Helsinki, Part I: Hellocon

Hi my dears,

I decided to split the report from my travel to Helsinki in three parts. There is so much I would like to show you, and there's no way that would all fit into one post.
Unfortunately, I haven't recieved the official pictures yet, but I'd like to write this post now, so I'll just use the pictures I have.

So I start with the Hellocon, the Helsinki Lolita Convention, which took place on saturday. I arrived by plane on friday night and went directly to the Hotel Anna, where I shared a room with the Austrian Lolitas, to save money and have some company, since I was the only Lolita from Switzerland.
The Con started at 10 a.m., which gave us enough time to get ready (except for Dani, who had to leave earlier because she was modelling for Lady Sloth).
The place of the Convention was just around the corner. When we got in, we went first to the second hand flea market and the stands of the many (Indie)brands. Of course, we also didn't want to miss the programme on the stage! After the opening ceremony, there was a Q&A with Midori Fukusawa, guest of honor and model for Baby, the Stars Shine bright, Innocent World and many others.

She is super kawaii, I admire how she keeps the cuteness up in everything she does. The interview was interesting to listen to, what surprised me was that she likes to be outside in nature and even does bungee jumping in Cosplays! I have never heard of that, but I bet it's fun (^.^)

Following that, there was a Brand vs. Offbrand fashion show. For a given theme, they had a girl dressed fully in brand and one completely in offbrand and handmade dresses. The audience decided, by clapping and cheering, who wore the better outfit. I didn't find a video of that, but a picture with all of the contestants.

Picture by Lisa

A little bit later, another highlight was on the programme: the Designers Fashion Show. They showed new designs from labels such as Cloudberry Lady, Lief, Lady Sloth and Atelier Pierrot.

Following that was the Q&A with Yuko Ashizawa, the designer of Atelier Pierrot. Amongst others she said that she prefers drawing to sewing and that she likes wedding dresses at the moment and gets a lot of inspiration from them.

After a little break, the Fairyforest Fashion show was held on stage. I think this was my favourite moment of the day! See for yourselves:

I heard only parts of the Designer Panel Discussion, because we went to get some pictures taken in the meantime.

Just before the Closing Ceremony, the last show was presented: Dancing Dolls. Lolitas performing ballroom dance, ballet and even poledance! It was made very cute:

Unfortunately, I didn't participate in any workshops. Although some of them sounded really interesting, they were always held at the same time as a show on the main stage which I also didn't want to miss.
Furtheron, I realized that it is absoutely impossible to be in a room full of Lolita clothes and accessoires and not to buy anything. Yes, I broke my no-shopping resolution:

The blouse is from the second hand flea market was was only €5.-. It's originally from H&M, short-sleeved and very versatile, I already have some coordinations with it in mind. It'll be very convenient in summer too, it's very light, so I can wear it under a jsk.
The necklace is from Moonbunny. Another fawn! It's so adorable! And it matched my outfit that day. How could I have resisted?
I also bought something else, but it's a present and since I'm not sure if the person reads my blog, I can't show you.
We took some additional outfit photos alswell, so here's mine:

Rundown:
Headdress: handmade by me
Collar: Cute Lou Couture
Necklace: Moonbunny
Dress, blouse: Innocent World
Underskirt: handmade by me
Shoes. Vagabond

After the Hellocon, we went back to the hotel, changed and walked a little through the city to go to the After Party, which was held in a bar/restaurant. We were the first ones there, and since we couldn't have dinner there we went looking for a restaurant to eat something first. When we returned it was already late and many had left already, but it was still fun.

Jassi, me, Punkangel, Katrin, Yaya and Dani in front of the Helsingin Tuomiokirkko, the Helsinki Cathedral

Picture by Dani

Rubber Duck wall at the after party locaion

My outfit, I forgot to take a picture so I took this in the hallway of the hotel when we came back, sorry for looking so tired!
Rose corsage: hadmade by me
Cardigan: handmade by me
Blouse: Innocent World
Jsk: Baby the Stars Shine bright
Underskirt: handmade by me

Part II and III are coming up!