear clothing from international alternative brands such as Killstar, Demonia, BlackMilk and Hong Kong’s Spider.
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Keep up with the globetrotting adventures of La Carmina at Lacarmina. com, Facebook.com/lacarmina or by following @lacarmina on Instagram and Twitter.
MyM’s Emily Faulder speaks to La Carmina, a professional traveller, author, journalist, blogger and TV host with a passion for Japanese pop culture and alternative fashion.
AROUND THE WORLD WITH LA CARMINA C
anadian writer and TV presenter La Carmina is on a mission to showcase youth subcultures in a positive light, while encouraging meaningful, offbeat travel. Her exploration of global fashions and cultures has seen her experience everything from drinking Hello Kitty lattes in Seoul and dining with monkey waiters in Japan to dancing in Prague goth clubs and hanging out with Israeli drag queens. MyM caught up with the lady herself to find out more... How would you describe your style and who or what has influenced it? Growing up in Vancouver, I never had an interest in the fashion I saw around me. I gravitated towards subcultures and loved expressing myself through alternative styling. I adored the details of gothic clothing, such as corset lacing and fetish inspirations. I also fell head-over-heels for Japanese street fashion, particularly the cute-dark style tribes of Harajuku, which I saw first-hand during childhood trips to Tokyo. Today, my style doesn’t fall into a single category, as I like to experiment with different approaches. However, there’s always some element of subculture: perhaps a Lovecraft cut-out top, or a studded leather biker jacket, or something printed with a kawaii drawing of my cat, who’s a Scottish Fold!
What fashion trends have you noticed on your travels recently? It’s hard to generalise, but in terms of alternative fashion, I’ve seen ‘nu Goth’ take off. This is characterised by dark, minimal and sometimes sporty/street style looks, often with satanic and pagan symbols. I’m fascinated by how fashion is influenced by the local culture, all over the world. For example, in a city like Bangkok, designers often use intricate patterns that are reminiscent of Thai temple architecture. What are your stand-out places to shop for alternative fashion? In Tokyo, I always pay a visit to the youth department stores: Laforet, Marui One and Shibuya 109. I love to browse the vintage shops in Harajuku and Shimokitazawa, and it’s inevitable that I’ll pick something up from Closet Child, which sells second-hand alternative Japanese brands. I also wear clothing from international alternative brands such as Killstar, Demonia, BlackMilk and Hong Kong’s Spider.
45
.
Keep up with the globetrotting adventures of La Carmina at Lacarmina. com, Facebook.com/lacarmina or by following @lacarmina on Instagram and Twitter.
