Issue 1

Spring/Summer 2013

Contents

5 Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

15 Alpaca Adventure

20 Maids of England

22 Interview Now, Voyager Felicity

23 Fashion Story Riot Girl

31 Fashion Story Ah Girl

41 Hello Kitty by Tartan Kawaii

45 Hair Styles

50 Style Scouts

www.kawaiiculturekingdom.com

/kawaiiculturekingdom

@KawaiiCultureKd

With the in-crease in J a p a n e s e

fashion events and communities in the UK it seemed long over due for a dedicated fashion magazine to emerge. Thus we created Kabu-ku - the title meaning

‘has put on’, to bring you coverage of differ-ent styles, events, companies and try to catch up with the fast growing trends. In this first issue we focus quite heavily on Lolita fash-ion, being one of the first Japanese styles that I was influenced by myself it is also one of the main, better known styles that first seemed to transfer to the UK. Taking a look back we check out the events and communities that are currently popular and look ahead to the exciting things you can get involved with this coming summer. It was a difficult task narrowing down the content for this issue, and of course many things have had to be left aside, however these will be put into future issues so if there is a style you are hopeful to see on our pages let us know.

KaBuKuEditor / Photographer

Zoe Wheeler

ContributorsFeatures Writer Tartan Kawaii

MUA Natasha Fletcher

Models / Stylists: Wai-Yi, Zanni,

Kiri, River, Yamii

Models Caroline Raymond, Jess Wright, Alex Satchwell

she was welcomed by dedicat-ed fans who managed to get hold of the fast selling tickets. The wait outside the venue was coloured with wonderful fashions varied between Jap-anese street style and cloth-ing inspired by Kyary’s icon-ic costumes from her music videos, as can be seen on the next few pages. The small venue allowed a good view of the stage for most and it was very packed. After an almost hypnotic wait of listening to the instrumental of Oyasumi song on loop the concert be-gan with a video compliation of her music videos starting with Pon Pon Pon, which was also the first song she then performed, breaking the audience out into song and dance. The 20 song set was broken up with videos allow-ing her time to change cos-

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began her career as a fashion blog-ger then she progressed to a model in 2011 featuring in many Japanese fashion mag-azines. Within the same year she was placed on the mag-azine covers. Her music ca-reer also began in 2011 with the release of her first pro-mo single Pon Pon Pon the video to which on YouTube has nearly 50 million views. After the release of her first album “Pamyu Pamyu Rev-olution” Kyary embarked on her first live tour, of the same name, in Japan. In the beginning of this year Kyary made her way into the West-ern music and fashion scenes beginning her first world tour “100% KPP World Tour 2013” which brought her to the stage of the O2 Academy Islington in London. There

tume. Included was an excert from the eccentric TV show Kyary Pamyu Pamyu TV JOHN! which can only oth-erwise be viewed in the Tokai area of Japan. Also on stage during a costume change was introduced Kyary’s double, a smiling pink bunny mascot by the name of Pamyurin, seen below, who was created through Kyary’s autograph. Within the set Kyary intro-duced her new song Ninjari Bang Bang and the night was ended with a group pho-to taken and the farewell from Kyary “this is not say-ing goodbye, but let’s see each other again!”

5

Frills and Frolics

Pon Pon Pon

Cherry Bonbon

tsukematsukeru

Candy Candy

Furisodeshon

Oyasumi

Girigiri Safe

Ninjari Bang Bang

Pamyu Pamyu Revolution

Minna no Uta

15

With the sudden craze for alpaca themed ac-cessories in Japan and now the UK, avail-able through Tofu Cute store, it was only a matter of time before the frilly adorned girls found some cute, fluffy real alpacas to be-friend. Aflie the alpaca was especially fond of

the girls outfits with his favourite colour be-ing pink and he took a particular liking to a pink camera case. The girls, each paired with an alpaca took them for a lovely walk, im-pressively keeping their shoes and clothing looking pristine despite the muddy torrain.

Alpaca Adventure

The day was ended with some lovely tea and cake

20

/MaidsofEngland

/maidsofengland

/maidsofengland

At the London event Hyper Japan we caught up with hair accessories designer Felicity to find out about her wonderfully creative clips from her company Now, Voyager

When did you start making the head pieces?We started in October 2009 in a little shop in South end on sea and I closed my shop and started doing events instead and just got a bit more wild with my ideas really

Where did your ideas start?It actually started because I really wanted a bird and a cake for my hair but you just couldn’t get it so I just started my own label

Which is the most popular item?Here (at Hyper Japan) bunnies absolutely flying out we’re nearly sold out so it’s been a bit mad and then cakes are always really popular here

Do you ever make things to fit in with trends that are going on, do you make stuff specifically for what’s current?Well what I mainly look at is the intricate details in the Lolita prints of the top brands. I’ll look at Angelic Pretty, Innocent world and Baby, The Stars Shine Bright and just decide what I think would go well. I’m also inspired by fashion as well which might be a strange thing to say when looking at this but on the catwalks there was a massive undersea thing which really inspired me to go with fish duos which have been popular here. And there is a massive pastel craze so it translates into wearable when you’re here and when you are slightly more toned down as well

Which designer inspires you most?Mary Katrantzou I just think she’s so over the top, can’t really go wrong with that

Kabuku Interviews : Now, Voyager Felicity

http://www.now-voyager.co.uk handmade glamour & silliness for your hair!

Felicity

Tough look from Tokyo - metal studding, printed motifs, leather

and iridescence

Photographer / Stylist - Zooey Daniela

23

Black cross sunglasses, black studded collar and silver geometric bangle - H&M. White cotton shirt, black pleather skirt, black opaque studded cross tights - Primark. Black suede creepers - Office.

Black and white tribal symbol sleeveless cropped top - New Look.

Lilac tie-dye denim waist coat - Primark. White sheer vest top - New Look. Silver symbol shapes necklace - H&M.

White studded collar - H&M. Black cotton shirt - Primark. Black

denim jeans - New Look. Black knee high suede boots - Forever21.

Blue denim jacket - Topshop. White knitted vest top, black beaded necklace, black studded shoes - H&M. Lilac denim shorts, black cross hold-up style tights - Primark.

Clear framed sunglasses, black denim cropped jeans - H&M. Text graphic black and white vest top -

New Look.

Black hair scrunchie - American Apparel. Disney Mickey Mouse and

friends sweatshirt - River Island. Black leggins - Primark. Cherry

blossom Dr. Martens - Schuh.

Nostalgic trip back to the 90s through American Highschool - leggings,

sweatshirts, Disney and Dr Martens

Photographer - Zooey DanielaMake-up - Natasha Fletcher

31

Black hat - Bhs. Leopard print clip-in hair extensions - Claire’s Accessories. Black vest top - H&M.

Velvet black alice band - American Apparel. Blue denim shirt - Republic.

White cotton bandeau top - New Look. Black leggins - H&M. Minnie

Mouse canvas tote bag - Primark.

Black velvet hair bow - Accessorize. White new york t-shirt - H&M. Light denim shorts - Urban Out-fitters. White silver studded wedge shoes - Primark.

Leopard print silk twist hair band - Primark. Red varsity

hoodie - New Look.

38

MTV black cap, white t-shirt, light denim short dungarees - H&M. Socks - Primark. Shoes

- New Look.

Fall of 2012 saw the return of Hel-lo Kitty and her recognisable com-panions in the collaboration with Forever 21. Items focused on repet-itive graphics of the characters seen across dresses, blouses, leggins and jumpers as well as the expansion of accessories and homeware. With two items left online, and very few instore, anyone wishing to grab the last of this collection should act fast.

Below - Chococat pink peter pan collar dress

Hello Kitty has been around since 1974 and it was not long till she stepped into the fashion

world. First appearing on a simple coin purse she keeps on coming back with new trends and styles. How is Miss Kit-ty White still around? It’s all thanks to fashion and reinventing herself with her designers!

Hello Kitty or Kitty White is a Charac-ter from Sanrio based on the Japanese bobtailed-white cat. Hello Kitty was a simple drawing of the cat with no mouth but that did not stop her becoming so cute and stylish. They say that Hello Kitty speaks from her Heart and does not need a mouth -bless.To begin with Hello Kitty was designed in a side ways sitting down position with a bottle of milk and her pet goldfish, in her overalls and hair bow. It was not till a few years later Kitty’s position started to change and even her outfits, appearing on new things. Over the years Hello Kit-ty has become world famous.

Today you can find Hello Kitty on everything from jewellery accessories to clothing and handbags to house hold objects and technology, she even has her own range of products. Not only can you find Hello Kitty on every thing, you will also find that Hello Kitty has almost covered every type of fashion and trend

Fashion Idol: Hello Kitty

Words Tartan Kawaii

(even trend starting!). This has happened since she started changing the colour of her bow and her overalls, something so easy for her designers to change and cre-ate new outfits for Miss Kitty.

Her new outfit’s were based on her hob-bies and likes, playing sport and wearing baseball outfits or swimming outfits then later moving on to other things such as fashion from around the world.Kitty has shown no fear towards any fashion style or trend and this has made her more accepted and loved by so many people around the world.You can find Hello Kitty on so many outfits, it makes you wonder if there is something she has not tried out yet! Hel-lo Kitty has even collaborated with many companies in the Fashion world.

In the words of her current designer Yuko Yamaguchi, “Hello Kitty can wear Laura Ashley but also punk rock leather. She has a wide audience, and she’s very flexible because everything goes with white.” This is why Hello Kitty is a style idol but no matter what, she always will be Kawaii in whatever she wears!

41

Star shaped bath confetti Sainsburys

Lip balm tin with 3 flavours - raspberry ripple, strawberry cheesecake and vanillaSainsburys

Sweetheart perfumeisme.com

Shower gel and body lotionSainsburys

44

Hello Kitty London make-up paletteM&S

Lip gloss and nail cosmetic caseisme.com

Hello Kitty peace & love hair brushH&M

Hello Kitty Fairy TY beanie babiesToys R us

Before

Hai

r Sty

les

45

50

We caught up with five young girls from the South of England, to look at each of their styles and how they have been influenced by Japanese fashion

Model Wai-Yi

Opposite:Black Wig Bat Hairclip - LockshopBlouse and cross wristcuffs - GLPSkirt - Oo Jia Vampire

When did you first get into Gothic Lolita?I found out about Lolita fashion 6 years ago but only started participating in the community and wearing the style 3-4 years ago.

How did you discover it?I found out via my cousin's in Hong Kong when I went to visit them 6 years ago.

Do you wear this style regularly?Yes and no, only when I go out for meet ups/see my friends.

Where do you usually source your items from?Internet! Best shopping place ever. ;D

Preparation time:1-2 hours

Model River

Opposite:Hello Kitty Tshirt, Shorts - PrimarkBlack Leather Jacket - New LookBelt - ArdenesFaux Fur Leg Warmers - EbayBoots - Sports Direct

When did you first get into the two styles?I first got into Manba about 5 years ago now, I’ve been practic-ing ever since. Kuro Gal being a newer style that started to get

popular last year I’ve only recently started bringing into my own style.

How did you discover it?I found Manba while browsing through “Japanese fashions”

on google and coming across it randomly. Since over the years I have become a lot more involved in Gyaru styles and know

where to look for updates I caught onto Kuro Gal quickly when looking at Japanese blogs like “crooz”.

Do you wear this style regularly?I wear the mixed styles quite often, it usually depends on what’s

oing on that day. Usually If I’m not going out to see people I wear a much more toned down version with a light face.

Where do you usually source your items from?I do most of my shopping in Primark as they have hufe amounts of different items and are usually very cheap.

Preparation time:40 mins-1 hour 30

Check out River’s social pagesBlogspot: http://rivrivchan.blogspot.co.uk/

tumblr: http://rivriv-gyaru.tumblr.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/RivRivGyaru

Model Ki:Ri 麒璃

Opposite:Clips, Beads, Glasses - Claires AccessoriesVisor - Sex Pot ReVeNGe‘Rock Star’ wig - Geisha WigsCross Necklace - PrimarkTop - Super Lovers JapanBracelet, Trousrers - eBayShoes - Pastry

When did you first get into Oshare Kei and Pop Kei?I got into these fashions very recently, only last summer! Though I am striving to promite them as fashion as it’s very very niche!

How did you discover it?I discovered them through Japanese Rock music, more specifi-cally the genre of music known as Oshare Kei, from bands such as SuG, An Cafe, Aicle and Lilt!

Do you wear these styles regularly?I actually wear this style near on everyday! This outfit is possiby not the most stereotypical Oshare Kei look, but takes influence from its close fashion cousin Pop Kei! Not so many layers but still in keeping with its fun, visual and bright side!

How long does it take on average to achieve this look?Due to this style’s casualness this can be thrown together in a matter of minutes depending on the complexity of the hair and make up. It’s also very cheap and accessible as you can find most clothing for this style readily available on the high-street! A true street fashion.

Where do you usually source your items from?Mainly eBay, the high street, home made and facebook sales communities.

Preparation time:A matter of minutes

Check out Ki:Ri’s social pages

tumblr: http://kirisweetoxic.tumblr.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/OshareKeiFashionLovers

Model Yamii

Opposite:Hair band, choker - eBayEyebow hair accessory - Mooncake CornerCross necklace - TutuhaDenim Jacket, skirt - Hong KongDark pink shirt, floral dress - RepublicShoes - Daddy’s Money

When did you first get into the style?Uhm.. I’ve worn some pretty colourful outfits for about two

years now.

How did you discover it?I was looking for a purikura booth up in Manchester and ended

up on an old gyaru-sa’s page and started researching it.

Do you wear this style regularly?Sometimes it depends on my mood and the weather.

Where do you usually source your items from?Usually my things are either from eBay, Hong Kong or Japan.

Preparation time:30 mins

Check out Yamii’s social pagesBlogspot: http://sparklingalpacas.blogsport.com

Model Zanni

Opposite:Hime headpiece, matching necklace - soon to be stocked at DreamyBows.comPink Bow Dress - Dream V / YumentenboRose Tights - eBayBow Belt - TaobaoPink Ribbon Mules, Rose Pumps, Triple Rose Lace Heels - Dream V / YumentenboMy Melody Chain Handbag - SanrioCrown Pearl Bracelet and Ring - Chocomint soon to be stocked at DreamyBows.com

When did you first get into Hime Gyaru?I first got into the style about 3 years ago when I discovered Lolita, although I only started wearing it about a year and a half ago because Lolita took up most of my time and money until then!

How did you discover it?Through researching Japanese fashion magazines which I picked up in Hong Kong.

Do you wear this style regularly?Yes, almost every day I will wear a toned-down Hime style (e.g. Himekaji) and for special occasions or going out I wear the full Hime Gyaru works!

Where do you usually source your items from?Dream V is great for clothes and shoes, especially if you have a lower budget, although you have to watch out for the shipping and customs fees. I also buy 2nd hand from higher end Japanese brands through Mbok (auction site in Japan) or Gyaru commu-nity sales groups. Taobao is great for bags and accessories, and I get a lot of jewellery and hair clips from Chocomint, they’re really cute! You can also find items suitable for Hime styles in high street shops and on eBay if you keep your eyes peeled.

Preparation time:1 hour 30 mins

KaB

uKu

Spring Sum

mer 2013 Issue 1