<![CDATA[A-to-J Connections - A-to-J Fashion]]>Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:17:15 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Anime Los Angeles 2024 Fashion Show Gallery]]>Sun, 14 Jan 2024 18:48:18 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/a-to-j-fashion/anime-los-angeles-2024-fashion-show-gallery
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​Anime Los Angeles returned to the Long Beach Convention Center recently with their Fashion Show taking place on the second day of the convention. This year's show featured six designers were featured this year and the half time show featured a live performance. You can check out our galleries from the show's designers, and also learn more about them. As always, be sure to keep an eye out for more!

VENIA

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Founded by Los Angeles based design duo ENI and NIGMA, VENIA was created to bridge the gap between Fantasy and Reality. Drawing inspiration from the spirit of adventure in a dystopian universe, the duo designs in the form of seasonal collections imprinted with deep reflections of nature, society, and postmodern phenomena.

Unconventional silhouettes and traditional craftsmanship are utilized to convey each season’s narrative. The seamless blend of languid asymmetrical shapes and precision tailoring emphasize a masculine and feminine duality; a common thread present throughout their work. Through a unique combination of Fashion, Art, and Multimedia Narrative Storytelling, each collection focuses on sustainable development and progressive design.

VENIA is seen on many artists who share the same vision such as: Korn, Avenged Sevenfold, Tinashe, Tini, Gryffin, Seven Lions, Trippie Red and many more.

For More Information:
https://veniacollection.com/

Analeia

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I am Analeia. My clothes seem to turn people into life like dolls. It’s whimsical and fun! Some say it’s like street x Alice in Wonderland. There’s lots of bright colors, corsets, tutus and I draw my own prints! It’s high end, bold, and has a way of making you feel like you’re in another world – a more fun one. 😀

For More Information:
https://www.analeia.com/

Elhoffer Design

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At Elhoffer Design, we don’t just make comfortable clothes with pockets, we make pieces you’ll love that we hope will last for years!

We are focused on making our customers feel amazing and powerful in the clothes we make. Almost all our apparel is designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, California to ensure each garment is crafted with the utmost care and caliber. Our few imported goods are knit at a small Chinese factory with just a few knit machines using some of the most luxurious yarns we have never encountered in Los Angeles.

We value a great fit and quality textiles, and we produce apparel in small and often limited runs. Designs are inspired by pop culture and use silhouette, color, texture, and lines to tell the story of the character or fandom while creating comfy and chic fashion. We test fits on a variety of curves and bring in a variety of models in our photoshoots to try and represent as many types of bodies as possible with our limited small business resources.

For More Information:
https://elhofferdesign.com/

RONOVA

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RONOVA (rō-nō-vä) focuses on creating cute and feminine looks that are inspired in part by the niche fashion cultures of Japan and Korea. Combining the traditional construction and shapes for a modern world, Ronova continues to push herself to create pieces that are a bit different and fun, but also functional in the real world.

Ronova is delighted to be returning to Anime Los Angeles’ Fashion Show and look forward to meeting you at our booth in the exhibit hall!

For More Information:
https://ronova.fashion/

Miss Alphabet

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Miss Alphabet got her start 20 years ago during her fashion studies at a local community college. After discovering alternative and J-fashion LiveJournal communities she took advantage of her fabric store employee discount and started selling her work directly on eBay.

As a plus size gal she’s always kept larger sizes included in her offerings. She had more of a retro and rockabilly edge for the first few years until she discovered fairy kei fashion. 80’s and 90’s themes in pastels and neons now dominate her work. Now her current favorite materials are vintage bedsheets, dollhouse accessories, and deadstock fabrics to create a look like a walking Malibu Dreamhouse or early 90’s bedroom.

Today, Miss Alphabet’s handmade pieces can be found on her website and Etsy shop, and are enjoyed by the Harajuku community, drag queens, and Barbie enthusiasts alike!

For More Information:
https://missalphabet.com/

Natashia

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Natashia creates innovative, timeless and artistic collections for the modern man and woman who demand quality and function. She draws inspiration from British heritage, American lifestyle, and Japanese silhouettes & techniques by using custom designs, high-quality materials, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Her designs are worn by celebrities like Lil Nas X and Billie Eilish amongst many others.

Her latest collection Saville Row Samurai, Challenging the traditional Savile Row styling and the ancient Art of the Samurai, brings a twist with a fine sense of colour to push the envelope. Creating contemporary silhouettes featuring custom designed prints combining old styles & techniques mixed with modern iconography anime references. Raising the profile of this new tailoring style with modern day street culture as a comprehensive approach to fashion.

For More Information:
https://natashia.studio/
We can't wait until the next Anime Los Angeles Fashion Show, and we hope to see you all there too!

For More Information:
https://animelosangeles.org/

All Photos by Ivan Aburto.​
]]><![CDATA[Harajuku Day LA #73: Winter Festival Photo Gallery]]>Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/a-to-j-fashion/harajuku-day-la-73-winter-festival-photo-gallery
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Harajuku Day is a free public fashion meet-up that usually is hosted on the third Saturday of the month and A-to-J has been attending many of the events since they began many years ago. Harajuku Day has always been an amazing event, but 2023 has been a really strong year that saw it reach new heights. The December meet-up, which was themed for the holidays, took place this past weekend and, as always, here is a gallery of some of the people and looks that were present. Check it out and be sure to keep an eye out for more!

Also, if you're interested in Harajuku Day you can check them out via the links below and maybe even make plans on attending the next meet-up!

Harajuku Day Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/harajukudayLA/
Harajuku Day Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/harajukudayla/
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All photos by Ivan Aburto.
]]><![CDATA[Harajuku Day LA #71: Spoopy Edition Photo Gallery]]>Sun, 22 Oct 2023 21:31:04 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/a-to-j-fashion/harajuku-day-la-71-spoopy-edition-photo-gallery
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Harajuku Day is a free public fashion meet-up that usually is hosted on the third Saturday of the month and A-to-J has been attending many of the events since they began many years ago. They've been going strong this year and most recent event, the one for October, was a Halloween themed event with the title "Spoopy Edition"! We were on-site and, as always, here is a gallery of some of the people and looks that were present. Check it out and be sure to keep an eye out for more!

Also, if you're interested in Harajuku Day you can check them out via the links below and maybe even make plans on attending the next meet-up!

Harajuku Day Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/harajukudayLA/
Harajuku Day Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/harajukudayla/
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All photos by Ivan Aburto.
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]]><![CDATA[Harajuku Day LA #70: Invent Your Kei Photo Gallery]]>Mon, 18 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/a-to-j-fashion/harajuku-day-la-70-invent-your-kei-photo-gallery
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Harajuku Day is a free public fashion meet-up that usually is hosted on the third Saturday of the month and A-to-J has been attending many of the events since they began many years ago. They've been going strong this year and most recent event, the one for September, recently took place with the theme of "Invent Your Kei"! We were on-site this past Saturday and, as always, here is a gallery of some of the people and looks that were present. Check it out and be sure to keep an eye out for more!

Also, if you're interested in Harajuku Day you can check them out via the links below and maybe even make plans on attending the next meet-up!

Harajuku Day Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/harajukudayLA/
Harajuku Day Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/harajukudayla/
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All photos by Ivan Aburto.
]]><![CDATA[Harajuku Day LA #69: D.I.Y. Day Photo Gallery]]>Tue, 22 Aug 2023 01:26:47 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/a-to-j-fashion/harajuku-day-la-69-diy-day-photo-gallery
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Harajuku Day is a free public fashion meet-up that usually is hosted on the third Saturday of the month and A-to-J has been attending many of the events since they began many years ago. They've been going strong this year and most recent event, the one for August, was D.I.Y. themed! We were present this past Saturday and, as always, here is a gallery of some of the people and looks that were present. Check it out and be sure to keep an eye out for more!

Also, if you're interested in Harajuku Day you can check them out via the links below and maybe even make plans on attending the next meet-up!

Harajuku Day Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/harajukudayLA/
Harajuku Day Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/harajukudayla/
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All photos by Ivan Aburto.
]]><![CDATA[Dolls & Demons: A Lolita Fashion Tea Party Photo Gallery]]>Mon, 01 May 2023 07:32:31 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/a-to-j-fashion/dolls-demons-a-lolita-fashion-tea-party-photo-gallery
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Harajuku Day and Lolita Collective recently held a Loloita Fashion Tea Party with the theme "Dolls & Demons" in Little Toyko's Chado Tea Room. The paid event featured an Afternoon Tea Service, some photo shoots, a giveaway for "Favorite Doll" & "Favorite Demon", and a Fashion Walk that was open to all. Below you can find a gallery of the event courtesy of our photographer, Ivan, for those who wish to see the amazing fashion and looks on display. Check it out and be sure to keep an eye out on similar events in the Little Tokyo area!

​Harajuku Day Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/harajukudayLA/
Harajuku Day Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/harajukudayla/
Lolita Collective: https://store.lolitacollective.com/

All photos by Ivan Aburto.
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]]><![CDATA[Harajuku Day LA #65: Pastel Party Photo Gallery]]>Mon, 17 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/a-to-j-fashion/harajuku-day-la-65-pastel-party-photo-gallery
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Harajuku Day is a free public fashion meet-up that usually is hosted on the third Saturday of the month and A-to-J has been attending many of the events since they began many years ago. The most recent one (held on 4/15 in the Little Tokyo Galleria in LA) was the 65th event and it was "Pastel Party" themed and even had several collaborations and events! We were present this past Saturday and, as always, here is a gallery of some of the people and looks that were present. Check it out and be sure to keep an eye out for more!

Also, if you're interested in Harajuku Day you can check them out via the links below and maybe even make plans on attending the next meet-up!

Harajuku Day Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/harajukudayLA/
Harajuku Day Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/harajukudayla/

All photos by Ivan Aburto.
]]><![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV Online & Puma Announce New Apparel Collection Celebrating Game's 10th Anniversary]]>Wed, 08 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/a-to-j-fashion/final-fantasy-xiv-online-puma-announce-new-apparel-collection-celebrating-games-10th-anniversary
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Square Enix recently announced that it has collaborated with Puma on a Final Fantasy XIV collection in celebration of the game’s upcoming 10th anniversary, which will go on sale in select markets and online on Puma's website beginning on March 15, and in North America on March 25, 2023. Additionally Patch 6.35 for the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV Online launched this week. The patch brings with it the next stage in the Manderville weapon enhancement quest series, alongside the latest Deep Dungeon: Eureka Orthos, offering players the opportunity to explore an ever-changing laboratory in pursuit of both rewards and challenges.
Final Fantasy XIV Online and apparel brand Puma have also teamed up to create a special collection that celebrates Final Fantasy XIV Online’s 10th anniversary and embodies the beloved game’s theme of the duality between light and dark. The new aesthetic collection, designed by Puma for Final Fantasy XIV Online, consists of footwear, apparel, and accessories, which combine iconic Puma DNA, contrasting color palettes, and iconic graphics and characters from the visually immersive game. The collection will be available from March 15, 2023 in-store and online at puma.com in select markets, and from March 25, 2023 in North America.
 
In anticipation of the collaboration's release, a new CG teaser campaign kicks off today, showcasing sneak peaks of the coming collection. The teaser can be viewed below.
 
The collection will be available to purchase in-store and online in select markets worldwide and online at puma.com from March 15, 2023, and from March 25, 2023 in North America.
Further details on Patch 6.35 can be found below:
 
  • New Tribal Quests: Loporrits – With the moon no longer needed for interstellar evacuation, myriad tiny voices cry out for new purpose. Fortunately for the erstwhile starship crew, their own Dreamingway has no little experience in fretting over such matters, and is determined to help each and every Loporrit find their way.
  • New Deep Dungeon: Eureka Orthos – An ever-changing dungeon whose architecture is never quite the same each time players enter to explore its depths. All players will begin at level 81, and only by fighting the enemies within will they be able to gain the strength and experience needed to explore its secrets.
  • Somehow Further Hildibrand Adventures – After enduring a series of surreal misadventures on the moon, Inspector Hildibrand has made it back to the star's surface. He and his eclectic crew launch themselves directly into the search for Master PuPu's missing companion—an endeavor which attracts the attention of old acquaintances both affable and aggravating...
  • Weapon Enhancement Quests – Manderville Weapons – Lord Godbert has been diligently deciphering his ancestor's manual in a bid to recreate the magnificent Manderville weaponry. Though stymied by cryptic code for quite some time, the key to advancing the augmentation process is finally in his well-manicured hands!
  • Tool Enhancement Quests – Splendorous Tools - Emerging from a hermit-like existence at the bottom of the Tempest, a legendary craftsman makes his triumphant return home! The Crystalline Mean provides the stage for a new saga of splendid tools and ardent artisans.
 
For more information on Patch 6.3 and Patch 6.35 content, visit the promotional site: https://sqex.to/5d234
Players can also currently enjoy this year’s Little Ladies Day in-game event until Wednesday, March 15, offering limited time quests and rewards: the Little Ladies’ Dance emote, the Lovely Little Ladies' Day Advertisement housing item and the Decisions Orchestrion Roll. For more information, please visit: https://sqex.to/hM5L6
 
With more than 27 million total registered players, there has never been a better time for newcomers to begin their adventures in the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy XIV Online saga. The expanded Free Trial now includes all content from A Realm Reborn and the Heavensward expansion (and updates through Patch 3.56), as well as an additional playable race (Au Ra), and three additional playable jobs (Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist). Free Trial players can enjoy hundreds of hours of award-winning gameplay and story experiences equivalent to two full Final Fantasy titles, without limit on playtime. More information can be found at: http://sqex.to/FFXIVFreeTrial
 
New players looking to get up to speed can dive into the Final Fantasy XIV Online Starter Guide Series, a seven-part online video series which provides novice players with tips and tricks to get the most out of their adventure. The YouTube video series follows the journey of new player Kaz and his mentor Mayra, who guides him through his first steps in Eorzea. Watch the video series online at: https://sqex.to/8q2Pq

Related Links
Endwalker Site: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/endwalker/
SQUARE ENIX® Press Site: https://press.na.square-enix.com/
The Lodestone®: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/
Official Facebook®: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV
Official Twitter®: @FF_XIV_EN
Official Instagram®: @ffxiv
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]]><![CDATA[Anime Los Angeles 2023 Fashion Show Gallery]]>Sun, 15 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/a-to-j-fashion/anime-los-angeles-2023-fashion-show-gallery
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Anime Los Angeles returned to the Long Beach Convention Center recently with their Fashion Show taking place on Friday (Day Two) afternoon. Eight designers were featured this year and the half time show featured a live performance and a cosplay showcase. You can check out galleries from the entire show, and some information about the designers themselves below. As always, be sure to keep an eye out for more!

​NATASHIA MIYAZAKI

Natashia Miyazaki creates innovative, timeless and artistic collections for the modern man and woman who demand quality and function. She draws inspiration from British heritage, American lifestyle, and Japa- nese silhouettes & techniques by using custom designs, high-quality materials, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Her designs are worn by celebrities like Lil Nas X and Billie Eilish amongst many others.

​Her latest collection Saville Row Samurai, Challenging the traditional Savile Row styling and the ancient Art of the Samurai, brings a twist with a fine sense of colour to push the envelope. Creating contempo- rary silhouettes featuring custom designed prints combining old styles & techniques mixed with modern iconography anime references. Raising the profile of this new tailoring style with modern day street culture as a comprehensive approach to fashion.

​MISS ALPHABET

With a penchant for 80’s and early 90’s super girly motifs, Miss Alphabet will walk you right down memory lane. Her designs hit you straight in the face with elements of Barbie, new wave, 80’s and 90’s inspired elements (hello, ballerina bears?), and of course, j-fashion. The founder, Liz, began with more punk and rockabilly styles but quickly abandoned those upon discovering fairy kei brands like Spank! and Nile Perch. Originally you could bid on one of her creations on eBay if timing was on your side, but now there’s plenty for everyone on her website and Etsy shop!

​CREATORS GUILD

Creators Guild, Pioneers of the Anime Streetwear culture, continues to create designs that connect people and reinforces their identities as true fans of anime and gaming culture. The guild’s iconic sportswear designs have been seen through the world as they blurred the lines between the fictional world and IRL. Now, Creators Guild, aims to be the main source of everyday apparel to true fans of the anime and gaming culture.

​KRISTIN COSTA

Kristin Costa is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus in wearable art and costume design. She has worked on costumes for films, plays, music videos, and magazine editorials. Costa currently works as a costume designer in NYC as well as designing an eponymous fashion line. Heath Stevenson is a constant collaborator, lending talents in the arenas of makeup, hair, styling, performance, and more over the years, as well as designing their own collections and costumes.

​This collection is about feeling out of place whilst trying to rejoin a world that feels incongruous with our own identities, and being an explorer in a strange land.

Cosplay Halftime Showcase

​RONOVA

RONOVA (rō-nō-vä) is a small independent fashion design house that quietly started in 2015 with handmade pieces inspired by the Rococo and Baroque period. Sue, the designer, focuses on blending traditional construction, shapes, and fabric with today’s world. She always strives to create pieces that are both fun and functional to be worn in the workplace to the nightlife, special events, and everything in between.

For 2023, Ronova is focused on creating vibrant designs with colors as we slowly and carefully come out of a very dark and bleak period of history.

We are absolutely thrilled to be here for the ALA Fashion Show and invite you to visit our booth after the show!

​M.RAGE

M.RAGE | ASTRAL SYSTEMS is a streetwear apparel and accessories brand inspired by Japanese techwear fashion. Based in Los Angeles, M.RAGE is proud to feature our collection of all-original designs, along with officially licensed collaborations with beloved anime and video game franchises.
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Join us in experiencing our PILOT 2022 collection, which is heavily influenced by our designer’s passion for cyberpunk and mecha anime. Our “ZERO-GRAV” inspired fashion-line aims to make the wearer feel like the anime protagonist of their very own science-fiction anime with vibrant colors and bold iconography.

​HOUSE OF RYURA

Discovering this passion at an early age, art has always fueled Damion’s need to create. Believing in the words his grandfather said to him, “The simplest things are the most complex to express.” This later in life led him to obtaining his degree in Fashion Design.

​“Through my eyes I see them as puzzle pieces, and those elements from which I can use my editorial eye to bridge fashion with cosplay while combining elements of art, music and a richly deep color and fabrication.”

Moving to San Diego seven years ago and meeting inspiring cosplayers, the House of Ryura was built bringing the idea that all artists can work together, giving birth to the RyuraVerse where he is creating persona, not just fashion.

V​ENIA

Made in LA. Inspired by stories.

VENIA : Ancient Latin for the English word Grace. Noun; elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action.

Los Angeles based design duo Eni and Nigma created VENIA, a multi-platform fashion label dedicated to pursuing grace through the science of dress. Drawing inspiration from architecture and engineering, the duo designs in the form of seasonal stories imprinted with deeply personal impressions about society and postmodern phenomena.

Modern technological luxury, effortless elegance, and intentional utility are three fundamental principles the brand is committed to portraying. Ethically made in the United States, all pieces are engineered and cut specifically to suit our wearer’s individual physical intricacies.

Our mission is to tell stories of the present, crafting each collection as the zeitgeist.
We look forward to Anime Los Angeles 2024 and their Fashion Show, but there is an entire year of fashion to look forward to until then!

For More Information:
https://animelosangeles.org/project/fashion-show/

All Photos by Ivan Aburto.
]]><![CDATA[Anime Los Angeles 2023 Fashion Meet-Up Photo Gallery]]>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 19:54:04 GMThttp://a-to-jconnections.com/a-to-j-fashion/anime-los-angeles-2023-fashion-meet-up-photo-gallery
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There's still the ALA Fashion Show galleries on the way, but to tide everyone over we have some pictures from the Fashion Meet-up that took place on Sunday, Day Four, of this year's Anime Los Angeles! There's a lot of familiar faces rocking some awesome fashion and you can check them all out below! As always, keep an eye out for more!

All Photos by Ivan Aburto
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