Tavuchi and Her Bear Bag Illustration

This is a new illustration I did of the awesome Tavuchi, owner of the "Spank!" used/vintage clothing stores in Tokyo, Japan. I'm sure most of my followers are familiar with Tavuchi and her shops if you read my blog often, but if you are new, Tavuchi is a very influential person in the Tokyo street fashion scene. One thing that I like so much about Tavuchi is that she has always stayed true to her concept of late 80's/early 90's cute, with her own personal twist. Many people have become fans of her stores and personal style not only in Tokyo, but internationally as well. It is amazing how when street fashion trends change, she is not defined by them, but still adapts and makes something interesting and relevant to people in Tokyo today. However, she is definitely a trend starter as well, as you can see many people on street fashion web sites and magazines that love what the "Spank!" brand has become, with a tribe of followers who also make it their own. The inspiration for this illustration is the matching green streaks with the green patched bear. I imagine it as an unzippable belt/fanny pack with stuffed animal parts patch worked together. I would love to see someone make it! If anyone does anything like this, I can possibly feature you on my blog, and could even deliver it to Tavuchi for you! :)



Recently, Tavuchi was also photographed by FRUiTS magazine wearing a Lactose Intoler-Art necklace. The issue is the July issue (7/11, no. 168). Pick up your copy locally if you live in Japan, or at Japanese book shops such as "Kinokuniya" in major cities around the world. The Lactose Intoler-Art necklace Tavuchi is wearing It is currently sold out, but please check out my other original necklaces here at my OFFICIAL online shop: Lactose Intoler-Art Online Shop
http://lactoseintolerart.bigcartel.com



LINKS:

Tavuchi's personal blog: http://yaplog.jp/spank-tab/
Tavuchi's DROPTOKYO blog: http://droptokyo.com/blogs/
FRUiTS Magazine Official Online Site:http://www.fruits-mg.com/index.html

My Left Hand Hurts!

Today was a free day for me! Right now, I'm preparing to go back to Tokyo as soon as possible..With Tokyo in mind, I've been spending a lot of my free time connecting with friends in Japan and figuring out plans, as well as constantly looking at street fashion images and any kind of art related to Tokyo.. Last night I had the itch to create some new work around 3AM, and spent much of today working as well, because I was so inspired! I don't know if any of you can relate, but sometimes creativity can come in bursts, where you want to just keep drawing/designing/singing/writing, etc without stopping!

So that's why my left hand hurts. Ha.

I plan to go to Tokyo by at least August. One of my plans is to work with a volunteer organization that is directly connected to helping people that were affected by the earthquake and tsunami which recently happened. I also can't wait to see my friends, and hopefully make new friends and conections as well! Here are some of the new illustrations I've came up with within the past few days.

Tavuchi meets FRUiTS magazine owner, holding Lactose Intoler-Art bag

My friend Tavuchi met with the owner of FRUiTS,TUNE, and STREET magazine. I was glad to see she was holding my bag design. Tavuchi will be coming to my city very soon to meet up with me. I'll try and keep the blog updated with that.

I'm Excited!

New Illustration!
So..I'm gonna have a show at my favorite vintage shop soon! I can't wait..More details later. I'm hoping to get her made onto a giant cut out! Online store hopefully opening within the next few months. Keep checking back!

Salamander Girl

What does she make you think?

Tokyo

Well, I have been in Tokyo since July 8th. It has been an AMAZING experience as usual.

This post doesnt really contain any new artwork, but some exciting news.

Some of you that are familiar with Japanese street fashion may know of the famous Tavuchi-san. She is the owner of select used clothing shops, and has been featured on basically every well-known street fashion publication and web site. She is famous for introducing American late 80s early 90s style vintage into street fashion culture in a way that is relevant to Tokyo fashion subcultures today.

As some of you know, I did an illustration of her before I went to Japan. I ended up emailing it to her, and she loved it. So, I had a custom tote bag design ordered for her to give as a gift to Japan, because we would meet.

Im glad I did. She ended up showing lots of cool street fashion kids the bag, I was so happy. The coolest thing that happened though was this....

Some of you may know fo the magazines STREET, FRUiTS, and TUNE. They are probably the most famous street fashion magazines in Japan, if not the world. FRUiTS has been a revolutionary part of changing fashion culture in Japan. FRUiTS features pictures of just women on the street, TUNE with men on the street, and STREET featuring international street fashion.

I ended up meeting the owner of all 3 of these magazines, Mami-san. She was incredibly kind and supportive. The coolest thing that happened was she ended up taking a picture of Tavuchi-san holding my bag with my illustrations on it, to hopefully be in FRUiTS! I will keep you guys posted on that status for sure.

I am looking for more and more ways to get my art out to the world. My dream is to sell my designs on products in very select shops in Tokyo, and maybe even around the world. What are you guys thoughts? What is something you would like to see with my artwork on it? Products? Any collaborations? I currently have some stuff in the works. Would like to get your opinions. Here are some pictures from the day I met Tavuchi!