Gothic Lolita Bible 7

 

Mana used the opportunity in the 2003 Gothic Lolita Bible 7 to show off the new Moi-même-Moitié adorable Lace Teddy Bear. Mana also looked adorable in the lovely Ruffle Coat.

Gothic Lolita Bible 3

 Gothic Lolita Bible 3 had Mana様 back in elegant gothic lolita. Mana was wearing the Moi-même-Moitié Blouse with Jabot under the Manuscript Print Corset and Skirt, Rose Headdress, Ribbon Lace Thigh Highs, Coffin Earrings and a Logo Cross Pendant

Gothic Lolita Bible 2

A very popular early Moi-même-Moitié dress is the Shirring Long One Piece. Mana様 wore it with the matching choker and Coffin Earrings for the second Gothic Lolita Bible in 2001.

 

Gothic Lolita Bible 1

From the first Gothic Lolita Bible, 2001, Mana was wearing the Moi-même-Moitié Velveteen Frill Long Jacket and Jumper Skirt in blue, with a mini pannier underneath, OTK socks and a Coffin Beads Ring. "Frills overlapped many times are luxurious." 

 

Gothic Lolita Bible 1

From the first Gothic Lolita Bible, 2001, Mana's photograph wearing the Moi-même-Moitié Gobelin Coat. It featured a detachable collar. The fabric had a luxurious look. There was also a matching dress. 

 

Interview with Alice Kobayashi, KERA Magazine 26, November 2000

 

Since there has been recent interest in fashion designer Alice Kobayashi, I thought I would translate this interview with her. It is from KERA Magazine issue 26, from November 2000. 

＋＋＋

"When I was 17, 18 years old... I already specialized in design when I was in junior high school."

Since she had decided to go to school, she had no worries. She went to clubs and she encountered a lot of fashion and music. She was thinking about what she needed to do to become a designer. While working a part-time job selling clothes, she studied for the National Examination, and also attended a dressmaker's office and an English school.

Career: Dropped out of high school → Sales at NICE CLAP (NICE CLAUP) for a year and a half (in addition, selling children's clothing, part-time job at a flower shop, etc.) → After passing the exam, she entered Vantan Design Institute. While she was still in school, she made costumes for Koitsukihime dolls. → Joined Midi:Nette after graduation. She was involved from the launch of Moi-même-Moitié.

(Koitsukihimi dolls were known to Mana and featured in the MALICE MIZER Gardenia video and cover of their CD single)

 

How you got into your current job: Since I was 10 years old, I wanted to be a designer, but I couldn't think of it. For me, making clothes is the only way to express myself, and I am a clumsy person who can only do that...

If you hadn't been on this job: I can't imagine.

Job Description: All designs and patterns from clothes to accessories for Moitié's EGL department. When they first launched the brand, I started by buying irons and sewing machines, and really did anything. I used to walk around Shibuya with a lot of luggage.

What would you say to someone who wants to get this job? And, whether it's music, painting, or fashion, pursue whatever you like. As you do so, you can clearly see what you can do and what you should express. If you want to be a designer, playing is also important. Meet a lot of people and things, come into contact with a variety of ideas and sensibilities, and improve yourself. If you do that, you will be able to carve out a future and a dream with the friends you meet and your own efforts and energy!

Future goals: I hope to be able to do a show in the near future. I want to improve my skills and sensibilities, and create products that will make people even happier. I want to keep making them until I die.

＋＋＋

・Company structure of Midi:Nette Co., Ltd.

Including Producer Mana-sama, there are 2 Designers & Patterners, 1 Production Control & Patterner, 1 Small Product Production Control, and 5 shop staff, for a total of 10 people. We each have our own responsibilities, but when we are short of hands, we work together to make up for each other.

eta: I thought I would add a little information about Alice's career. She joined Moitié after graduating so it was her first job designing clothes for people. Moi-même-Moitié launched in 1999 but did not have a full line-up of items. In 2003, Alice began Fairywish, her own fashion company. So her time with Moitié was only a few years.

Moi-méme-Moitié Online Salon Event with Mana

In July I found myself in a very large and impressive Tokyo high rise. To attend an event to celebrate a 20th anniversary.

(photo from Moi-même-Moitié website)

Along with lovely people dressed in various styles of elegant gothic clothing. For the first Moi-même-Moitié Online Salon event, called "Early Summer Garden". The walls covered in greenery helped convey the feeling of a garden.

(photo from Moi-même-Moitié Twitter)

Once everyone was seated, the host for the event, DJ Hiroaki Asai came out and greeted everyone. Wearing a Moitié Bat Cloak and Striped Blouse with Jabot, he introduced the guest of honor. Out came Mana wearing the Moitié Yukata and carrying their new Rose Croix Pagoda Parasol. And to our surprise, the person with Mana was Ryux, Moi dix Mois guitarist. Ryux was there to speak out loud Mana's answers to questions submitted by salon members. Just to mention, Ryux was wearing the Moitié Bat Collar Shirt and Beret.

(photo from Moi-même-Moitié website)

Mana sat in the middle with Ryux at his side. Ryux did a great job of repeating what Mana whispered to him while Mana held the Jewel Rose fan up to hide his face while talking. Mana was rather animated during the talk, smiling and making gestures when Ryux repeated the answers. It was clear they were all enjoying themselves, Ryux sometimes laughing at what Mana was having him say.

Since most of the talk information is only available to Salon members, I won't repeat it here. Because a few things have been mentioned online, and some things were a repeat of subjects Mana has discussed before, I will mention a couple of those repeat subjects that I remember. Like fruit and coffee, "Suspiria", beer gardens and how the Moi-même-Moitié candelabra logo is an upside down M. And Mana's gargoyle fountain at the first Moi-même-Moitié store, with Mana holding hands up to mimic the gargoyle's hands. That was really cute. "Sweet and dangerous" fragrance also was talked about, which I feel okay to mention since that started with my question in Hawaii.

Following the questions we were instructed to take a bingo card out of the souvenir bag that each person received. Mana was in charge of getting the bingo balls while Ryux read out the numbers. Several people won prizes like signed posters, little cheki photos of Mana, and one lucky winner got a signed copy of the Moi-même-Moitié book "Magnifique". Very lucky person.

We all then were directed on where to place ourselves for a group photo with Mana in front with Ryux and DJ Asai. Everyone applauded as Mana, Ryux and DJ Asai left the room.

We were then free to take photos in the room and buy new items including a few that were available before they were released to the public. I found it hard to resist this view of Tokyo Tower.

A large print of the 20th Anniversary art by Mihara Mitsukazu was set up for people to take photos in front of. There was also a small camera crew from the television show "Zoom In!! Saturday". They filmed a few times during the event and did interviews with a couple attendees. Mana had mentioned to us previously that they would be there and that it was okay if anyone did not want to take part in their filming. That was nice. Of course people did all cooperate since we knew this was being done to promote Moi-même-Moitié and support Mana.

(Photo from Moi-même-Moitié Twitter)

There were a few things we were not allowed to take photos of. Because there was a table of items that will be released in the future. I can say that there are really nice things to come. I'm already planning on buying a couple items. Since Moi-même-Moitié has now announced the return of the Coffin Beads ring, I can say that it was displayed at the event and is very pretty.

As for those yet to be released goodies, I could not resist the acrylic EGL and EGA Mana figures. I had to get at least one photo of EGA Mana in the garden.

I also bought the Silent Moon socks since I have not bought Moitié socks since...it's been a long time. Along with a pair of their Coffin Charm Gloves in white. In the middle is the Yukata print hand towel that everyone received as a gift.

If anyone wants to read more of the question and answer session with Mana, part of it is here at Moi-même-Moitié's website https://moi-meme-moitie.com/?tid=5&mode=f62. The rest of the session is on the Moitié online salon, for members. And since I know who the guest is/are for the next talk with Mana, I can say that it will be worth joining for fans. It is going to be very good. The online salon is here https://lounge.dmm.com/detail/1686/ 

2019 Moi-même-Moitié Tea Party with Mana at Kawaii Kon in Hawaii

Just a little more about Moi-même-Moitié and Mana at Kawaii Kon in Hawaii. Moi-même-Moitié had items for sale during the convention and were located in the Fake Star booth. I stopped there on Saturday and Sunday. They did have a nice selection of items, some which sold out quickly. 

For some reason my photos in the building did not turn out well but here is a photo of part of the Moitié section of the booth. There were a number of accessories including the new Le foulard de M chiffon stole, along with the Nocturnal Romance over the knee socks. The blue bag was for submitting questions for the Questions and Answers session.

What was exciting is after the fashion show they had a few new items including the Gardenia dress and apron. I missed seeing the apron. They also had samples of the re-release Silent Moon one-piece, but since it was only shown in the fashion show and not presented as something they wanted photographed, I do not have a photo of it. I am sure we will see it soon. 

I did get a look at the Gardenia dress. The fabric is really nice, not too heavy and the lace is pretty. 

On Sunday, there was a tea party put on by Moi-même-Moitié. The theme was "A Kingdom by the Sea", taken from Edgar Allen Poe's poem "Annabel Lee". The tables were decorated with lighthouses, little lights, blue rose petals and sparkly Moitié candelabra confetti. There was a table with scones, fruit and bread, spreads, coffee and tea for the attendees. I'm sorry I don't have more photos of the room but since none have been released by Moitié yet, along with the fact that my photos have attendees in them. So to describe it, there was a table at the front for the MC, Andrea of Moitié, and the guest of honor. To the side of this was a white backdrop with an image from the Silent Moon print, along with blue rose petals scattered on the floor. The attendees sat at round tables. Most wore elegant gothic lolita. I wore mostly vintage Moi-même-Moitié, skirt, jacket, and accessories.

(photo from M_d_M_official Twitter)

Not long after the party started, the guest of honor Mana arrived. Wearing the new black and off white Bat Blouse, black pants and his black hat that he wore during this trip, he was greeted warmly by the attendees. After or before taking a selfie (sorry I can't remember which happened first), Mana sat at the table where he shared some information with everyone.

First, Mana's hat, which he decorated for the tea party, was inspired by Hawaiian culture. Mana said that he has enjoyed the food there, eating loco moco, hamburgers and drinking bubble tea which I think it was said it had taro in it. Mana mentioned new music again. He has written on Twitter that there are four new songs inspired by the seasons. Being in Hawaii, the scenery, the sea, helped with making one of those songs, it gave him ideas so now he has all the songs for a new album. He will be working on them and if recording goes well there may be a new album next year. Following this, Mana presented a rose to each attendee. Leaving the room he walked slowly, looking at each table and nodding. At the door he moved his arms as if he was blowing a kiss to everyone.

Following this, they gave out door prizes and had a number of contests. The contests included how did your outfit reflect the theme, best representative of Moitié style, and also everyone voted for their favorite coordinate of people who wanted to participate in that. Some of the prizes were little cheki signed photos of Mana, including one in his vampire outfit and one of him holding a box of Hawaiian macadamia nuts. Then attendees spent some time taking photos in front of the backdrop and chatting. I will say that it did feel a little more relaxed than the Seattle Sakura Con tea party but unlike there, they did not ask people to spend time talking with Mana. 

Besides a rose, the attendees were each given a Moi-même-Moitié hand towel which was a nice gift. There was also a paper ticket as a souvenir. That reminded me of the paper tickets we received at Deep Sanctuary VI. I did end up buying a few things at the booth, including another candelabra necklace that has a blue bead just for Kawaii Kon. Along with the chiffon stole (which is really pretty and the fabric is very nice) and one of the Candelabra Charm Lace Barrettes. I tried to get one of the black lace with blue roses before on WunderWelt Fleur's website, but they sold out quickly. This time I was lucky because they had a few that were used in the fashion show that they put for sale afterwards. 

And this time I did go to one of the autograph sessions after the tea party and did get my Moi-même-Moitié sample Bat Bag signed. Oddly, all of the photos of it after the signing look something like this. 

So that was the convention part of my trip to Hawaii. I did go to a couple places while there, and once I finish posts about March in Tokyo, I will try to do one or two about Hawaii.

On to Tokyo

So the very full plane I was on landed at Narita Airport and we all headed to Immigration. And I do mean all. Because of all the people who changed from Kansai Airport to Narita, Immigration was packed with people. And at one point, the line did not move for about 20 minutes. I have no idea what the problem was, but 2020 Olympics aren't that far away. Fixes are still needed.

So I was late getting out of Narita and had to wait for the last N'EX train. I finally arrived in Ikebukuro around 11:30 pm, that's 23:30 for those going by Japan time. I was exhausted since I did not get much sleep on the plane. Problem child that cried and yelled every time his mother would not hold him. Which happened a number of times. Kid was at least three years old so yeah, it was a problem. To the point that a Japanese guy yelled at him because he was going non-stop the whole time we were descending to land. Because his mother had to put in in the seat next to her. So when I did fall asleep, I was woken by this kid. A number of times.

I get to my hotel in Ikebukuro and up to my room. Only to find they gave me a smoking room even though I put on my reservation for a non-smoking room. Since there were no other vacancies, I did not have a choice. I asked for a clean pillow and if they could give me a non-smoking room the next day. Thankfully they did. Sadly I was not able to sleep much that night. What helped is I brought with me a bottle of BPAL's Victorian Goth scented oil. I put a little on the bed. It saved me.

Ikebukuro. This was my second time staying here. Where my hotel was, the area is nondescript. Cute kittens and puppies in the pet store across the way. At least the konbini in the area have decent food. 

These signs light up in different colors at night. And night time is a little interesting around here. The area seems to be a place where people go out on dates or hook up. Interesting side of Japanese behavior happened now and again. 

As to the weather, the sky was beautiful after Jebi blew through. The temperatures were in the 90°f and humidity was super high. Summer in Japan. But I was going to brave it because there were places I wanted to go.

Like Shinjuku. I did have a list of places I thought I might go to, but in the weeks before I left, different events were presented. So my list changed. It was all good. 

Shinjuku, showing off the ikemen.  

And ladies. The area seemed a bit less crowded than usual. It was the heat and humidity. 

Thankfully the place I was going was cool. Very cool. Ah, the old Moi-même-Moitié gates. It means only one thing, KERA Shop. And seeing all the new items they have. I was tempted to buy a number of things and I was happy to see them in person. I now have my want list. In time, it will happen.

The other reason for going was this display. Because of the MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary concerts, KERA Shop and Moi-même-Moitié set up this photo area. Photo areas are very popular in Japan, especially those using anime, manga and game characters. This one was a little different because it was for fans of Mana, founder of MALICE MIZER and the creator of Moi-même-Moitié, and for people who love the fashion. 

It was a great idea because besides fans in Japan, people from all over the world were coming to Tokyo to go to the concerts. So having this event was a nice way to draw customers in. Besides the blue roses and posters were a few things that have not been shown to the public in a while. 

These cross tombstones are from the original Aoyama Moi-même-Moitié store. 

Just part of the decoration of that store, it was nice to see them as part of this display. 

A bit of Moi-même-Moitié history. 

A few posters from different times in Mana's career. A couple of his looks as leader of his band, Moi dix Mois. 

And modeling photos of Moi-même-Moitié outfits. 

There were props for those who wanted to take selfies.

Since I have posted photos of items from the old Moi-même-Moitié stores a couple of times, I thought I would share a few photos of those stores that I found on the internet. Here is how the gates were used originally.

Along with the cross tombstones.

Like I said, there were a number of things I wanted to buy. I knew I was going to get something, but I was surprised at what I was able to get. Because only a day or two before, it was announced that they would be selling the jewel cross pendants again. This is a classic piece with colored crystals, which were only offered in certain colors at certain times. I had wanted a blue one, but it was sold some time ago, and never seemed to come up for resale. So I was very happy for the return of the blue crosses. There are also red and black versions. I may get a black one, it has a cool gothic look.

After this I headed back to my hotel where I was able to change rooms. What a relief. And later, I did explore Ikebukuro a little. Which will be my next post.

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.