Interview by Alexis Guerra

La Carmina is a successful published author, acclaimed Gothic Japanese fashion blogger, and clothing designer extraordinaire. A Yale graduate from the school of law, this fashion maven has made a name for herself with her “Tokyo Street Style” aesthetic, edgy and artistic line of clothing appropriately named Gothic Lolita, and has even had three published books that focus on the fantastical and quirky world of Japanese food and all things adorably edible.

Her creative lifestyle and popular sites has given her exposure on a variety of publications, including The New York Times, Time Out New York and the New Yorker just to name a few. She has been featured on the Today Show, Bizarre World with Andrew Zimmern for the Travel Channel and NHK Japan has even centered a documentary on her work and accomplishments.  She is truly an inspiration and was kind enough to agree to have me interview her for The Whiskey Dregs! Be prepared to enter the cute and crafty world of La Carmina  :)

1. A.G: So, you’re a triple threat: Blogger, Author and Designer. How is it that you fell into these very extraordinary yet very different occupations?

LC: I was studying law at Yale, but more often than not, my attention drifted to Japanese street style and pop culture… I started a blog as an outlet for my thoughts. The site unexpectedly took off and led to opportunities for designing gloomy-cute clothes and writing J-pop books.

2. A.G: You’ve had three books published with a variety of interesting themes (adorably cute food, Zen eating, crazy theme restaurants, etc.). You’re obviously a foodie, what inspired you to create these books and how did you first decide that this was something you wanted to pursue?

LC: Whenever you turn on the TV in Japan, you’ll always come across hosts eating or cooking food in an exaggerated manner! Cute food (Bentos decorated like Sanrio characters) and theme restaurants (where elaborate costumes and diner participation are part of the experience) are only two aspects of Japan’s fascinating food culture. To me, writing about this world is endlessly amusing.

3. A.G: What have some of your biggest challenges and obstacles been when it comes to expressing your creativity?

LC: I have the freedom to travel and work from anywhere, and get to jump from exciting project to project. However, this path lacks the stability of a normal job, so you have to hustle like crazy and convince people to let you realize your visions. No time to wait around for doors to open.

4. A.G: If you could sum up your look and your aesthetic in three words- what would they be and why?

LC: Harajuku spooky cute. I’m heavily inspired by Japanese street fashions, especially Gothic Lolita Punk. I always have a touch of the undead in me. And don’t forget a pinch of Hello Kitty “kawaii.”

5. A.G: You’re fashions are fun in an edgy ‘Alice in Wonderland’ meets ‘Gothic Lolita’ way, what inspired you to create these looks and what are some of your creative influences?

LC: I’m inspired by my ghoulish crew of friends. Every time we go on a “nightcrawl” or do something creative (a film, a photoshoot), we transform ourselves and wear wild new looks. I also love seeing the elaborate DIY costumes and makeup at Japan/Goth/cyber clubs.

6. A.G: Do you have a fashion creed that you work and live by?

LC: That there shouldn’t be one. If you’re convinced that there is, break it.

7. A.G Do you have any favorite fashion icons?

LC: Visual Kei (a genre of Japanese rock) artists. Especially Mana-sama of Malice Mizer and Moi dix Mois, Versailles, Kaya, Ali Project.

8. A.G: What would you say to someone who is trying to break into the world of blogging, publishing and or design?

LC: Work hard to create quality content and get it out there. Every day, I post a review, video, photos… it adds up, and you’ll learn fast from the constant experimentation. There’s no single path to breaking into this world, but if you practice and network, you’ll gain confidence and gradually get to where you want. (I have many more tips on the Reader Questions section of my blog.

9. A.G: Your style and blog are so fun and reflective of your style, how do you come up with ideas for the various photo shoots featured?

LC: Give me a trinket from the dollar store, a club theme, any excuse at all to dress up — and the ideas pour out! Sometimes I’ll see a friend wear lipstick in a certain way, or see a hairstyle in a Japanese video, and I’ll be itching to put my own spin on things in the next photoshoot.

10. A.G: What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever worn and why?

LC: I adore my Moi-meme-Moitie Gothic dress (photo here). I was offered $600 for it — it’s an iconic piece by designer Mana– but I’m not ready to sell.

11. A.G: What are three things about you that nobody knows?

1) I played piano from the age of four until I started college, and studied music history and composition.

2) I’m known as a wacko cat lady, but I’m actually not that fond of most cats. My Scottish Fold, Basil Farrow, is a special bear. Anyone who’s seen his videos or met him knows what I mean.

3)  I used to be a mistress in a dungeon. Ok, no, I made that up.

To see and learn more about La Carmina, purchase her clothing line or books, check the links below:

La Carmina