We talked body image and standing out from the crowd with Presenter and alt-fashion blogger La Carmina
DtL: Tell us a bit about yourself…
La Carmina: I’m a Goth/alternative fashion and travel blogger, at www.lacarmina.com. I started my La Carmina Blog in 2007, with a focus on Japanese Gothic style and subcultures. Over time, it evolved into a career that involves TV hosting, writing books, and travel journalism worldwide – but always with a focus on fringe cultures. I’m passionate about shining a light on alternative lifestyles/individuals/movements that take place around the world, and giving them a positive portrayal, as they are often misunderstood. I feel I’m doing the my meaningful work by uncovering perspectives and places that usually don’t get a voice: from drag queens in Tel Aviv, to tattoo artists in Vietnam, to women entrepreneurs in Morocco. I’m grateful to have opportunities to travel constantly and meet such inspiring people, and do creative, varied work on my own terms.
DtL: How did you find your style?
La Carmina: I don’t like to put myself in a single fashion category. I always have colourful hair, and generally wear Gothic, alternative and Japanese street fashion. However, I enjoy playing with different colours, styles and materials. For example I’ve worn steampunk corsets at Whitby Gothic Weekend, princess bell sleeves in Iceland, pentagram shirts at the Lovecraft Bar, pastel carnival skirts in Dubai… I’m all for embracing the wide variety of subculture styling. I was first drawn to these looks on my childhood trips to Japan: I was wowed by the experimental looks I saw in Harajuku! I began playing around with these styles, and they always felt more “me” than anything at the local mall.
“I’m passionate about shining a light on alternative lifestyles/individuals/movements that take place around the world, and giving them a positive portrayal, as they are often misunderstood.”
DtL: What inspires your look?
La Carmina: I’m inspired by Goth themes, which are found in dark literature, music and lifestyle. I’m also inspired by Japanese street styles (fairy kei, gyaru, Lolita, hime and more). However, some of my influences are quite varied: I’m known for my obsession with Miffy the cute bunny character, Italo Disco (I adore my 1970s faux fur coat), Scottish Fold cats, and all things futuristic.
DtL: Do you think that the media has a negative impact on young people in terms of body image and self-confidence?
La Carmina: I don’t think the answer is simple. I’m fascinated by the changes in beauty standards throughout the ages, and in different cultures. Some of these “ideals” seem quite strange today, like high foreheads in the Renaissance, blackened teeth in Japan, or even crossed-eyes among the Mayans! Today, the mainstream media certainly promotes the current beauty and body standards, but this is found outside of the media too – ads, social networks, products, trends. These all have a dire impact on young people, but with awareness, education and counter-movements (such as body positive groups), we can certainly challenge these standards and present alternate perspectives.
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DtL: Did it take confidence to put yourself out there as an alternative fashion blogger?
La Carmina: Not particularly – it’s how my friends and I have always dressed. I started blogging as a hobby, without expectations, and was surprised when people started reading and responding to my posts. It makes me happy to hear that others enjoy my alternative style and outlook, and share the same passions.
“With awareness, education and counter-movements (such as body positive groups), we can certainly challenge standards and present alternate perspectives.”
DtL: Did you ever experience bullying? If so can you tell us what happened and how you overcame the experience?
La Carmina: Every alternative-leaning person I know has experienced some bullying when growing up! It’s of course tough at the time, but it just seems part and parcel of being a youth who isn’t into the mainstream culture of one’s classmates. I just kept my head down and did my own thing, and later on in life, it simply isn’t important. People grow up, and in most cases, you end up doing something far bigger and meaningful than they ever will.
DtL: Have you ever been the target of trolling/ cyber bullying on social media? If so what happened and how did you deal with that?
La Carmina: I think everyone who started blogging early (2007-9) experienced some of this, since blogs were so new and unheard of – nobody had turned it into a career, and these were unprecedented waters. However, it’s important to not feed the dragon: don’t respond or post negative things that stroke the flames, keep doing your thing, stay professional and positive in all your public, online interactions. The important thing is to pursue your own meaningful work, and do it with passion and high standards – and when you take this approach, the rest eventually goes away. Not everyone will like or agree with what you do, and that’s just part of life.
DtL: What has been your proudest moment so far?
La Carmina: I’m lucky to have travelled widely for my work, and seen places like Petra, Angkor Wat and Jerusalem. I’ve been on worldwide travel TV shows as a host, and taken part in Goth events in places such as Serbia, Mexico, Osaka, Germany. Each has a unique take on alternative lifestyle and fashion, and it’s fantastic to see. Above all, I find the most meaning in seeing and sharing these experiences.
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