Q&A With La Carmina!
La Carmina is back on our blog once again! If you don't know, she has been a professional blogger since 2007!
Here is what she has to say about herself:
I'm La Carmina - I've been blogging professionally since 2007 on my "La Carmina Blog." I specialize in reporting on alternative fashion and subcultures around the world, especially in Japan -- such as Goth, punk, and underground music / style / nightlife. I’m passionate about sharing stories about fringe creators, whether they’re extreme body modification and tattoo artists, experimental chefs, or edgy fashion designers. I’ve traveled to over 70 countries to date, and had the opportunity to speak worldwide at TEDx and tourism conferences. I’m also a freelance travel writer (for publications like Time Magazine, The Daily Beast, Fodor’s, CNN), and the author of 3 books (with Penguin Random House). I also work as a travel TV presenter and production coordinator for networks worldwide such as NBC, Travel Channel, Food Network, ABC, National Geographic, TLC, Fuel TV, Discovery Science, NHK Japan, and German’s Pro Sieben. Just this week, my series "Satanic Show + Tell" was released on The Satanic Temple TV.
How long have you been a Sourpuss customer?
I've been wearing Sourpuss for at least 10 years! I fondly associate Sourpuss Clothing with my travels around the world, as I've worn and photographed your designs worldwide -- in places like Salem, NYC, Vienna, the Maldives, Portland, and more.
What is your favorite Sourpuss item?
That's a hard one, but I love the new Luna Bats maxi dress, which I modeled in Chinatown, New York City with my photographer Joey Wong. The long skirt and black and white bats print are eye-catching and dramatic, yet easy to wear while traveling. There are also endless possibilities for accessorizing the Luna Bats dress, such as with an ostrich feather kimono, a leather jacket, a choker, and more.
Where has been your favorite place to travel?
I'll never grow tired of returning to Japan, which feels like my second home. From remote mountain temples to the outrageous subculture, Japan's culture always energizes and inspires me. That's why I have been writing about my Japanese Gothic adventures in fashion, nightlife, food and more since 2007, on my La Carmina Blog. (https://www.lacarmina.com/) These stories include guides to Harajuku boutiques, Satanic bars, fetish parties, and my travel TV show escapades.
Do you like to listen to music while traveling? If so, what is your go-to?
I subject my travel partners to "disco hour" on our trips, meaning I'll blast rare 1970s and 80s disco streams or music videos in our hotel room. I'm infamous for having Italo Disco dance parties that involve jumping on hotel beds!
Do you feel like quarantine has changed your fashion at all in the past year?
My hairstyle has changed, as I took advantage of lockdown to grow out my bangs and undercut. My hair is now the longest it's ever been, down to my tailbone. I now keep it dark purple to better camouflage the roots -- which means I can get away with fewer hair salon visits -- and I've been using the "bathrobe curls" no-heat method to add waves without damage.
What are you looking forward to the most post-lockdown?
I think realistically we'll be facing restrictions and ongoing public health / social / climate crises in the long-term... I hope I'll be able to see friends abroad and safely travel to places like Tokyo and Hong Kong sooner rather than later. I have a giant "to do" list for my next visit to Japan, which includes Nintendo World and the Miffy Cafe. But for now, I'll just take it a day at a time, and do my best to make the most of the present moment.
- Blog URL: https://www.lacarmina.com/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lacarmina
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lacarminaofficial
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacarmina
