Following on from last week's mention of Lang Leav's study of Japanese underground fashion, Cosplaying Lolita, everything you wanted to know about Japanese cosplaying, or costume playing, but were afraid to ask. Cosplay - short for "costume play" - is a popular pastime for anime and gamer geeks in Japan, who express their fandom by dressing in character. Some spend hundreds, even ... Read full entry

Australian fashion designer Lang Leav has written a fascinating account of her recent journey to Tokyo to study the Japanese underground fashion scene, and seek out market leads for her Akina label, as part of the Churchill Fellowship. I arrive in Japan in the midst of the harsh July summer at my share house in Nishi-Kawaguchi, an infamous red light district north ... Read full entry

Lang Leav of Akina fame features in an interview at Design Federation. I guess in general, my upbringing, has played a role in shaping the kind of work I do, because it was very strict so I would create stories through drawing and writing to escape the 4 walls. I don't think it has made any difference in the way people to respond to my work, I ... Read full entry

Issue 14 of [weAREtheIMAGEmakers] is online and features interviews with Akina (aka Lang Leav), Andrea Innocent, Kareena Zerefos, Mel Stringer and Smitten by Stephanie. (I know a smitten-able Stephanie, I wonder if she's the same one?). All five artists are also participating in the GRRRLs Exhibition next month. Speaking of Miss Lang Lee'av, she has created a great Q&A thread at the Australian INfront forum, with tips for ... Read full entry

Sydney Fashion designer and artist Lang Leav has just released her latest book Quaint Little Rhymes. Quaint Little Rhymes is a beautifully presented cloth bound hardcover book, painstakingly hand made by Akina artist Lang Leav. Themed around Valentines Day, the book features little rhymes and illustrations inspired by love and misadventure. Quaint Little Rhymes is a follow up to The Teddy Bear's Picnic Storybook which sold out within 3 ... Read full entry

Making the right career choice: a topic that is always on my mind! Great article at Flying Solo, written by Megan Tough with strategies and ideas for helping identify career direction. Miss Lang Lee'av, she of Akina fame, and who "writes little rhymes, makes art, & designs" is one busy creative and fashion designer, having just launched a portfolio site! Remember The Milk, my favourite online ... Read full entry

The people I profile at OnVoiceOver seem to go from strength to strength! Fashion designer Lang Leav, who I featured last February, has just been awarded a Churchill Fellowship! As a result Lang will be travelling to Japan to study the culture of the Harajuku girls in preparation for her next collection. Congratulations Lang! Play Host to Gain Networking and Selling Skills: some advice on how ... Read full entry