Working the Runway at Tokyo Fashionista, Round 2: The Stars and Stripes Independence Day Bash

Last week, I got to take part in Tiffany Rossdale's premiere Tokyo evening event, Tokyo Fashionista, for the second time. Like last time, it was a lot of fun, and I got to meet a lot of really cool people, both backstage and in the crowd.

This time the event took place at a venue called the Icon Lounge in Shibuya, and as it was taking place right around that time, it was themed after America's 4th of July celebration. Much like last time, I was modeling motorcycle jackets by Yellowcorn, but I also got to model clothing by Good and Evil, (a new brand by Japanese DJ/Fashion Director Hiromu Uetake) and body paint art by Kenji Sato, a movie make-up artist based out of Toronto, Canada. Due to the fact that the body paint work was incredibly intricate, and it would take a few hours to put on, we had to start the evening off at FAB Academy.

Their dance troupe was also performing, and they were kind enough to let us use their facilities once the classes were over to prep for the show. As the body paint was going to be the last thing, the artist had to apply work that would not only last several hours, but withstand the several clothing changes that we would need to do for the various walks. Surprisingly, the make-up managed to stay on all night, and not come off on the clothing samples.

Modeling a jacket from Yellowcorn

Trying on the T-shirt I modeled at Fab Academy in Roppongi

Getting the Bodypaint done at FAB Academy before the show

Like most fashionista events, this one ran all night, and was filled with a wide range of solid entertainment ranging from performances by the Fab Academy's Sassy Girls to Christ Ray, a former Russian Olympic rhythmic gymnast. One of the more interesting surprises of the evening was running into my buddy Raynard, (a Tokyo tricker from Detroit who trains at a few of the same gyms I do) who was there doing a breaking performance. Unfortunately as I didnt know he was there, I only came out at the end to catch the tail end of it. The guy is really talented, and I would have loved to have caught his performance. Thats what I get for being a hermit at a party event!


Beyond the shows that I took part in, there was also shows featuring Brasis Brazilian Bikinis and Unoaerre Italian Jewelries.

 Even though the show didn't start until the wee hours of the morning (we finished it at 4am!!) the turn-out was still impressive. Such is the power of Fashionista ;) Had a great time and looking forward to the next one!

Working the Runway at Tokyo Fashionista

A pole dancer warms up the crowd at
Tokyo Fashionista

Not too long ago, I had a chance to do something I haven't done in quite sometime- walk the runway. Recently, after having a chance to correspond with Tiffany Rossdale (Tokyo's go-to party girl for event planning), she asked me to join the event as one of the runway models.

 As recently I've been experimenting with afterburn exercises as a way to slim down and build muscle, (something I will write more on later) I thought having the event on my upcoming schedule would be a great reason to buckle down and commit to seeing just how effective the training system could actually be, so I decided to go for it. It would also only be my third time doing runway in total (once back home in Michigan, and one other time here in Tokyo) so I figured it would be a great experience and a way to get some killer photos as well.

 About a week before the event, I went to the venue to meet Tiffany in person (who isn't always easy to catch as she juggles at least as many different things as I do). We worked with some of the other more experienced models on how the show would proceed, and what everyone would wear. Originally, I was asked to do both motorcycle jackets and swimwear, but as the swimwear show would be after midnight (which would mean taking a taxi back home (about $50) or staying all night, I opted to do the first show only. Thankfully, as I was asked to model the jacket shirtless, it still gave me a chance to profile the "new abs". ;)

The beautiful set of ribs I had to leave behind in order to be
on time for the show. 

 On the day of the show, during the day I was down at my buddy PJ's new house enjoying the first barbecue of the year. That made it very very difficult to tear myself away in-time to make it there in time (they JUST finished the ribs when I had to leave!!) but I was committed, so nonetheless I did what I had to.

 As for the event itself, it had a great feel to it. Tokyo Fashionista always takes place at the hippest clubs in the city, and this one- Cafe Atlantis was no exception. The event started with pole dancing performances, and once the club was packed, the first show started. Aside from the fact that it started a bit late, (The club filled out a bit later than usual) the show went off without a hitch. It was also cool because I haven't been in the club scene here for sometime and I saw not just a lot of the people I work with in the entertainment industry, but also a lot of old friends that I haven't seen in quite sometime.

 About the only downer of the whole thing was that due to the first show starting late, I ended up missing my last train. At the same time though, the designer of the jackets we were modeling was also in attendance and was cool enough to let us have what we wore...which more than made up for it 10 times over.  Chuck's first motorcycle jacket! All I need now is...uh...a motorcycle. If nothing else though, it's a great summer jacket because it's designed to let the breeze through, and given the fact that it's close-fitting, and has removable elbow, shoulder, and back-padding, it's also a great for wearing under clothes for doing stair falls stunts as well. (We were recommended to get motorcycle jackets for just that reason at stunt school). Overall, it was an awesome event, and I look forward to doing the next one!