Pop*Princess

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Pop Princess Facebook Fan Page & Sneak Peeks of Starry Garden Designs!

So at the request of the adorable Kieli (whom I very much look forward to chatting with on Faceboooook : 3 ), I have finally gotten around to making a fan page so I can chat and keep up to date with you cuties real time! This is where I'll be posting major updates, info about reservations/pre-orders, sneak peek photos of runway garments, and hopefully showing of you beauties wearing your Pop Princess frills in the future! ; 3

Join & Become Pop Princess Royalty!

Just to get you to go look at it... a sneaky sneaky photo of Starry Garden in lavender!

Hope to meet and chat with all of you very soon! <3
Annika

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Imai Kira Girl Walking on Moon Tights & Mirukuma Shopping Service Review

Imai Kira Girl Walking on the Moon Tights

As the usual segue goes, once I started getting into sweet lolita fashion, oh many moons ago, ha ha, I eventually had the great pleasure of stumbling across and being introduced to the stunning images that make up the great Imai Kira's artwork and illustrations. I, like many others, fell hard and instantly in love with her gorgeous illustrations featuring small, pale wide doe-eyed girls staring up from the pages. They reminded me of another artist whom I love, Audrey Kawasaki, by the melancholy that pierces through their level gazes despite being draped in lovely frocks and frills. Which meant that I begin collecting Imai Kira's art, as if I needed another addiction.

One late night (one of many, as I still haven't really been sleeping, I suspect due to being anxious about the fashion show and getting my runway pieces done among other things), I was surfing about the interwebs and was looking at Mirukuma to see her latest posts from Closet Child and saw the beloved "Girl Walking on Moon Tights" designed by the lovely Imai Kira herself and of course had a near heart attack. Which led to me frantically searching to find them, and realizing I had missed a pre-order on Fairytale Boutique and that they were only sold on Japanese website.

Image belongs to Kat//Mirukuma.

I have never, until recently, taken the plunge in using a shopping service to order things from Yahoo Japan, Mbok, etc, or any other Japanese site (which is probably in all honesty better for my savings as we all know how terribly tempting those sites can be!) I mean, where was I to start?! There are so many choices, so many reviews and suggestions, and good/bad experiences?! I still had Mirukuma's website open at the time and I recalled that Kat, the girl that runs the shopping service, always had stellar reviews on the EGL forums from very happy customers. So after a few days of thinking, and by that I mean... thinking about how cute I would look in said tights and that I NEEDED them in my life, ha ha, I took the jump and contacted her.

Image belongs to Parabolica Bliss

The tights, which can be purchased here, were fairly pricey but it was Imai Kira and since I have settled with myself that it will be a very long time since I can or will ever own any of her illustrated garments from AP, it was worth it! Below is a review of both Kat's lovely shopping service and the tights themselves.

It was a couple days before Kat responded because she was super swamped and busy, but of course, since it was my first time submitting an order request I was worried that I had filled out the form incorrectly. But I was delighted to hear from her----the email was very sweet and kind, and within a day she had arranged for the payment through the Amazon checkout process which was super easy and simple! She kept me informed every step of the way, letting me know about shipping from them to her, and then from her to me! (✿◠‿◠)

After shipping the tights arrived fairly quickly in about two weeks. They were wrapped in a small brown package, and the tights were inside two separate plastic packages to keep them nice and safe on their journey. Included in the package was a special postcard illustrated by Imai Kira and a few pamphlets about other artists and upcoming exhibitions. I spent most of the time sitting in the parking lot of where I work ripping open the package and trying to see them because I was so excited. : 3

The tights themselves look darker in the photographers, and are more of a blacky brown than a pure black, and when worn they become sort of opaque/sheer. The print itself has a kind of pleasant softness so it is not really blurry or in focus---it features a light blue ribbon that wraps up around the leg, showing cute little motifs of butterflies, teddy bears, perfume bottles, roses, etc. The main feature of course is the girl on the left leg near the ankle floating in mid air and reaching up to the moon on the right leg.

I have never actually been a tights kind of girl. I always found them extremely restrictive, and uncomfortable, where it kind of cinched uncomfortably at the waist and dug into the hips. These tights, however are incredibly soft, pliable, and stretchy. Since I'm small they hug the curves of my legs nicely, and sit below the natural waist area, and the waistband of the tights are very comfortable, like I wasn't even wearing any.

For the price, I believe that the manufacturer could have done a better job of lining up the print at the seams. The seams on the left and right side of the leg are a bit misaligned, where the ribbon doesn't match up properly and is off, which makes the print look disjointed---whereas if they had tried a little harder, it could have looked flawless, a seamless, continuous print. That is my really only complaint as I appreciate expensive products that match their seams ha ha.

Because the intricate simplicity of these tights, I feel like I can wear them to dress up like in my pink vintage lacey dress or to dress down with a cute pair of shorts and a chiffon button up top. I look forward to trying out different coords, though if these tights ever get a run in them or rip I will basically just lie on the floor and expire from sadness. (╥﹏╥)

In summary....

Mirukuma Shopping Service:

*EASE OF PROCESS: (5/5)
Easy peezy lemon squeezey! The order form is extremely simple and easy to fill out. You just submit your name, other info, the item you want to buy//quantity//color, and the link to where it needs to be bought from. This particular website wasn't on Kat's list, but she was super obliging and agreed to help me purchase it anyway!

*COMMUNICATION: (5/5)
Perfect! Kat was always quick to respond, very kind and super sweet. She was never hard to get a hold of and just a fabulous person to work with.

*SHIPPING: (5/5)
Super quick! No delays in customs, or issues at all! It arrived in about 2 weeks.

*PRICE/FEES: (5/5)
I found Kat's fees for her shopping service to be extremely reasonable! I will definitely be buying from her again for all my future purchases!

Imai Kira Girl Walking on Moon Tights:

*PRICE: (4/5)
The price for these tights were fairly expensive for what they are, but I realized I was paying for Imai Kira brand name and illustration more than anything else.
*QUALITY: (4/5)
They are mostly true to color, soft, and flexible. I still believe they could have lined up the seams of the print better, other than that I'm happy!
*COMFY FACTOR: (5/5)
Sooooo much more comfy than tights I remember being! It feels like you aren't wearing any.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Starry Garden Final Color Swatches & Progress

So the time has come the walrus said to speak of many things...

Or just give you an update on how things are going! ^o^ With only three weeks left till the FRILL fashion show, things have been basically non-stop sewing time in between finishing commission pieces as well as prepping and finishing all the runway garments, and of course working at my other job which has been crazy busy long hours. Really, I am trying to get less hours there so I can spend more time designing all the commissions you have been requesting of me! <3 (Thank you for those by the way! I never imagined so many people wanting me to design them things!)

The first set of yardage came in a couple weeks ago, and I was so nervous to take the plunge--
I bought 8 yards total, one of the lavender, and one of the slate blue.

Because what if something didn't line up? What if there was an error?! But what was I thinking? Flor is basically magic and everything lines up and looks PERFECT.


Colors Featured: Lavender & Slate Blue © Pop Princess// Annika Simmons & Flor Lopez 2013

I personally am looooving the slate blue and the lavender so far. They turned out really beautifully, especially when printed on the Kona cotton fabric since that one has a really nice weave and is considered to be "premium" cotton of sorts.The next set of fabric arrived for my adorable plus sized model's design, in the navy, yesterday and this one is the all stars design at the top.

Colors Featured: Navy © Pop Princess// Annika Simmons & Flor Lopez 2013

Colors L- R Featured: Queen Bee, Sax, Pink, Black, Navy © Pop Princess// Annika Simmons & Flor Lopez 2013

I think the rest of the test swatches turned out really well and are true to color! The one on the far left, the Queen Bee, I had printed on a cotton silk and it has such a gorgeous sheen to it. I think if I do a second release of Starry Garden, perhaps I'll do a set number of skirts (JSKs?) in the silky one if anyone shows interest of course. ; 3

I was having trouble finding the chiffon fabrics that I wanted for the JSK and OP design, since originally my vision had the sleeves/accents in a darker color to set off the fabric. I decided for the lavender to go with a gorgeous light lilac chiffon from the David Tutera collection, and a pretty white chiffon for the slate blue. I should be able to mock up all the rest of the designs/colorways after the show!

And you will not believe how difficult it is to match the print/seams on this fabric!! It took me over 4 hours to cut out the skirt/bodice pattern pieces I had drafted out. >o< It's all those diamond criss cross-y patterns that make it so hard to make the print look continuous all the way around. I am learning, so one day I will get it perfect just like how I want. And all the lace will be dyed by hand so it might take a couple times to get the perfect vat of each color!

Here is a sneak peek of the lavender, just the bottom bodice so far. : 3 I think I will be able to finish a good majority of it today on my day off!

It still looks like a June release date! So hope you're looking forward to the variety of cute colors to choose from for Starry Garden! <3 Which color is your favorite so far?

I have been doing sneak peeks of the other runway designs on my personal Facebook page, though I suspect I should probably make a Pop Princess fan page one, yes? Would you also like to see sneak peeks of designs in progress? <3

xo
Annika

ps: In case you missed the notice, hang out with Annika on Facebook! <3
Pop Princess Fan Page

Monday, April 15, 2013

Tekkoshocon Fashion Show: Pop Princess Twirls Down the Runway!

This past weekend at the Tekkoshocon convention out in Pittsburgh, Pop Princess had the honor of being a part of their fashion show! Though I was not able to attend in person, I heard that it was a big success with a nice turn out and seemed to excite a lot of people, which is always nice to hear. And I think the person that we should all thank for working so hard to bring this show to life is, Miss Cat and company! She was in charge of running and producing the show, so everyone say, "Thanks for being so awesome and wonderful, girl!"

Three outfits were mailed out to Miss Cat and driven out to the convention to appear on the runway! Such beautiful dresses, of course, had to be modeled by three equally as beautiful girls: Amy, Jennifer, and Charlotte! As our Pop Princess ambassador, I put Amy in charge of all the details from choosing models, to coordinating outfits, and anything else in between! (And of course, she did an amazing job, which I knew she would. You're the best, Amy!)

Photo Credit: Shana H.

These are the girls in their cute cute cute outfits and don't they look adorable?

Models from L to R: Jennifer in Alice in Wonderland Frame JSK, Amy in Red Bunny Tea Party, and Charlotte in Silky Bow Tie Ruffle Blouse and Rose Jewelry Skirt

Aw, Amy, sooo adorable and awesome!

Jennifer, looking super duper cute and elegant!

And Charlotte looking so pretty!

You are fantastic girls, all my love! <3 xo

Thank you SO much for your hard work, lovelies, it means so much to me! More photos/videos to come hopefully! Two of our designs are shown in this video starting at 2:03!

UPDATE: Here is a video featuring the Pop Princess girls dancing with famous international J-pop singer, Chii Sakurabi at the Tekko show! <3 Waiii, isn't that awesome???

Were you able to see the fashion show in person? How did you like the designs? ^o^ If you have any video of photos, I'd love to see them!

(Credits: Photographer: Feytaline Lauren M. //Models: Amy, Charlotte, and Jennifer)

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Starry Gardens: The Swatch is Hereeeeeee!!!

Okay, everyone. Please feel free... to freak out with me and be super super SUPER excited!!! And when we're done doing that, let's all give Flor the BIGGEST hug EVER. Right now. Do it! I am just so ecstatic that I really don't have words, seeing the print in person is just... wow! O_O

Featured Colorway: Slate Blue , © Pop Princess//Annika Simmons & Flor Lopez 2013

Oh Hop Hop, you are so cute! I miss you! , © Pop Princess//Annika Simmons & Flor Lopez 2013

THERE IT IS! My brand name, ahhh! , © Pop Princess//Annika Simmons & Flor Lopez 2013

The print itself is very soft, it doesn't have any hard lines/edges to the artwork which I think gives it a really nice gentle, airy kind of aesthetic which works perfectly with the concept of Starry Garden of Hopscotch playing in a star filled heaven.

Even the grass is detailed, that's how cool Flor is!! © Pop Princess//Annika Simmons & Flor Lopez 2013

I think as for the print itself, the colors printed are fairly true as they looked digitally on the computer except perhaps a little bit darker, especially the background, which I think is ok! It really makes the bunnies and garden print pop. ^^

That is all for now! I will be ordering the fabrics for the runway designs now in their appropriate colorways! : 3 Hoorayyyyyyy! Are you excited, are you, are you? : O I am!

xo
Annika

Monday, March 25, 2013

Starry Gardens: Update!

Good morning, my lovely readers!

I know how anxious and excited you have all been for an update on the fabric design of Starry Gardens, designed by Pop Princess' very own, talented and amazing Flor! We have been working hard to make sure everything was just right before we send out for swatches to test the different colorways/design.

Well... let's be honest here, Flor is the one that has been working so hard and being super amazing! She has made a few minor changes to the border print itself, tweaked some colors, and given you girls an lovely variety in colorway choices! Round of applause for this girl because she has been an absolute dream to work with, and deserves so so so so much praise! I have just been on the sidelines going something like: "Add colorway? Quick change here, and here?" and "You are the most amazing person in the whole world, go, Flor, go! I love youuuu!" : >

I also have some other exciting news! Besides Pop Princess appearing at Tekkosocon and Frill fashion shows in these up coming months, the brand will be doing a huge photo shoot for the runway pieces and will be sending them over to a Berlin based magazine, alt // cramer, to be considered as a featured designer in their up and coming magazine focused on featuring brand and up and coming talents of Gothic, Lolita, and Punk fashion! Cross the fingers we get chosen, the deadline is in June!

On to the gorgeous print and its colorways! <3 We decided to do the criss cross star design and a simple starry design for two options!

Though I have been quite a busy bee trying to get on track sewing/designing the runway designs, I thought I would share some rough pen sketches of the pieces I would like to design with Starry Garden for the runway! Color versions in the future! (I haven't had time to sketch the skirt yet! : O)
I am thinking light, ethereal, airy---breezy chiffon, silks, organza.

I am thinking of releasing the Starry Gardens print at the end of May/June, and will be able to do a pre-order for all interested lovelies! And yes, I promise to have plus size designs available as well as custom commissions! Just need to get to this fashion show first! : o Now would be a fabulous time to pull a Cinderella or Snow White and have magical, enchanted fuzzy animals to help me sew!

What do you think, lovelies? <3 Are you super excited? Isn't Flor the best? Are you looking forward to seeing the actual swatch fabric samples?

Gotta go disappear back into the sewing room, but hope you're impressed! ; ) I am!
xo

Saturday, March 9, 2013

The Pop Princess Illustrator Winner is...

I would like to start out this post by thanking all the candidates, applicants, and supporters of this illustrator contest! Your avid support of this undertaking has meant so much to me, and to the illustrators for cheering them on and supporting their work. I am so excited we get to share the experience together!

[ I would then like to apologize for not announcing the winner on time, or in a speedy fashion. Because apparently, the answer is, yes: you can in fact have the flu virus and a bacterial infection of strep at the SAME time. I was down with a fever of 103, and have been recovering for a couple weeks now. So sorry, guys! *c* ]

The winner is... Starry Gardens by Flor! <3

Meet the Illustrator! ♥

This is Flor, isn't she cute? ^o^

-Hello, darling! World, meet Flor. Flor, meet the World! Say hello.

Hi world! 9u9

-Would you tell the readers a little bit more about yourself?

Um, I’m not really sure what to say. I’m really happy for this and I hope it to be an amazing experience! I also really love my kitty Toulouse, even if right now he is in his rebellious phase.

-Are you excited to be announced the winner of the Pop Princess contest?

Of course! Who wouldn’t? Although I got a little shocked when I received the news.

Also I’m really glad that the other designs will get a chance to be printed, they are so pretty, and of course Annika wouldn’t have let them go away.

[Edit from Annika: So if your favorite print/illustrator didn't get selected, no worries! <3 We will hopefully have these cute designs printed later this season! ^-^]

-Were you surprised by how many wonderful votes you got? Was it exciting to watch the polls come in?

Yes, pretty much. I wasn’t so confident about my design, since even in the prompt sketches the other designs were so beautiful, and mine was kind of messy. I’m really grateful for everyone that voted for me, really many thanks <3 I will keep trying my best!

-You are obviously a stupendously talented and fantastic artist! Can you tell us how you first got into illustration/art?

I liked drawing since I was little, typical story really. Since I lived very very far away from down town I didn’t really had friends to go out and play and stuff. So I enjoyed my afternoons drawing and creating stories! Then all this got serious in high school, and now I’m in my final semester of college in animation.

-What was your inspiration behind the Starry Gardens print? Did you know where you were going with it right away? Or did you have a bunch of sketches at first?

Well, I really got inspired by some of your words in the description you gave us. That Hopscotch is wishing upon stars in heaven. I thought it would be so whimsical and a nice and unique touch for a bunny print, since there are so many, I wanted to do something new.

-You put SO much gorgeous detail into your illustrations! How long do illustrations usually take you?

It depends in what style I am working, it can go from 2 hours to 7 and more. For this print it took me like 8, mainly because is not only an illustration but is a pattern and it takes some time to make it seamless.

-Are you excited to see your design go to print, and be turned into cute garments?

Yeesss! It will be amazing, I can’t wait to see what Annika has prepared for this <3

-Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers?

First of all, again, many thanks for those who voted for me. It was really a surprise for me that it would be so accepted! And finally that I hope this isn’t the first and last time you hear about me, I really want to continue working in illustrations and things inspired by and for Lolita.

xo What a fantastic interview! Look for more info on the upcoming Starry Garden design as we send it for test prints and swatches!