First post of 2012! We must start the new year by telling you about the Tea Party in which we participated during the NiMI Festival, which was held in Florence from December 16th to 18th last year. Among the guests of the event, as we had already announced, there was Misako Aoki, model and gothic lolita kawaii ambassador for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was Misako the star of the small but lovely event organized by Nimi, in collaboration with Gothic Lolita Zone, for Saturday 17th within the rooms of Fortezza da Basso.
Misako Aoki arrival.
Tea parties (ochakai) are traditional meeting moments for the gothic lolita community and also an opportunity to know more about the brand and the people symbols of this street style, Misako Aoki in the first place. These events, in fact, are not only an opportunity to socialize and meet other lolita fashionistas, but also to speak directly with the guests and participate in small giveaway during which you can win clothes and accessories. Of course, all seasoned with tea and crumpets! The Florence one was the first ochakai organized in our country, which brought together 40 girls coming from all over Italy!
Between tables.
Between tables.
After a video presentation, Misako Aoki has briefly described the outfit chosen for the occasion (a wonderful coordinated by Baby, the Stars Shine Bright) and remembered us what is lolita fashion and what are the essential items of clothing to wear. Misako also said that she hopes that her work as a kawaii ambassador can raise the interest in this style, and that more and more girls could be able to get closer to Lolita. After officially launching the tea party, between a cup of tea and some biscuits there was also an opportunity to ask a few questions to Misako.
Misako at her table, ready to answer our questions.
The first question touched an issue that affects many women, ourself included: can you wear lolita even at an older age? The answer is obviously yes, and Misako herself, which is self-included in the group of older people (26 years old), is determined to continue to wear lolita for a long time. One of the questions was about the perception of lolita fashion in others. Misako has confessed that even in Japan, where this style was born, there are prejudices and misinterpretations, but she also reiterated that the opinions of others should not influence personal choices in clothing. Finally, it was the turn of Debby who asked Misako how she accomodate her role as model and ambassador with her work as a nurse. Aoki, in addition her work in the fashion world is also a registered nurse and, when asked, said to wear the whitecoat for 2 days a week, finding very exciting to being able to carry out so different jobs.
The event ended with the awards to Misako’s three favorite lolitas. The “winners”, chosen by her for their taste in combining clothes, accessories and make-up, have been awarded with Dolce Deco accessories. Among the lucky ones there is also our Debby!
The three winners.
Group picture.
Bonus: the two of us with Misako.
Obviously, we did not lose the opportunity to film something from the event! Here’s our video (two parts because of the limitations of Youtube) with the highlights of the tea party.