Latest news with #Kawaii
Vogue Arabia
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
Decoding Labubu: The Plush Toy Tapping into Nostalgia & Taking Over Fashion
What is it about Labubu that's making this kawaii craze go mainstream, attracting adults who would seem well beyond the age of parading plush toys on their luxury bags? Take it from a self-professed Hello Kitty fan – these Kawaii characters, cute, fluffy and childlike, make us feel young and carefree. At a time when quiet luxury has dominated mainstream trends, Labubu charms have shocked the system; waking up fashion enthusiasts with a bold, playful punch. 'It's like a little doll bringing my inner child out,' agrees Dubai-based stylist of 15 years, Chloe Louise, who creates customised jewellery and bag charms, often from thrifted children's toys. 'Its playful, yet slightly mischievous vibe reminds me not to take things too seriously,' comments Vogue contributor Ty Gaskins. Photo: Saira Noorani 'They're unapologetic about how they look and how they make you feel,' shares Saira Noorani, who has affixed a white Labubu to her red Hermès Kelly bag. Noorani works part-time as a live selling host at Luxury Promise – a pre-loved marketplace with a dedicated hub in Japan. 'Back in Dubai and London, we couldn't keep them on the shelves. Truly – gone in a day,' she continues. 'There are three left in the Dubai office, if you're feeling lucky.' If Labubu can liven up accessories from the greatest names in luxury, it can win over even the most hesitant among us. Take the sartorial leap – the affection you develop for this little Kawaii critter might just surprise you.
Geek Dad
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Dad
Kawaii is Back in Style With These Two Books
I am always on the hunt for fun books to use with my kids in art class, and these two are both enchanting and have tons of practical, easy-to-follow instructions to achieve cuteness. Crafting Cute: Polymer Clay the Kawaii Way- 50 Fantastically Fun Projects by Dani Banani (Author) I don't think Dani Badani (known for her Etsy shop FunUsual Suspects) could have guessed what effect she had on the world when she first discovered polymer clay and started fiddling with it. Polymer Clay is everywhere now, and there are tons of terrific videos on making charms and other crafts, but a book full of clear, photographed instructions is craft gold. In this Kawaii classic, she teaches 50 cute creations that range from very simple to more complex 'showstopper', large pieces. Dani Badani was one of the first popsicles, macarons, French toast, waffles, pineapples, you name it, charm artists. She teaches 25 basic designs, 15 plant holders, desk accessories, and ring holders, and 10 big projects in this book, and makes you want to hunt down those bits and pieces of polymer clay and just start crafting and baking cute things to have and give away. Crafting Cute: Polymer Clay the Kawaii Way – is available since November, 26, 2019. Publisher: Rock Point Pages: Trade Soft Paperback 144 Pages ISBN: 9781631066313 Up next, this book is fantastic and a must-have for the Fall: Creepy Cute Drawing Class-Learn to Draw 70 Sweetly Spooky Characters and Cozy Creatures by Marcie Driessen Marcie is an artist from the Netherlands who loves the forest. Her drawings display a lovely mix of eerie characters in cozy situations, such as skeletons cuddling little cats or witches brewing tea and staring out of the window. Her color combination encompasses a mixture of creepy Black and warm Fall undertones, and the characters that populate her dreams are just adorable. Think about Tim Burton with a side of Hygge. Spooky Season will offer 70 easy-to-follow instructions for her drawings and postcards with names such as Skeleton Dog, Pumpkin Peekaboo, and Hocus Pocus Possum. The locations are all part of Marcie's imagined land: Hollow Lanes, Mullberry Forest, Gourd Hamlet, Baba Yaga's Place, Ghost Roast Café, and Eerie Eats Confectionery all have an evocative feel. The scenes, as you progress along, become increasingly more complex as she adds details and characters to her compositions. Even the ghouls are both creepy and cute, hence the name of the book! Creepy Cute Drawing Class is available since May 27, 2025. Publisher: Rock Point Pages: Trade Paperback 160 Pages ISBN: 9781577154808 . Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
From Tokyo to Mumbai: How Japanese cuisine is winning Indian hearts
On the dense Mumbai streets, carrying aromas of spices and hot street foods hanging in the air, is an unspoken revolution at dinner time. Sushi rolls replace samosas at breakfast, bowls of ramen on drizzly rainy evenings to bring comfort to the soul, and miso seepingly creeps into the kitchens and into shifting food life in Mumbai. What was previously the reserve of select fine-dining restaurants is now a popular addition to the city's rich gastronomic scene. From laid-back cafes to elegant restaurants, Japanese food is making a mark in a city that is famous for its hot, spicy food and it's not here today, gone tomorrow. The people of Mumbai are head over heels about Japanese cuisine and it's only going to get bigger. So, what's driving this shift from spice-laden comfort food to the clean, umami-rich dishes of Japan? Curiosity Sparked by Culture by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo The Japanese food wave wasn't a fluke. Pop culture did all the groundwork. Anime, Japanese films, vlogs, travel videos, and Kawaii have been a thrall for Indian audiences for long. From listening to characters slurp ramen on cartoon shows to viewing Bento boxes on Pinterest, Indian shoppers became interested in Japanese food. That fascination turned into experimentation, and one taste was all it took. What was once new became impossible to resist. Comfort Meets Simplicity Japanese food's popularity in India is not about novelty, it's about comfort. Ramen on a rainy afternoon? Yes, please. Sushi rolls at a weekend party? Absolutely. There's something innately comforting about Japanese food: warm broths, sticky rice, tender meat, and careful, subtle seasoning. Consider gyoza dumplings—there's not much difference between them and Indian momos. Katsu curry? Picture a panko-breaded cutlet accompanied by mild, aromatic curry comfort food, rebooted. Japanese food doesn't battle the Indian palate; it glides into it. Wellness in Every Bite Sushi and Japanese food present a wonderful discovery of tastes that extend beyond the conventional heavy food. With its focus on fresh foods such as tuna, salmon, and vegetables, Japanese food is an ideal match for India's emerging wellness-conscious culture. Light, and not greasy, and with many dishes based around lean proteins, fermented foods, and health-promoting broths such as miso soup, it fits health-focused lifestyles. The blending of fresh flavors of foods such as seaweed salad and grilled fish makes you full, but not heavy. Japanese food shows us that healthy food does not have to be dull. Healthy food is straightforward, has great flavor, and feels good. Fusion, But Make It Thoughtful What's also driving this trend is the innovative reimagining of Japanese classics infused with Indian sensibilities. Consider: spicy mayo sushi rolls, paneer teriyaki, or ramen bowls that incorporate the warmth of Indian masalas. This sort of fusion isn't about watering down the cuisine, it's about making it more accessible without disrespecting its authenticity. It encourages more people to experience Japanese dishes without feeling overwhelmed. At its heart, the rise of Japanese food in India shows how food can connect worlds. As Japanese food grows in popularity, more and more are experimenting with sushi or udon at home because of the ease of access to ingredients. Meanwhile, now restaurants and cafes also provide an easy outlet for those craving expertly cooked meals, and so this dining experience is one that is accessible to everyone. In a country where food is deeply emotional, Japanese cuisine offers not just a new flavor, but a new feeling. It's thoughtful, rooted in tradition, and yet open to interpretation. This isn't just a food trend, it's a beautiful cross-cultural exchange that's here to stay. Contributed by: Prashant Issar, Managing Director, Bellona Hospitality Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Deccan Herald
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
Bright, Bold & Beautiful: Ahsaas Channa's nail art screams summer vibes
Ahsaas Channa opted for vibrant Kawaii nail art, highlighting cartoonish figures, extravagant accents, and a pink-dominated palette. The fun-meets-fierce vibe is perfect for anyone wanting a playful yet striking nail look. | Credit: Instagram/@ahsaassy_
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Uptown cafe, store celebrating Asian culture opens this week
When Angie Lee moved from New York City to Minneapolis two years ago, she was told it would take years for the global trends emerging from Asia to catch on here. But, in a world connected by social media, online retail, streaming platforms and more, she didn't think that assumption made sense. K-pop, K-dramas, and K-beauty out of Korea; boba from Taiwan; matcha from Japan - These aren't just 'Asian trends', Lee told Bring Me The News in a Q&A in January. 'These are global phenomena reshaping culture.' At Moona Moono in Minneapolis, which officially opens Saturday, Lee aims to deliver the latest Asian designs to Minneapolis as quickly as they're embraced in cities such as Los Angeles and New York City. 'It's about giving people here the chance to discover and enjoy these exciting trends firsthand,' Lee said. The brand new business in Uptown's former Paper Source space blends a cafe with a carefully curated retail experience. Moona Moono's website, which directs shoppers to an array of other local shops and restaurants, says the destination is part of 'a new wave of locally owned businesses that are helping Uptown reclaim its legacy as a vibrant heart of Minneapolis.' The retail side of Moona Moono offers a wide range of home goods, stationary, K-beauty and accessories that are influence by Asian trends or are made by Asian and Asian American makers, according to Lee. Blind boxes, in which buyers purchase a small box without knowing which figurine will be discovered inside, are likely to be a bestseller at Moona Moono. The collectibles, which have exploded in popularity in Minnesota and across the U.S., are among the whimsical trinkets tied to the Japanese design philosophy Kawaii, which centers cute and playful design. "For those encountering Kawaii for the first time, it might seem like it's just for kids," Lee shared. "But adults often find joy in the simplicity and humor of Kawaii items. It's a delightful aesthetic that sparks a sense of wonder no matter your age." The seek, light-filled cafe at Moona Moono offers espresso, ceremonial-grade matcha, boba drinks and other beverages, as well as a range of snacks. To celebrate opening day, the cafe will also be offering two exclusive doughnut flavors made in collaboration with Bogart's Doughnut Co. Moona Moono will have a soft opening Thursday ahead of Saturday's grand opening at 10 a.m. Regular hours will be Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Read Bring Me The News' complete Q&A with Moona Moono owner Angie Lee here:
