Von der Muse geküsst

Hi dolls,

I've had my etsy shop now for quite a while, and I'm very content with how things are going. I can't complain about not having enough or too much work, and I have plenty of ideas for the future.
So far, I only used fabrics I found at the fabric store or online. Which is okay, as there are tons of pretty fabrics around. However, especially since it is a big part of Lolita fashion labels, I wanted to have a print of my own!
Since I love books and everything book-related, but most Lolita book prints are very dark (nothing wrong with that though), I had the idea of a pastel-coloured book print. I'm not good at drawing myself, so I looked for an artist to collaborate with. After looking around the internet, I discovered the work of Sherrae (check out her fb or deviantart!) and fell in love instantly. I was so happy when she agreed to make a print for me, and I think she did an amazing job:

I got the fabric printed at stoffn.de in Germany. They have amazing fabric quality and use organic cotton. I got it printed on cotton sateen, as it has a beautiful fall and a luxurious feeling to it...

I sewed a small collection, consisting of a jumperskirt, skirt, cutsew and headbow. I named it Erato, after the muse of lyric poetry in Greek mythology.

The background in the print fabric is not whte but rather off-white, so I used soft, off-white dotted tulle for embelishments.

I chose a rather simple design, because I wanted the print to stand out, and I think it's more versatile like this, it can be worn very casual, but also offers many possibilites to coordinate it with.

When the garments were finished, I also wanted to shoot them properly, with models and a photographer and everything, because I think they look so much better when actually worn by a human being instead of my crappy dressing form.

I asked Lea and Magali to be my models, they're also Lolitas from Switzerland and, most important, super photogenic. Céline Stucki took the photos, and she introduced me to her visagist friend Tanja Jungen who did make-up and hair. We did the photoshoot at the Hotel Belle Epoque in Bern. The location is so beautiful, decorated with great Art Nouveau pieces and I think the atmosphere matched the dresses really well. The staff of the hotel was so kind and generous, if you're ever staying in Bern I can highly recommend the place!

I was a bit afraid that something might go wrong with the photoshooting, as it was the first time I organized something like this, but luckily everything went smoothly. I was proud of myself for successfully going through with the whole project (especially for doing some scary phone calls xD).

I was really glad that both models I asked had the time to come. Don't they look divine together? Looking back, we should have at least done a scary-twins-in-the-hallway-like-in-the-shining-photo, just for fun, but Céline took so many gorgeous pictures, so I'm not complaining (^.^)

love this detail shot

When selecting the photos for this post, I couldn't decide, so you're being spammed. I posted more on Medusa Coutures Tumblr blog, if you're curious!

"I Always Loved The Idea Of Not Being What People Expect Me To Be"

Hey dolls,

I have one more thing to catch up on from my adventures this summer, when I was taking a break with my blog!

I had the pleasure to be photographed by Natalia Mansano for a Lolita photography project called "Lolitas, Princesses Modernes". It started back in November (or so) last year, when Natalia approached the french-speaking Lolita community of Switzerland, to do a photo session. You can read more about it on Pyls blog, here and here.

The original idea was to portray only the french-speaking Lolitas. Hovewer, they also asked me to participate, so I could represent the german-speaking Lolitas. They also wanted me to wear an outfit which is completely handmade by me. Naturally, I wouldn't miss this opportunity!

The photoshoot took place at the Rose Garden in Bern, so I chose a gothic black-and-white outfit with a bat and rose theme. I wore my renewed bat-skirt and the prototype of the Medusa Couture Comtesse Bat Bonnet (it's quite floppy since I was experimenting with the manufacturing, the ones I sell at the shop keep their shape much better!). Everythng else is handmade too, obviously, except the shoes, which are by Demonia, and the socks and jewellery.

I felt kinda awkward, since this was my first ever *real* photoshooting with a real photographer. It was over very quickly, and I'm not sure what to think of the photos... but decide for yourselves.

The first three photos are by Natalia, the rest are making-of-behind-the-scenes-pictures by the lovely Pyl, who assisted Natalia that day.

probably my favourite pic

Pyl & me

derp

With the old town of Bern in the background

floppy bonnet is floppy

details

more details

Little quiz: do you know whom the quote of the title is from? (without google! (^.-))

Helsinki, Part III: The Ounce & Sightseeing

Hi cuties,

so here's the third part of my adventures in Finnland!
On Monday after the teaparty, we had time for some more sightseeing in the city, before the girls from Austria would leave (I stayed two more days). Helsinki is so pretty just to walk around the city, it reminds me a little of Paris, just way smaller, cuter and cleaner (^.^)
In the afternoon, we stopped by The Ounce, a very cute tea shop, where an amazing selection of tea is sold and served. Apparently, it's very popular for Finnish Lolitas to go there, and since a Lolita we met at the teapaty works there too, we had to pay a visit  and taste the tea, of course.

Kati told us she always wears Lolita for work, so amazing!

I was so in love with the decor of the tiny shop! I guess I'd probably go there every day if I lived in Helsinki (*.*)
Many of the teas they serve are made especially for The Ounce, and they are all made of real ingredients, without any additives.

I chose to drink Alice in Wonderland, green tea with strawberries and white chocolate. It's very sweet, but the sweetness is also very soft and delicate. I usually drink green tea without sugar, because I don't like it if it's sweetened, but this tea is absolutely amazing.

So of course, I had to buy some of it, so I would be able take this heavenly taste with me. I drink it almost every day, it's so delicious!

I also purchased this adorable tin can. Isn't it pretty? I displayed it in my room, would be a shame to hide it in the cupboard. 

While at The Ounce, Katrin drew for us an Austrian/Swiss Lolita in the guest book!

So when the girls had left, I had two more days on my own. In advance, I had thought of maybe going to Talinn for one day, but had to cancel that idea. So I visited various parts of Helsinki instead. I took a lot of pictures and saw a lot of things, but there are two places in particular I'd like to show you.

One of them is the Winter Garden of the city. It's an amazingly calm, beautiful place. I could have stayed there all day! The building itself is quite impressing, and it's filled up to the roof with exotic plants.

View over the snowy rose garden towards the city

I hope those are not too many photos? It's just so indescribably beautiful, I hope I could show you a little...

I also visited Sea Life, the aquarium. That was very nice too, I was almost alone and looking at the fishes turned out to be very relaxing.
I was very fond of the octopus (he even has his own pirate ship!)

seahorses

 They even had jellyfishes! Those were by far my favourites. I am very fascinated by jellyfish (the reason I chose a jellyfish as a logo for my etsy shop). They were illuminated by colour-changing lights.

I saw many more things, but I don't want to overwhelm you even more.
So I conclude this post with the heart-shaped starbucks coffe I got (so cute!)