When I first interviewed corset designer Bambi way back in 2008, she was still a relatively unknown designer at Succubus. How things have changed over the last five years. Since Bambi launched her own corset specialty shop abilletage two years ago, her popularity has surged.
Yesterday, she celebrated abilletage’s second anniversary with a fantastic—in the literal meaning—celebration at Tokyo’s religious goth themed Christon Cafe.
Named Carnaval du abilletage-Grimm’s Forest, the event attracted a large number of uniquely dressed people who were entertained by a show based on fairytales by the Grimm brothers. The interpretations of the Grimm stories brought back some of the original darkness of these stories with a generous helping of sexy elegance mixed in.
The show and the incredible costumes of the visitors, combined with jazz and music from the middle ages (yes, really!), created a fantastical atmosphere that made visitors feel like they had just been transferred to another dimension. One of the songs played, very appropriately featured a circus theme. What yesterday’s visitors felt must have been very similar to what visitors felt at early European circuses. A feeling of having been lifted out of reality, and having been transported to another place and time.
The photos can’t do justice, but I hope you like them nonetheless.
(left to right) Satomi, Missa and Hisako (Hisatam)
Mayumi (left) and Chiho
Lovers Yuki and Rena
Singer and composer Iruma Rioka
Origami artist Oshirichan (left) and her friend Amica
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