féminité

Pika Pika SF プリクラ

[Columnist: Raen Payne]

PURIKURA- [derived from the term ‘print club’ but shortened in Japanese romanized form for “Purinto Kurabu”] hence “puri kura”–プリクラ

Popular in Japan but still something of a mystery to most Americans; PuriKura are photo booths that let you create stickers from your pictures. Like a regular photo booth they take your picture– BUT in these booths you can spice up the pictures by selecting different backgrounds and even drawing on top of the images.

Having recently celebrated their 5th year anniversary, the family owned Pika Pika in San Francisco’s Japan Town is home to a large collection of the sticker booths. The machines are from Japan and feature an all Japanese walk-through. But fear not if your Japanese is rusty or non-existent because each booth has English translations provided by Pika Pika.

Best shared with friends, the price of most booths is between $8.00 and $10.00 for a sheet of stickers but the store often has special events where they reduce the price to $5.00, comparable to the cost of most purikura booths in Japan.

If you’ve never tried out these icons of Japanese popular culture it is an experience to remember. And now that they’re popping up in the U.S. you no longer need to make the long journey to Japan to find them.

But do plan a trip there, it’s an AMAZING country!

Pika Pika’s next special event is for Halloween, Saturday October 29th from 8:00 – 10:00 pm, booths will be $5.00 and there will be a costume contest and candy for trick-or-treaters. *Definitely worth checking out the next time you are in SF!

PIKA PIKA
1581 Webster St STE 225
Japantown San Francisco, CA 94115
415-673-7898
info@pikapikasf.com
www.pikapikasf.com

HOURS
Mon- Closed
Tues- 12-6
Wed- 12-8
Thurs- 12-8
Fri- 12-10
Sat- 11-10
Sun- 11-7

*photos by raen payne

h.NAOTO Store Opens in San Francisco

[Columnist: Raen Payne]

Gothic-lolita fashion designer Naoto Hirooka (who attended the famous BUNKA fashion school in Tokyo) is the founder and designer of his label h.NAOTO. Based in Tokyo the fashion label has a new home in San Francisco on the 2nd floor of the New People building in Japan Town. Outside a number of congratulatory wreaths from those who have worn his pieces such as Japanese singers Gackt, HYDE and even Amy Lee of Evanescence; welcomed patrons.

Interior of the shop is contemporary and structured filled with the hip, left of center couture that has been a staple of the Japanese gothic aesthetic.

The store replaces the Black Peace Now store that filled its corners only a few months ago. The small, unassuming and well dressed Hirooka hopes that in the future he’ll be able to expand to Los Angeles and New York. Though the economic present of the U.S. is questionable he is hopeful that the shop will be successful in bringing his brand to America.

Opening weekend, October 7th – October 9th, was full of events for the press and the public. Everyday from 2pm – 4pm Hirooka was on hand to coordinate outfits for customers.

And, if you make it to the café on the 1st floor early enough you can enjoy a sweet set of coffee or tea and a cupcake with raspberry sauce drizzled down the side and on the plate. The set comes served on a special h.Naoto mat.

If you’re just curious about the designer you can view a retrospective of his work in the Super Frog Gallery during the opening weekend. Several of his designs are on display as well as a lovely collection of photo shoots beginning with his first collection in 2001 up through the present. The ambient soundtrack to film also on display adds a spooky feel to the work. The thirty-minute video shows models striding around in Hirooka’s 2010 collection when it was exhibited in Tokyo of last year.

For more details about the h.Naoto store opening please see the press release at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/NEW-PEOPLE-Welcomes-Opening-Of-h.-NAOTO-Retail-Store-In-October-.pdf

h.NAOTO
1746 Post St,
San Francisco, CA, United States, 94115
http://www.s-inc.com/hnaoto/

*photos by raen payne

Trend Communiqué: Long/Stacked Rings

[Columnist: Angelina Almaraz]

A trend that we are definitely obsessing over is the Long/Stacked Ring!

Whether it’s Gypsy chic, Spooky Goth or simply cause you’ve always loved stacking your mom’s rings
on every finger possible— This trend will work amazingly on anyone!

Our Must-have Rings: [shown above]

Ayaka Nishi:
+Spine Ring
+Tiny Bone Rings
available at (www.ayakanishi.com)
*for pricing contact: info@ayakanishi.com

Topshop:
+Red Stone Spring Ring ($28)
+Enamel Stacked Ring ($25)
available at (www.topshop.com)

Nasty Gal:
+Caged In Knuckle Ring ($12)
available at (www.shopnastygal.com)

Forever 21:
+Dimpled Rhinestone Knuckle Ring ($5.80)
available at (www.forever21.com)

Ajeosshi [The Man from Nowhere]

[Columnist: Angelina Almaraz]

One of Korea’s most famous actors, Won Bin, who has graced tons of female fans’ screensavers and cell phone wallpapers is certainly gaining more fans with the roles he chooses. Like his other captivating movie, Taegukgi: The Brotherhood Of War, Won Bin keeps you on the edge of your seat and at the same time captures your heart.

아저씨; A non-social pawnshop owner, Cha Tae-Shik [Won Bin], develops an unlikely friendship with Jung So-Mi [Kim Sae-ron] a young girl whose mother gets mixed up in a vicious drug ring.

Unexpectedly, the men go looking for the items stolen from them, searching first in Tae-Shik’s pawnshop.

BIG MISTAKE!

However, after too many times being involved with the wrong people, So-Mi and her mother are kidnapped by the very men that So-Mi’s mother has stolen from. After being kidnapped and driven away, the only thing that So-Mi cries out is “Ajeosshi!“, [a respectful term for mister] From then on Tae-Shik stops at no cost to save her.

Through a whirl wind/action packed thriller, Tae Shik puts his life on the line and also touches your heart since there is a deeper meaning as to why our hero is not giving up to save his new friend.

This is a definite must-see! [available on Netflix]

RUNWAY tendencies: Ms. Androgyny

[Columnist: Angelina Almaraz]

above looks from Marc by Marc Jacobs & Vivienne Westwood Red Label

This week’s Runway Tendencies spotlights “ANDROGYNY.”

Androgyny: [the mixing of masculine and feminine characteristics]

Huge fans of this design principle, we were happy to see it during NYFW and emerging once again during London Fashion Week, which started a few days ago.

Men’s inspired blazers, ties, masculine button ups and bottoms mixed with the feminine softness of chiffons, pastel colors and skinny belts was a delightful union to witness!

AfriLUXE

[Columnist: Angelina Almaraz]

For his Spring 2012 collection, it was evident that Michael Kors journeyed deep into the African safari and brought out with him a caravan of inspiration!

Animal prints, sarongs, leather knapsacks, and mini djellabas with beige/green being the staple colors; Kors brought together the jungle theme with his signature silhouettes. The tribal jewelry, gladiator sandals and croc-crossbody bags helped make it a scene straight out of the Serengeti.

This season saw both men and women sharing the runway and it couldn’t have been a better show of the opposites. Mixing androgynous themes; with men wearing hand dyed sarongs and the ladies wearing masculine button-ups and trousers.

It’s safe to say that the designer is definitely a contender for king of the jungle….er concrete jungle.

SOLD OUT!

[Columnist: Angelina Almaraz]

As soon as the Fall 2011 Missoni for Target hit the stores, it was literally swiped from the racks!
Hundreds, quite possibly even thousands, desperately lined up outside Targets across America to get their hands on the Italian Fashion house’s “budget friendly” collection.

The iconic Missoni pattern adorns most of the collection’s pieces, as well as some beautiful flats, that we are currently crushing over!

Reports even say that the Target website is “DOWN.” It’s a fair guess that the retailer’s site has never seen this kind of traffic. Here in New York, the stores have been sold out since Day ONE! We are hoping our fashion correspondent Jess, in Texas, will have better luck.

Hopefully, the label will see how well the fashion public has reacted to the collaboration and give us a much needed replenishment! We are definitely crossing our fingers (and toes) for that one.