Moi-même-Moitié and Mana Sakura-Con Question and Answer Session Part Two

Once again, this is from the Saturday Sakura-Con question and answer session with Moi-même-Moitié and Mana. The first part with the ladies of Moi-même-Moitié is here. Following their session, music by Moi dix Mois began playing and Mana was introduced to the enthusiastic audience. He sat at the table facing the audience and one of the Moi-même-Moitié ladies was next to him to interpret. As most who follow Mana know, his style of doing interviews and such is to whisper his answers to his interpreter who then vocalizes his response. Which is what happened at this event. Questions were chosen from ones submitted by people before the event and read by the promoter who was MCing the event.

So here again I have paraphrased the answers, which again are from the notes I took during the session. Since there were moments where we waited for Mana's answers, it helped me be able to write a little more in detail, although I missed a few things. While the music helped set the mood and added some excitement, it also made it a little hard to hear at times. Once again, this is not word for word what was said, but I hope I captured what information that was given. I'm also going to put a couple notes from me.

 The first question was what was his favorite Malice Mizer song and album? Mana's answer was Bel Air for the song and Bara no Seidou for the album. (Mana has mentioned on Twitter how much he likes Bel Air.)

How much does he like being part of the egl boom? (I'm not sure if I got this question right.) Mana replied that he is proud and happy.

He was asked if he thought about releasing an autobiography. His response was that there was a plan five or six years ago but due to circumstances it did not happen then. That it would be great to do one day.

What inspires his fashion coordinates? It was difficult to hear but I believe Mana said something about photo shoots. As to his personal coordinates I think he said his inspiration was nothing in particular.

What does he hope to see in the future for the brand and lolita fashion? He would like to see Moi-même-Moitié popular all over the world.

How does he feel about older wearers of elegant gothic lolita (egl)? Egl has no corralation with age so any age can wear it beautifully.

What does he see for the future of Moitiê in 5 to 10 years, any plans or ambitions? I believe his answer was that he hopes to protect the fashion and that he hopes everyone will follow on this path. (Another one that was difficult to hear)

This question was something about the evolution of lolita fashion over the last 19 years and I don't think Mana really gave an answer to it. It was similar to an earlier question.

Does Mana have an opinion about gothic lolitas who have tattoos? Mana said he feels happy that people have the logo or something related to Mana (one person in the front showed theirs and he nodded approval). Other tattoos he does not have an opinion. (given that he has worked with musicians who have tattoos, such as Malice Mizer band mate Közi, it's safe to say tattoos are not an issue for Mana, at least in the general sense.)

How often does he get a haircut, does he style his hair? While answering to his interpreter, Mana held his hands up around his hair and mimed scissors cutting his hair. His reply was that he cuts and styles his own hair.

Where did he go in Seattle, does he like coffee and what did he eat? He went to Starbucks Reserve, where he really wanted to go to. He likes Starbucks and he ate clam chowder, which he likes.

What is his skin care regime? He doesn't really have one. He uses all in one products.

What is his favorite Moi dix Mois song? Dialogue Symphonie because it was the first song.

What inspired Moi dix Mois? He created Moi-même-Moitié and wondered what it would be like to turn the dress designs into music (I am not sure if I got all of this answer but I think that is what was said.)

Any news about a new album? He will be entering the recording process soon after he returns to Japan.

What artists inspired him, Western, post goth, punk? Slayer, Motley Crew influenced in his teens.

When is Moi dix Mois coming to the US? Can't make any promises. Everyone is really excited to come over again and he would like to make it happen.

Can he visit the states more? Mana replied that he is having a great time and wants to come back soon.

What inspires him most? Cooking. The interpreter said something that sounded like kizoku houchou, combining music with cooking. (I can explain this. Houchou kizoku is a phrase that Mana is using for the Moi dix Mois lives that combine serving a meal and then the band performs. It's "kitchen knife aristocrat". The interpreter may have switched the word order not knowing that. An aside, I was wearing the shirt from last year's show so it was amusing that this came up.)

What is Mana's opinion of Twin Peaks? He likes David Lynch but has not seen Twin Peaks (Sakura-Con is held in Seattle, Washington, Twin Peaks takes place in Washington. Which may be why the question was asked.)

How did the conversation with KAMIJO about the Sang crossover song and design with Hatsune Miku come about? KAMIJO asked Mana out drinking and told him about it and invited him to contribute. (I had trouble hearing the full question and answer but Mana has written about this on Twitter also.)

Does he like Miku and Vocaloid? Miku's image color is similar to his so there is a certain familiarity. (Mana has written how he likes the color green along with blue, Miku's color is aqua green.)

What has been his greatest achievement in life? The cathedral backdrop set for the Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake concerts at Budakon. It was the largest ever at the venue.

 How did he feel about modeling in the fashion show? It was the first in America, was great and that he would like to do it again. (There was more, something about how everyone was kind but I do not know if I got that part correctly.)

His final message was that he had a great time in America. Everyone has been kind and supportive. He is inspired to do more work and thank you all so much.

(I should add that the Moi dix Mois background music was in a similar song order as the lives are, with the ending songs being Pageant and Je L'aime.)

Moi-même-Moitié and Mana Sakura-Con Question and Answer Session Part One

On Saturday at Sakura-Con was a panel that many fans were excited to attend. A question and answer session with the ladies of Moi-même-Moitié and Japanese musician and fashion designer Mana. With a new company handling Moi-même-Moitié and this being the first public appearance by Mana outside of Japan in a few years, there were plenty of good questions to be asked. Even though the panel was later in the day, it still drew a good number of attendees. Many by appearance were fans which gave a nice congenial atmosphere to the event. For this event no photos were allowed so my apologies about having nothing for this post. If the convention or other puts something online, I may add it in the future.

So what I have here is from the copious notes I took during the q & a. It helped that part of the session involved needing answers translated so I had a little more time to write. I did miss a couple items. This is all paraphrased since I could not write down everything word for word. But I hope I was able to capture what information the speakers were giving.

So to start, the first part was the two ladies of Moi-même-Moitié. I could not hear the name of the first woman but the second, who acted as translator, I believe her name was Andrea. The person moderating was the promoter for the event. For this part, people were allowed to come up to a microphone and ask their question.

First they were asked about sizing. I did not hear the whole question but I think this and later questions were in reference to the fact that most people have to buy online and because of that, measurements need to be accurate. The reply is that they are working on this to get the best measurements.

Asked about re-releases, specifically the very popular bat bag. They want to do this one but they are sourcing makers of bags because they need to make sure the quality is there.

Someone asked about bringing back lace top socks. Again they are in the process of looking for a manufacturer but can not promise anything. (I would like to point out that the change of ownership of Moi-même-Moitié happened about four months ago so it does take time to get things going)

Another favorite asked about is if they would do shoes again. The response was that they would like to, size is a problem and for now they are concentrating on clothing so no shoes for now.

What silhouettes or shapes for future designs? They are still looking for a designer so they can't say at this time. They do want to release a corset skirt.

Someone asked about children's clothing. They would like to but adult clothing is a priority.

Would they open a physical store again? Not currently, items are sold in shops like Atelier Pierrot and KERA Shop. (Even though it was great when there were stores, right now the trend in Japan is for smaller clothing companies to sell online and not in stores. Lower costs, higher sales)

What does the future of Moi-même-Moitié look like? They want to bring the brand back to it's old glory.

What are some of their favorite design elements? I missed part of this but did catch that the original laces are a favorite.

Someone brought up the trouble of buying online and measurements. They are working on accurate sizes, and there is always the issue of while a person may be able to fit into a dress it doesn't mean it fits your body type or size. (I paraphrased this in hopes it makes it clearer what was said)

And last question that I was able to note was will there be more licensed products, cosmetics? And the response was they would like to, Mana wants to do a range of eyelashes.

Okay, that is part one. I am going to post the second part separately. That will be the question and answer section with Mana.

Sakura-Con 2018

 Where to start with this? Perhaps with the fact that my reason for going to Sakura-Con in Seattle was to make-up for the three other times I could have seen Mana in the US and didn't? Twice in Los Angeles (one of those times was with Moi dix Mois) and once in Seattle with Moi dix Mois (which was a couple weeks before I was moving to Oregon). Again timing was something since the convention started two days after I returned from Tokyo. But there were those three misses staring at me. So on March 30th I did the three hour drive up to Seattle and found myself in a mixture of cosplay and street clothed crowd at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.

 After getting my badge I went to the sales floor. Mana was attending to support the clothing line he created, Moi-même-Moitié. Both items from that line and also from the website shop Wunderwelt were available to purchase at their booth.

 A small display was set up with a schedule of events and an autographed chip board, complete with a drawing by Mana of one of his eyes.

Just a few of the lovely dresses they had for sale.

 I had a few questions and Kandice was really helpful in answering them. She also was very nice to pose for a photo. She was wearing the Moi-même-Moitié Lace Cross jumper skirt from 2011.

 Which was important because Moi-même-Moitié is releasing a new version of that dress. Here it is in black with blue lace.

 And the black with white lace version. There are a couple differences with the new version. Instead of a bow in the back it has corset lacing. And it will come in both a medium and a large size. You can check the Wunderwelt Fleur site if you are looking for more information.

 The other Japanese fashion designer that was a guest at Sakura-Con was Mint Neko of h.NAOTO. This was fun for me to see because I met Mint a few years back when he was just beginning his cat designs for the Sixh line. It's neat to see he's done well enough to have not only his own line but also Mint Neko stores in Japan.

 Just a few shots of his booth. You can see his characteristic cat head image on the sleeve of  one top. 

 This is Ba who was also super helpful and was wearing a really cute Mint Neko outfit.

 More Mint Neko items including his creative bags.

 Along with Mint's clothing they also had a number of Gouk items. Gouk incorporates traditional Japanese patterns into really nice and comfortable clothing.

 Another creative Mint Neko bag and outfit.

 Just a photo of their booth the next day after the fashion shows. It definitely was busier. It's good that both booths did well with their sales.

 I said fashion shows? The second day, Saturday, of Sakura-Con featured a fashion show with clothing from Mint Neko. This was followed by a Moi-même-Moitié fashion show. It was held on the main stage. This is before, with Mana mood lighting.

 Accented by Mint Neko green screens. I wish I had more photos but it was very difficult and for the Moi-même-Moitié part, no photos were allowed. For Mint Neko, the lighting was white and the music was instrumental funky rock. I'm guessing it was performed by Mint and other h.NAOTO members since he has performed with IBI for a number of years. Audience members liked it. As for the models, they reflected an edgy look, wearing Mint's unstructured pieces with flair. It was a fun show and well received.

It was a nice pairing of the unconstructed look with Moi-même-Moitié's structured apparel. Showing two sides of the best of recent Japanese fashion. Moi-même-Moitié's show consisted of lolita models wearing various pieces from recent years. The lighting turned to blue with some moments of different colors. A bit of fog added a dramatic feeling and video of the models was alternated with Moi-même-Moitié graphics on the big screens. Of course the music was Moi dix Mois and the set was similar to what they play in concert with one of the last songs being Pageant. Very mood setting. The final model of the night was the person everyone was waiting to see. Mana came out wearing a white Metal Emblem shirt and black pants. He was wearing the Long Overskirt.  He made quite an impression with the crowd cheering and clapping. I would say his return to Sakura-Con and America was a success.

Mana did post on Twitter a selfie from the day so you can see part of his look. I hope he does not mind that I share it here. Also Moi-même-Moitié has shared on Facebook a post with photos from the key make-up artist for the show. You can see them in their fashion show outfits here.

And let me add a photo Mana just posted on Twitter of his fashion show outfit.

And since Mana has shared a photo of the models and himself on Twitter, I hope it is okay that I add it to this post about the Moi-même-Moitié fashion show. Because it is always better to see what was worn than to just read about it. (And I can say when I see these dresses, I'm reminded how I would like to own the ones on the ends.)

 Speaking of looks, one of the best parts of Sakura-Con was getting to meet and chat with various people. Here is Donis in a cool street clothes look, who is into goth and was just checking everything out. I wish my photos were better but both I and my camera were probably suffering from jet lag. Also very sorry if I mispelled anyone's name.

 I met the very pretty Michi who was with her lovely friend Karrie when I was out looking for some place to eat. Karrie was wearing cosplay at the time but was going to be wearing Moi-même-Moitié the next day as a model in the fashion show. Michi's great aqua colored outfit featured a Metamorphose dress.

 I did not take many cosplay photos because there were so many cosplayers there it was a little overwhelming. I did like how this photo turned out with the shadow.

One more cosplayer. This is Teppy, wearing his really great Moi dix Mois Mana outfit. The details were really nice! I met him while we were standing in line waiting to get into the question and answer panel. Which will be the next thing I post about.

Shiny Shinjuku

I wish I had more time to look around Shinjuku. But the heat and more was wearing me down so I only made a quick trip there after resting from my visit to Nippori and Akihabara.

I was searching for a 0101 store. Marui Honkan 0101 or is it was it

Marui Annex 0101?  Marui also known as 0101 has four stores in Shinjuku. The one I wanted was the Annex. I had been there in 2010 when it was at another location. This store was nicer inside.

I headed up to the Kera Shop which is where they sell fashion items from several Japanese designers. So many cute things to choose from! There are many other boutiques in the Annex with a variety of fashions. I enjoyed looking around more than I did in Harajuku.

And I did find a few things. I was looking for a couple of Moi meme Moitie items since buying online is more expensive due to shipping.

I was happy to find a candelabra necklace since they did not have this one at Laforet in Harajuku.

I also bought a handkerchief and a couple of chokers plus that Yoh's monochrome world book. While it doesn't seem like a lot, I am happy with what I bought. I really hope I get to go back and spend more time at Marui Annex and Shinjuku in the future.