Issue #002: September 2010
ELECTRIc TRASH www.electrictrash.com
Rock Giveaway
My Favorite things! (page 6)
Reckless Hearts Know no limits
Interview! Sebastian Masuda of 6% doki doki
Style watch! From the city of lights
three step Make-up! Apply eye make up in as little as three steps!!
sensational kawaii edition!
ELECTRIc TRASH September 2010 Issue #2
004 Editor’s Letter 006 My Favorite ThingsPage 28 012 3 Step Make! 014 The Origin of Kawaii 019 Electric Trash x 6% 023 Reckless Hearts 028 Sweet Dreams Page 14 035 Hot Riots Credits editor in chief:
Page 40
Cristina Dias Viseu
Styling:
Fashion Director: Gloria Do Make-up: Shirley Wu
Content:
Art/Photo Director: Cristina Dias Viseu Web Editor: Nina Chin Event Photographer Aaron Ng Gyaru Shoot: Nina Chin Cover Shot: Aaron Ng Public Relations: Meilyne Tran Special Thanks: Vernon Chen, Pika Pika S.F., 6% Doki Doki, Reckless Hearts www.electrictrash.com
02
Electric TRASH is produced by Electric Trash. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
040 Style Watch 056 Staff Page 057 Giveaway Winner 058 Ask Seiji Page 19
Page 06
pAGE 28
about the cover Two members of our Electric Trash Staff Team were chosen to model for the sensational 6% Doki Doki. Along with strutting our stuff and dancing our heads off, we also participated in kawaii parties and presentations. Sugarpill Cosmetics provided the make-up and 6% Doki Doki provided the styling for this shot.The cover shot was taken right after an intense dance-off on stage! This whole experience gave us a new direction for our magazine!
c i r t c e El rash r T ve e r Fo
03
BE ELECTRIC. GET TRASHY. To all the readers of Electric Trash,
Welcome to our Sensational Kawaii edition of Electric Trash! In this issue, you will find mismatched socks, sugar sugar bows, and lots of brilliant colors. As Gloria puts it, “Get ready to be sensational!!� It has been a very eventful three and a half months. While making this issue, I have discovered new things about every member of this magazine. And with these new things, I want our magazine to expand and grow into something bigger and better. We have come very far -- from having every staff member meeting face to face in Los Angeles to modeling for 6% Doki Doki! We have covered two conventions, three lives, and countless other events. I want to thank Reckless Hearts for sponsering some nifty clothing for our shoot, 6% Doki Doki for hosting such a fabulous event, Pika Pika SF for letting us use their facilities, and the staff of Electric Trash. I want to thank first most, Gloria, my wonderful assistant, who will always sit with me during crunch time (the last three days till our release) and who is always there no matter what the circumstance. During the course of producing this issue, we had a lot of ups and downs. However, what is important is that we got through it together. I want to thank Aaron, my event and make-up photographer, for sitting through the excruciating long days of make-up, hair, and catty models. Thank you for providing me with wonderful images! I want to thank Nina for taking the time and effort to move to San Francisco. I appreciate your dedication. I also want to thank Meilyne, Shirley, Toge, Vernon, and Stef. Thank you guys for your constant support and late night talks! And to you, the readers for always believing! Always,
Cristina Viseu Editor-in-Chief
04
My Favorite Things From mint Thigh High Boots Fall or Winter is the best time to break in the thigh high boots so you can wear shorts and skirts without freezing!
long lasting lipstick
studded bangles
black eyeshadow
Skull Necklaces
I like to wear black eyeshadow almost everyday. I’m never without it!
Sexy Girl Body Cream This Lotion gives off a sweet scent in addition to some sparkles! It makes me feel oh-so-girly inside.
http://twocosmetics.com/
Chili Peppers
My Favorite Things From Gloria
I think I’m spicy today. Everyday I must use these as supplement to my meals. It helps boost health too! I love chili peppers.
Punky Striped shirt
Union Jack Print
Fusain Facewash
Black Leather Bag I use a simple black bag for school and going out with friends. I like it simple so it can be coordinated with any outfit.
Strange Leggings They aren’t really strange, just has 2 different sides. It has a bow & skull for ultimate girly effect but an electrifying print on the other for a cool & rock effect! It is truely a double effect leggings! Can’t decide which style to wear? Wear both!
My Favorite Things From nina False Lashes
Black Jeans
Black leather jacket
False eyelashes make anyones eyes more dramatic! They help you stand out from the crowd.
Black leather jackets are classic, and keep you warm in style. They can work for multiple styles, including punky or chic!
Nude Lipstick
Silver jewelery
Red plaid is a versatile pattern. Red is an eye-catching color, and plaid is a bold statement whether it be a top or a skirt.
White doc Martins Red plaid
My Favorite Things From Aaron hEAVY rINGS Wallet Chain Studded Belt A belt can really help your outfit “pop”. It adds another layer to the look of your clothing.
I wouldn’t be able to live without my wallet chain. I can’t get pickpocketed, and I won’t ever forget it anywhere. It also looks cool.
aRMOUR rING Watch Cell Phone A cellphone is very important to me. Without it, I wouldn’t know where to go. It helps when the phone is cool and stylish too.
Cologne
Printed Hoodie
King Violet With the new, darker . rim, King-Size Circle Lens will give you a bigger, more dramatic effect for your eyes.
P E T
S 3 COLO
R Apply pink along the crease and white under.
Apply yellow shadow under.
Line your eyes. Apply eyelashes.
Items Used: Eyebrow Pencil, Eyeliner, Mascara, White Eyeshadow, Pink Eyeshadow, Yellow Eyeshadow, Eyelashes
3-ST
EP
L A R T U NE
Apply black eyeshadow all over the eyelid.
Blend upwards.
Apply eyelashes.
Items Used: Black Eyeshadow, Mascara, Eyeliner, Eyelashes
i i a
translator: Misaki C. Kido Photos: Aaron Ng
w a k e r u t l u C
Though 6% Doki Doki, a truly Sensational Kawaii brand, graces the cover of many popular Japanese magazines, there is not much written about Sebastian Masuda, the creator. He established this brand in 1995 in Harajuku, a bustling fashion district in Japan. When you step into 6% Doki Doki, glitter and stardusts fills your eyes. However, beneath this kingdom of perfect, lamé bows and vivid, layered tulle skirts, lies a deeper message which Sebastian Masuda delivers: Within San Francisco, there is this philosophy that has clicked upon a counter culture. I have been talking a lot about the past of the 60’s and 70’s. These pasts are also relevant to our current situation relating towards terrorism and war. It is so common in our daily lives and it is also what happened in the 1960’s and 1970’s. I really like to bring about the topic considering the hippies of the 1960’s that wear this really bright, colorful clothing as a symbol of freedom in contrast with the black, white, and camo print. Compared to these colors that symbolize war, this vivid culture came in as a prime counterpart.
When people don’t understand where this Harajuku Kawaii fashion is coming from, they base their judgments on a shallow perspective. They see people with this bright clothing cluttered with motifs of small children’s toys. It appears really childish to people who don’t understand and they make a very instantaneous and surface judgment. They will say its childish culture or even that these people have a Peter Pan Syndrome. People retain this judgment very quickly. In an actual sense, the people who wear this type of clothing aren’t being childish at all. It is a sort of intentional movement against this world created by adults. This world they created is a hollow one filled with lies and deceit. The colors are an escape from this world. Now, we have been talking about the 60’s and 70’s hippie movement for quite some time, I want to focus more on our current movement about this modern day theory. What is very different from back then to now is the basics that this theory was made from. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, music was a huge influence in these counter-cultures and subcultures. In the current days of 2010, this music movement has slowed down and declined. It has less influence in people’s daily lives. There is an alternative now – and that is fashion. It is something influential. This is a personal speculation into the future but I believe ten years from now, there might be things more or less influenced from eastern cultures such as from Japan. Because of the cultural and historical aspects that come with Japan, there are many elements that lie underneath this “pop” culture, The substances that is in these cultures are the types of things accepted and functioning in the world as we speak. I don’t consider myself as a critic that can speak for all of Japan so I can really only strictly talk from the point of Harajuku and Kawaii culture. But even through that, I can show you how these counter-cultures can come together in our modern lives. At this point, I will give you what I consider as “Kawaii”. “Kawaii” means to have a really small personal universe within yourself. In this world you have created, you can find your own personal happiness. Where 6% Doki Doki comes from is actually a fashion center in the district of Harajuku. Within this district, there is a lot of creative thinking. Originality is encouraged into various forms of fashion. There is no definition on what you should and should not be wearing. In this Kawaii fashion style, we encourage the same sort of freedom of expression on how you wear these colorful materials. What you do with fashion is really up to yourself.
We take deep roots into Harajuku philosophy. I have just explained the definition of “Kawaii�. If you put those two together, those are the roots of 6% Doki Doki. The origin of 6% Doki Doki style is something unexplainable but its all within the mentality and philosophy. Combined with the building of Harajuku, this mentality and philosophy is what makes 6% Doki Doki. Anywhere in the world that we have traveled to, we bring that 6% Doki Doki fashion. When they see us for the first time, they are usually shocked with the visual appearance. That is the initial impression with anyone in the world. One of the reasons why it has such a visual impact and surprise effect is because, for example, when we go to Europe, Europeans have their own culture that they have deeply cherished for a long time and what we bring is very straightforward based on Japanese mentality. It has never crossed their minds where they have questioned where it has come from. So that creates this surprise effect. Within our 6% Doki Doki style, we have something that is seen deep within other cultures. 6% Doki Doki has a rebellion against the uptightness associated with tradition. We consider ourselves the counterculture of it. When we have this kind of counter-culture that is not rooted in the original tradition, people understand this mutual feeling against the uptight culture established from Adults. That is why a lot of people agree, no matter where we are, to that aspect of it. An example is in London, what used to be the center of the rebel punk movement. When we came there, they had this huge impact because they have already seen this rebellion within the punk movement. However, they have not seen any counter cultures like this since that. Right now, when we go back to London, we have realized that all the culture has been diluted to something like a hairstyle or clothing style. Punk movement was initially a counter culture in London where there was a clash between the country and the people who lived there. Until they balanced that idea, the people had to rebel and that’s where this punk movement emerged.
There is a difference between the Kawaii style in Japan and the Kawaii style in London. The people who appreciate the Kawaii fashion in London have lots of tattoos with very cute motifs like sweets or pastries. They have this full sleeve ontop of very colorful clothing. Looking at that, there is something aggressive in London than Japan. When I was seeing the Kawaii motion in Japan, there was this feeling of an oncoming sense of “Please look at me. Please understand me.” When I came overseas, that aspect is slightly different than that of Japan. When I go overseas, Japanese is not the standard language. Even so, people still use the word Kawaii. Because people use this, it indicates that they are at a higher level of understanding towards this movement. By using this word, it’s sort of like a secret code or hidden slang. It makes the word Kawaii special to them. As I mentioned earlier, within the Kawaii movement and culture, there is this underlying Japanese mentality and I would like to elaborate upon it. It is the sort of Japanese mentality that is to be considerate towards the person you are speaking to. If someone is asking you something, you can’t turn it down because you are trying to be nice and kind. That sort of thing is criticized by the world before. However, it’s the showing of the consideration that is the bottomline of what Kawaii culture is referring to. This mentality of being considerate towards other people in general, by not saying yes or no directly to their face, is important. In theory, if we had this type of mentality, there shouldn’t be a war in this world. Japanese mentality is actually inside this Kawaii movement and in this happy culture.
Uplifting and happy culture is suppose to be influential in a positive matter. Our Kawaii culture, like gothic Lolita and decoram has this power. That is why we are coming to outside countries. We are trying to spread it to the rest of the world. This is what we are trying to theorize in the 2010 Summer of Love Kawaii Experience. We are trying to be the inspiration to spread happiness. This is our ultimate goal. Another thing, I want to acknowledge is the theory of communications. When we started this world tour, the original concept is to see the truth of communications and the world. It was another goal we tried to achieve. When the youth of today was born, they were surrounded by the media and the invention of mobile phones and internet. The one thing they want is communication because these things were within their daily lives and that was the world they grew up with. Communication was a natural thing to them. Within this world, the kids grew up constantly communicating through things like Myspace or Facebook. They were always connected to this network of friends but deep down, they knew how shallow the communications they established really is. Deeply knowing how empty these networks were, they looked and wanted a more intense and truer communication with eachother – something that is quite simple. We physically came from Japan to San Francisco for this face to face communication, to be friends. Its this analog type of communication we tried to bring. It’s something more real than text messaging and online networking. It’s a simple, alternative solution.
Sensational Kawaii! Interview with Sebastian Masuda of 6% Doki Doki
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to have this interview with me! Out of all the places you have traveled, why did you decide to come to San Francisco last year? Last year when New People, this building, was being established, Seiji, the president of New People and Viz Pictures, came to me. He was the founder of manga and anime culture in America and as the next step in the progression, he really wanted to put a spotlight on people’s lifestyle within things like anime and manga. That’s really want he wanted to focus on so when he was coming up with the concept of this building, we were pinpointed and invited to come over from Harajuku to San Francisco as representatives of Harajuku fashion and culture. So what are your thoughts on anime and manga? Actually, I was never really influenced by anime and manga. It was actually things like music and rave culture in the 90’s that were in our style. Actually there isn’t a lot of connection between anime and manga and us. When people in Japan produce anime and manga, they sometimes incorporate the Harajuku style or fashion in general into their character designs. So that’s why it seems like anime and manga are the origin of this style but in reality it’s the other way around.
What are your thoughts about cosplay then? I know you said that if you are into a style, you should be that style everyday. Cosplay is a sort of expression and trend where there is an existing character and you are trying, one hundred percent, to be that character. There is no substance to it, really. It’s just the lifestyle of this character. Those type of things are taken out and that’s what makes the cosplay. In contrast, Harajuku fashion is for people who start to get bored of ordinary clothing in stores and for people who want to step up from there to come up with their own originality from it. It’s a lifestyle. I don’t know if it’s the same in Japan, but in America, there are people who cosplay day-to-day Harajuku fashion for certain events such as conventions. How do you perceive this? I know in Japan there is an off-day/on-day mode so how is that different than what we are doing? When you cosplay a gothic lolita or ganguro, you have certain examples to copy off of. That is different. But even when you are trying to dress up like that, you look at these examples and start to do it within your own style, using whatever is available to you to make that fashion. That’s what makes it closer to the lifestyle in that sense. It’s still considered fashion. However, if those people dressing up as a gothic lolita or ganguro feels like they are pretending to be that one person and line of trend, then that would be considered cosplay. Fashion really has to be coming from you and your everyday lifestyle. If you are not representing that, then it is cosplay. What is your view on poseurs then? Here, if you are punk, you have to be punk all the way! However, in Japan, I see girls as a sweet lolita one day and in a regular outfit the next. What do you think about this? in terms of enjoying a various style of fashion that is osmething i highly want to encourage but there is a difference between your fashion progressing into something new and your fashion turning into something completely different. its evolving versus switcing over. if you are switching over to one to another and rather than evolving, then i cant encourage that type of behavior.
And also as a natural path of somebody growing up, you can be really young and be in the youth culture you can be establishing yourself and at that point if you make a huge jump to a different style, then that is a normal path to everyday human behavior. What is your view on liking two different things? Like, if you enjoy punk and lolita at the same time? In that case, It is important to accept yourself. This is reality and it’s inevitable and unnatural to change yourself. Its more so than changing, its about evolving. Onto some lighter questions‌ What is your favorite thing about America? Pride. American Pride? Its uplifting and cheerful
… ehhhhhh?? The reason why I say it is so uplifthing and cheerful is because when I went to Los Angeles, there were a lot of people who wore 6% Doki Doki fashion. In L.A., people who wear this sort of fashion will eventuall realize that other people will point a finger at you and stare. The girls who are dressing up know this as a fact and still continue to do it. They do this as a statement to themselves and the world. It is a reflection of themselves. They can deal with these things so cheerfully and brightly.I see. So have you ever thought about making a 6% men’s line? This is one of the really important things I’ve realized over this world tour. Wherever I go, these cultures, 6% or Kawaii culture, are emerging from the world. Unless there is also a men’s culture involved in it, there wouldn’t be a movement. I thought it was really important to come up with a men’s line. It was a realization to me. When I had events in L.A., there were a lot of guys that were wearing 6% Doki Doki clothing for girls. They were trying really hard to fit into it. But even so, there were people who were really pulling it off! I thought that maybe if there were clothing designed and made for men, it would look even better. What about different sizes? From an American standpoint, one-size-fits-all seems impossible. There are two sides of people into making that happen. One side is the designer and the other side is the people at the store. The store side was against making various sizes in clothing because it makes it so much more difficult to manage the stocks and inventory. It makes it harder to keep in the stores. However, I am already determined to make it happen. Last question! What is Sebastians favorite color? Hot pink and yellow! I want to keep it toned down for everyday wear by mixing it with black/white and using hot pink and yellow as a one point pop color. My speculation in terms of fashion from now on is using a neutral color and a pop or offset color. It should be a next generation of trend from now on
R e c w o Kn No k imits L l e s s H e a r t s
Jacket: swordfish one peice; lipservice
My Sweet Dream
sweater/l swordfish 31
One Piece - Gilfy
jacket -- Swordfish
26
H O T R I O T S
LETS DANC E
blouse - black peace now bustier - Arachnophobia JSK - h.NAOTO
dress - Alice and the Pirates
cutsew --h.NAOTO dress - h.NAOTO 24
O G S T . ! E ! ! L s llywood ho
t y l e W a T c h
♥JULIEDOLL♥(Left) Age: 00 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Unknown
Ari (Right)
Age: 24 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Atelier Pierrot
Uran
Age: 28 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: O
Mie
Age: 18 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Angelic Pretty
Morgan
Age: 22 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand:
Brian
Age: 22 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Sex Pot Revenge
Maganda
Age: 21 Location: L.A Favorite Brand:
Vivienne Westwood
Crystal Y.
Age: 19 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Angellic Pretty
Sandy J.
Age: 20’s Location: L.A. Favorite Brand:
Angelic Pretty / Alice &
Ashley Marie Age: 18 Location:L.A Favorite Brand:
Alices and the Pirates
Steve (Right) Age: 22 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: H. Naoto
Wei (Left)
Age: 22 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Moi Meme Moitie
Stephanie
Age: 16 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: H. Naoto
Kitty
Age: 19 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Hello Kitty
Maki
Age: 23 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Liz Lisa
Arc
Age: 22 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Sex Pot
Destiny
Age: 22 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: H. Naoto
Rosie (Left)
Age: 24 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Angelic Pretty
Leriat (Right)
Age: 22 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: H. Naoto
David (Right)
Age: 19 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Alice and the Pirates
Amanda (Left) Age: 19 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: h.NAOTO frill
Saint
Age: 21 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Lip Service, Tripp
Ryutaro
Age: 19 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Sex Pot Revenge
Jen
Age: 24 Location: LA Favorite Brand: Atelier Pierrot
Cory
Age: 15 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Algonquins
Brenda
Age: 23 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Angelic Pretty
Sami
Age: 19 Location: SF Favorite Brand: Atelier Pierrot
Sandra
Age: 19 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Angelic Pretty
Amanda
Age: 19 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: h.NAOTO FRILL
MINT (Left)
Age: 18 Location: L.A. Favorite Designer: Gareth Pugh
NINA (Right)
Age: 17 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: N/A
David
Age: 19 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand:
Alice and the Pirate
Elton
Age: 21 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: h.NAOTO
Ashley
Gayle
Age: 19 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Black Peace Now
Katie
Age: 19 Age: 19 Location: L.A. Location: S.F. Favorite Brand: Favorite Brand: SEXPOT ReVeNGe Alice and th Pirates
Ferocoa
Age: 28 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: BTSSB, Angelic Pretty, h.NAOTO
Shiyo
Age: 30 Location: S.F. Favorite Brand: Liz Lisa
SHaNIqUA
Zack
LizLisa
SEX POT ReVeNGe
Age: 18 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand:
Age: 18 Location: S.F. Favorite Brand:
Janet (Left)
Age: 18 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Angelic Pretty
Chau (right)
Age: N/A Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Angelic Pretty
Miggi Pop
Age: 101 Location: L.A. Favorite Brand: Miss Kitty
S TAFF
GO TO OUR WEBSITE TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR NEXT GIVEAWAY!
gIVEAWAY
WINNERS
Ask Seiji
Seiji is an expert in relationships, friendships, and style. He is a magical being who will answer your every question! send your questions to seiji@electrictrash.com
Q: I live in a really cold area. How can I still look cute but stay warm at the same time? I don’t want to look too bundled up! A: There are so many different ways you can be both fashionable and warm. Layering is key. You can wear cardigans or cute hoodies with blazers or peacoats. Fleece-lined boots can be both comfortable and cute, while keeping your feet warm. There are also many different styles of scarves you can coordinate with. Q: I want to start wearing heels more often, but they hurt so much! Is there a way I can get used to them more? A: Eventually, you can, and will, get used to them. To make wearing heels more comfortable for the time being, invest in some good quality gel-inserts, and try to find heels that have better cushioning on the sole area. Practice walking around at home with socks in them for a few hours everyday so they stretch. Also, heels that have a wedge or platform tend to be more comfortable! Good luck! Q: My eyeshadow never seems to last and gets gross about half-way through the day. How can I stop this from happening? A: Invest an eyeshadow primer. Not only does it help your eyeshadow last longer without creasing, but it helps the eyeshadow apply better and more true to color. Q: I’ve always admired the blonde hair of gals. I bleached my hair the other day in hopes to look like that,but it turned orange on me! I look like a carrot. I can’t afford going to a salon, is there a way to fix this mess at home? A: If your hair is orange, you may need to bleach it once more so that it turns yellow. Once it turns yellow, you can use a purple toner to take out the yellow and achieve a blonde shade. Bleaching wreaks havoc on the hair, however! Be sure to use hot-oil treatments or deep conditioners.
Q: My eyelashes are so sparse and short, but I can’t seem to put on fake eyelashes correctly. What am I doing wrong? A: Putting on fake eyelashes is something that you get better at with time! Make sure not to put TOO much glue along the band of the eyelashes, an remember to wait 15-25 seconds for the glue to become tacky. If you try to put the eyelashes on before the glue is tacky, they will slip and slide! Also, if it helps, use tweezers to put them on, and a handheld mirror to see closer and better. Q: Everytime I curl my hair, the curls never seem to last. What can I do so they don’t die on me? A: Layered hair definitely holds curls better than one-length hair. There are also many curling products out there such as pre-curl sprays and mousses you can use before using a curling iron. Finishing your curls with a strong-hold hairspray also helps lock in style. Many people find that using a straight iron helps their curls stay in longer. Also, rewinding an already finished curl with a bobby pin and pinning the curls in for an hour or two will make the curls last ten times as long. Q: My cheeks are so big, like a puffer-fish. Is there a way to make them less noticeable? A: Round cheeks are cute! They make you appear more youthful. A way to make them less noticeable is by using a face powder that is 1-3 shades darker than your actual skin tone ad applying it to the hollows of your cheeks. This gives the illusions of a long face, and high cheekbones. Make sure to blend well though, or else it will look like a dark stripe along the side of your cheek. Q: I like to dress in Lolita often, but I always get stares and weird, sometimes rude, comments. I don’t know how to deal with it! I love Lolita too much to stop wearing it, but it really hurts my confidence. A: Never stop expressing yourself just because of the way strangers react. You wear Lolita for yourself, and nobody else. Learn to ignore the comments and stares, and wear your favorite clothes with pride. No matter where you go in any type of “outlandish” fashion, you will get these reactions. All that matters is that YOU love it. Q: I love leopard print. What is the best way to incorproate it into my wardrobe without it being overkill or too tacky? A: Leopard print is a great way to make a statement. Don’t wear leopard print with other prints, or it appears too noisy and mismatching. You can pair a leopard coat with a black dress underneath, or even a graphic print tee with jeans and boots. Another idea is to wear a leopard print dress with a solid colored blazer or leather jacket on top. There are also many leopard print accessories such as bags and shoes. Q: I love visual kei and punk style. I’m not allowed to dye my hair though. What can I do to spice up my boring black hair? A: Black hair can also work, too. You can get a razored haircut with tons of layers and long bangs, and style it with hairspray and wax. Also, you can get cornrows on one side, or do a faux-hawk depending on the length of your hair. To change things up from time to time, you can also use multicolored clip-on extensions without the damage of dying your hair. Q: My skin is oily, especially in my t-zone. What type of foundation should I be using? A: Powder foundation, whether it be a compact or a mineral foundation, is the best for oily skin. It gives good coverage, and the powder absorbs excess oil. Also, be sure to use a face primer that controls sebum and carry oil-blotting sheets.