KANON WAKESHIMA Avant-garde cellist, singer and songwriter Kanon Wakeshima will be making her first trip to Sakura-Con this year. Kanon is a unique performer. She likes to weave literary references into her music, riffing off everything from Alice in Wonderland to Shakespeare. Kanon is also a gifted visual artist; her line drawings and character designs are released under the name Hirari. Last year, she did a 10-city, seven-country European tour to rave reviews.
H. NAOTO Designer Naoto Hirooka launched his popular brand h.Naoto in 2000. It received plaudits from Japan and abroad for its originality and unique take on the gothic Lolita and visual-kei looks. Later Hirooka created the character-based Channel H and Hangry & Angry, which celebrated cute anime and game costumes. Hirooka continues to innovate, creating the hEAVEN line as well as men’s wear that references biker, worker and military styles. Hirooka will conduct a fashion show at the Con. © h.NAOTO
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FUMIKO KAWAMURA YUKO ASHIZAWA As the head designer for Chantilly, Fumiko KawamuYuko Ashizawa is the founder of the gothic Lolita mecca Atelier-Pierrot, which is located in the famous Laforet fashion mall in Harajuku. The Tokyo store features classic gothic Lolita outfits that have been a staple of fans for years. AtelierPierrot has been in business for more than 30 years and is one of the key reasons the gothic Lolita community has been able to expand so steadily. Ashizawa will be arranging a fashion show at Sakura-Con.
STEREOPONY
STEREOPONY is an all-girl rock band that formed in Okinawa in 2007 and will be attending their first Sakura-Con.
ra is at the forefront of Lolita fashion. She started Chantilly in 2007 with an idea that girls love cute things, but they also like more mature – what she calls “madam-like” -- outfits. The Chantilly brand offers cuteness with a hint of elegance. Kawamura has taken her Chantilly brand around the world to spread the word about gothic Lolita fashion. At Sakura-Con, she will be organizing a fashion show featuring Con participants.
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