Yes, KAWAII is Art | Harajuku Day in Hollywood

Name: Yes, KAWAII is Art | Harajuku Day in Hollywood
Start: 2024-05-04T12:00:00-07:00
End: 2024-05-04T18:00:00-07:00
Location: Ovation Hollywood, Center Courtyard

Three young women in distinct Harajuku fashion styles, including Lolita and Decora, smiling at the camera.

Photo by Mambastic Photography

Date

Sat May 4, 2024

Time

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location

Ovation Hollywood, Center Courtyard6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028

Fee

Free admission. Costs vary based on vendor.

Harajuku’s legendary kawaii culture came to Hollywood! To celebrate the opening of the “Yes, KAWAII is Art -EXPRESS YOURSELF-” exhibition, Harajuku Day LA was held for a special, first ever popup in Hollywood. Harajuku Day LA featured an array of local vendors showcasing their kawaii clothing, accessories, and other original items, as well as the special pop-up booth of leading kawaii brand 6%DOKIDOKI from exhibition creator and artist Sebastian Masuda.

Take a journey to the dazzling, joyful world of kawaii culture where self-expression knows no bounds, uniting in a celebration of diversity and creativity regardless of age, race, sexuality, or gender. Throughout the day, fashion shows spotlighted kawaii streetstyle and presented collections from beloved kawaii fashion brands. Interactive DIY booths allowed guests to make their own accessories like colorful plastic kandi bracelets, heart shaker necklaces full of beads and glitter, and custom bows and bowties. In an exclusive performance, kawaii culture pioneer Sebastian Masuda took the stage for a very special DJ set.

Makeover booths were ready for you to try on a brand new look with kawaii style accessories – don’t forget to snap a picture afterwards!

Program

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Kawaii Fashion Show #1 | Kawaii fashion streetstyle
Directed and emceed by Rin Castles
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Kawaii Fashion Show #2 | Meet Kawaii fashion brands
Directed and emceed by Rin Castles
Brands (in the order of presentation):
- Ghost Girl Goods
- Creepy Kitty
- Pretty Sour
- Decora Demon
- Holley Tea Time
- Miss Alphabet
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Sebastian Masuda’s special DJ set

Photos Courtesy of Harajuku Day LA

Open All-Day Attractions

Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Kawaii Style Makeover
Try kawaii style accessories and take a Polaroid snap!

• DIY Station #1 ($5)
Make your own kandi bracelets / heart shaker necklace

• DIY Station #2 ($10)
Learn how to make a bow & bowtie

Photos Courtesy of Harajuku Day LA

About Sebastian Masuda

Portrait of Sebastian Masuda — Photo by GION

Sebastian Masuda began his career in theater and contemporary art in the early 1990s. In 1995, he opened the fashion shop 6%DOKIDOKI which became a platform for artistic expression. Currently working out of both Tokyo and New York, Masuda creates works that transcend the boundaries of art, fashion, and entertainment, showcasing a consistent and unique sense of color. From 2009 to 2011, Masuda conducted the “Harajuku Kawaii Experience” world tour, spreading awareness about the history of Harajuku and kawaii culture in over 20 cities, with a focus on Europe …

and the United States. As art director for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s 2011 “PONPONPON” music video, Masuda was pivotal in introducing kawaii culture to the world. In 2015, he created Tokyo’s Kawaii Monster Cafe, and in 2023, produced the restaurant SUSHIDELIC in New York, further contributing to the global recognition of kawaii culture.