Lolitas drop in for 'Harajuku' exhibition

Nadine Kam photos
Japan street artist Minori is in town for the opening of Honolulu Museum of Art’s new exhibition, “Harajuku: Tokyo Street Fashion.” She’s with the museum’s textiles curator Sara Oka, who created the exhibition.

BY NADINE KAM

The Honolulu Museum of Art hosted an opening reception for its latest exhibition, “Harajuku: Tokyo Street Fashion,” continuing through April 3.

In town for the occasion were Japan streetwear artist Minori—dramatically dressed and in shironuri, or white face, makeup—and Juliette et Justine designer Mari Nakamura, who both graciously posed for photographs with guests, many of them fans of colorful and flamboyant Harajuku style, and dressed for the occasion.

True to the spirit of dress as an expression of creativity and fantasy, the museum created an “Alice in Wonderland” space with giant mushroom, forest thicket and March Hare.

Coincidentally, 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” aRealizing that I know the story by osmosis, yet have never actually read it, I just bought the anniversary edition of the book, illustrated by Salvador Dali.

For the background of the Harajuku exhibition, visit my earlier post.

If you feel you missed the excitement, mark your calendar for next year, when the following events will take place:

Jan 28: Meet guest artist Misako Aoki, president of the Japan Lolita Association, 10 a.m. to noon in the exhibition gallery. Free with museum entry.

Jan. 29: ARTafterDARK: Kawaii Hawai‘i-themed event focused on Harajuku. Misako Aoki will be in the exhibition gallery, posing for fan selfies. Event runs 6 to 9 p.m.; $25 general admission. Free for museum members.

Feb. 21: Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday: Mori Girl and Steam Boy. Free event will feature art activies and anime and manga related films, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Many guests showed up outfitted for the occasion. From left are Cat Agena, Chris Minn and Angela.

Dezerae Leon Guerrero is one of the models who will be walking the floor of the exhibition. She’s wearing a mix of Vivienne Westwood and pieces created by her mom. She also sews her own garments. The hat is from Alice and the Pirates.

 Brent Anbe accessorized with a Party City bow and crown accented with photos of his dog Stewie. Yes, the name was inspired by "Family Guy."

Also in town for the event was Juliette et Justine designer Mari Nakamura, right, pictured with Sara Oka.

Aileen Uedoi, left, in Juliette et Justine, and Christi Kim in Baby the Stars Shine Bright. Both say they tend to dress in classic Lolita style, but dressed in sweet Lolita style for the occasion.

Kari Chu in dress and accessories by Angelic Pretty.

Among garments on view is this kawaii, sweet and innocent decora/fairy kei design by Nile Perch. Love the unicorns.

After strolling the exhibition, stop by the museum shop for Harajuku key chains, jewelry, books and more.
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The show is open during museum hours 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, through April 3, 2016. Museum admission is $10 general, includes same-day admission to Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House; youths 17 and younger admitted free. Call (808) 532-8700, or visit www.honolulumuseum.org.

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Unrelated to the museum’s exhibition, but of interest to anime and cosplay fans, the first Anime Matsuri will take place at Hawai’i Convention Center over Thanksgiving weekend. Events include a Lolita tea party, maid cafe, concert and cosplay fashion show. Special guests are Reika, described as Japan’s No. 1 cosplayer with 18 years of cosplay experience and more than 500 costumes, and Stella Chuu a New York City-based cosplayer and burlesque performer who merges pop culture and striptease.

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Nadine Kam is Style Editor and staff restaurant critic at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; her coverage is in print on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact her via email at nkam@staradvertiser.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Rebel Mouse.