My experiences as a Lolita in Japan

What happens at Lolita brand events?

In my last post, I wrote from a foreigners perspective of what it is like to be a Lolita in Japan. I also briefly mentioned about going to, and participating in Lolita brand events. So you're probably thinking, what exactly happens at these events? Well, I'm going to tell you!

Usually these events require you to purchase an item from the brand's store usually $35.00 value or above, in order for you to purchase a ticket at around $15.00. It's a bit expensive, however these events are popular, and therefore require you to purchase a ticket in order to secure a spot. Seems pretty reasonable........right?

This was the ticket to the very first BTSSB event!

                                          
Anyway, once the events rolled around, I would meticulously put the best effort ever into my coord and also my make up, as the Japanese Lolitas put a lot of effort into getting ready. Everyone looks absolutely amazing. I felt I had to live up to the expectation of "doing it properly" or not at all. So, in all it took me about two hours to get ready. But it was worth it in the end, because I felt and looked amazing.


 I felt so amazing I had to take a selfie!

                                                 

They all look amazing!! So much effort!!

                                            
Once upon arrival to the event, you have to at least be ten minutes early. The Japanese are very punctual people and always stick to a schedule. This will give you time to pull yourself together and adjust your outfit should it need doing. Outside the venue, the organiser will check your name off the list, tear your ticket and give you the ticket stub back.

Next, depending what the event is, if it's a tea party, you will be escorted to your seat complete with name tag. These tea parties are also nomihodai- all you can drink beverages. Then you will be served a selection of sweets as well. The tea parties are also structured differently to what you or I know in the west. In the west, we can eat, sit back and relax and everything is not so structured. However, brand events are organised in such a way everything is down to the last second and end right on time as well.

From the anniversary/ Halloween event.

 

From a Spring themed tea party.

                                                   

From a Christmas tea party.

                                                      

There is also running commentary throughout the event; such as what new products and prints are going to be released, the early bird discount you can get for the reservation of said item, a game of bingo, with "brand" for the prizes, and a special 10- 20% off in- store purchases on the day. Not to mention the double stamps you can get on the point card as well.  There is also time for photos and chatting with other tea party participants. There is usually a  photo contest as well where you can vote for the best coord for that event. I alsmost forgot to mention the freebies that come with such events as well. One of my prized posssessions are the BTSSB anniversary bears. They are so cute!

The freebies. Top left are the anniversary bears. I got the discount on the wrist cuffs.

From a foreigners point of view, I found this quite an experience and different to what I was use to back home. But, I enjoyed myself at these events and that's the main thing. Also, with the last event I went to, I reserved and bought a limited edition Sendai exclusive Usakumya. It will serve as a memory to my Lolita life in Japan!! It will probably never match any of my coords, but it will serve a cute animal sitting on my bed of the reminder that I am a Sendai Lolita!!

The Sendai exclusive Usakumya.

                                                       
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the next post!!

Bye!!