[Editor's note: Ladies and gents, give it up for Tim Sheehy. Tim is a new guest editor that will be assisting with con coverage from here on out. He also loves J-music almost as much as Zac.]
Saturday was packed full of events, performances and panels. That afternoon, we were invited to J-Fashion Revolution, a fashion show featuring some of the hottest designer labels in J-Rock, Elegant Gothic and Sweet Lolita couture from the Land of the Rising Sun. After a quick rest and a bite to eat, we decided to head over before the show started. On the way to the show room, it became apparent that this was possibly one of the most popular events of the day. If the line outside was any evidence, there would barely be standing room available. The room itself featured a Victorian atmosphere complete with flora which allowed the models to interact.
DJ Tito warmed up the crowd and introduced Deneice Phan, convention chair, for a short speech. Playing on the convention's theme of Light and Dark, the show began with a beautiful display of incredibly cute girls in Elegant Gothic Lolita couture, accompanied by J-Pop from artists such as Gackt. The designs themselves alternated between cloth and laced apparel from labels such as Alice and the Pirates, Angelic Pretty, Metamorphose, BABY THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT, and Putumayo. While the EGL designs were complete hawtness, the Sweet Lolita designs were definitely cute in their own right.
Next up was the J-Rock inspired pieces, modeled by both hot girls and some really cute guys. The stage was cleared and the Victorian elements were replaced by a pair of amps, a bass guitar, and stand. This time around, each model was accompanied by music from popular J-Rock acts such as The GazettE and Dir En Grey. Sheer mesh with layering, intentional imperfections, and metal pins, chains and zippers adorned most of the styles presented. While J-Rock fashion may be considered advant garde, the models did an excellent job of selling it. I'd go as far as to say the only things hotter in that room than the models themselves were the clothes on their back. Labels shown included h.naoto, SexPot Revenge, and Black Peace Now.
After the models were finished, Deneice took to the stage to make several special announcements. As it turned out, each item displayed was to be sold at a silent auction that evening. She also announced that Bespa Kumamero, who was already performing at the convention, had personally designed a custom outfit to show. As model Natalie Hoo finished presenting the piece, Azumi Kuwadate, of Bespa Kumamero herself, joined in modeling her own design. While I wouldn't personally classify the piece as J-rock or Lolita, it would definitely look great at a rave. The outfit was also be auctioned that evening.
Others may have brought J-Fashion to the states before, but doing it in such an organized showing was clearly no easy feat. The models were stunning and presentation was impeccable, and to call the show a success would be an understatement. With any luck, Anime Matsuri will continue to provide such a splendid showing for the years to come.
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