Exclusive Interview with Japanese Goth celebrity “La Carmina”

Hello everyone, Jordan here.

Today I would like to write about one of the most iconic persona in the alternative fashion nowadays, “La Carmina”.

First and foremost, let me just say that having the ability to work with such an amazing person has truly been an amazing pleasure, and I am so grateful for giving me such an opportunity.

“La Carmina” is a Japanese journalist, blogger, and model that is very popular in the alternative fashion culture nowadays. She has been featured in many profound publications around the world like Vogue, The New Yorker, Cosmopolitan, LA Times, and many more as her blog is one of the most viewed blogs in the world! “La Carmina” is also a great fashion designer that have modeled for many well-known agencies around the world, and she was even a front row guest at the NY Fashion Week 2012! Due to the recent tsunami and earthquakes in Japan, “La Carmina” has also released a collection of clothes that raises money in order to provide for the victims of the mayhem!

“La Carmina” is truly an inspiring person with an extremely appealing taste in fashion that I personally adore. Also, “La Carmina” is one of kindest people I have ever had the opportunity to work with, and I can say without a doubt that she is a sweetheart!

*(view this video to get an idea of who she is)

As usual, I conducted a small interview with “La Carmina” in order to view her opinion on the fashion that she exhibits on the daily basis. Needless to say, every answer that she has provided is very motivating and genuine.

So, without further ado, the interview with “La Carmina“:

When I was a child, I often traveled to Asia, especially to Tokyo Japan. I felt a strong connection to the alternative Gothic Lolita Punk and Jrock scene in Harajuku: a place for alternative youths to band together and express themselves through their clothes and subculture. Starting in my early teens, I began dressing in styles that took inspiration from the Japanese streets, especially Goth.

I enjoy the creative process; dressing up is an opportunity for personal expression. With “spooky-cute” style, you can play with makeup (dark shadows, lush eyelashes) and colors (purple lips, crazy nail art).

My friends and I are dedicated to trying something eye-opening each time. I don’t believe in rules about how outfits should be coordinated.

It goes against the Tokyo spirit.

People often ask me how I got into TV hosting. Starting out, I had absolutely no connections in the television or entertainment industries. I started my La Carmina blog - www.lacarmina.com/blog - and it built up a following, attracting the attention of TV producers. They asked me to be a guest or host on their shows, which include Discovery “Oddities“, National Geographic “Taboo“, Food Network, Travel Channel “Bizarre Foods” and more (you can see my reels at www.lacarmina.com/bio.php). Since we kept getting inquiries, my First Mate and I began a company, La Carmina & The Pirates (www.lacarmina.com/pirates), which helps travel, culture and food TV shows film in Japan and worldwide. As ”fixers” we do local production arranging, consulting, translating and organization for shoots.

“Forward!” My friends and I live by this motto. If something is a trend, we want nothing to do with it. Push forth, constantly experiment, and do something unpredictable.

I think we’ve all had that experience. Before I started the blog, I was a bit lost, and my style reflected this confusion. I’m not a fan of all the makeup and outfits I posted in the early days of the blog, but that’s the past. You improve, you come into your own.