fit_japanNEW YORK, Feb 5, 2010 / FW/ — Lolita, Gothic Lolita, and Tokyo Girls styles might sound more like the title of a movie or the name of a band, but believe it or not, these are very popular Japanese fashion styles.

Rarely seen in the U.S., these segment of Japanese fashion will be the focus of FIT’s “Tokyo Fashion Festa” slated on February 19, 2010 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

The fashion show, which will include live and filmed musical performances, will be followed by a brief film about the Tokyo fashion and music scene. This unique event, which will take place at the Morris W. and Fannie B. Haft Auditorium, Fashion Institute of Technology, Seventh Avenue at 27th Street, is by invitation only.

Featured in the fashion show will be leading Lolita and Gothic Lolita brands such as Alice and the Pirates, Amy’s Love, Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Black Peace Now, and Mielette Tautou.

In addition, Tokyo Girls’ Style brand Madame-Killer will make its New York debut. The duo VY, comprising visual-kei singer MOA and DJ/VJ Rio, will also perform— Moa wearing h.NAOTO (GRAMM) and DJ/VJ Rio wearing h.NAOTO (Sixh).

“The Tokyo fashion scene is very exciting,” said Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of The Museum at FIT. “Japanese subculture and street styles, such as the Gothic Lolita look, are attracting more and more attention in the West, so we wanted to be sure to include them in The Museum at FIT’s upcoming exhibition, Japan Fashion Now, which opens on September 17. In the meantime, we’re delighted to give New Yorkers a preview with a live fashion show.”

“Tokyo Fashion Festa will feature some of Japan’s most famous Lolita brands, as well as Gyaru (Girl) styles, which are also extremely popular on the streets of Japan,” Steele continued. “It is a special pleasure to have Madame-Killer debut their line in the U.S. at this fashion show.”

During a brief interval in the fashion show, there will be a five-minute film clip featuring visual-kei idol singers Hangry & Angry, who are produced (and dressed) by h.NAOTO.

The fashion show will end with a short film by Indivisual, Japan, exploring Tokyo’s vibrant music and fashion scene in neighborhoods such as Harajuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara, which are famous for their street style.

Tokyo Fashion Festa is co-sponsored by The Museum at FIT, Madame-Killer, Mok Management, Sync Music Japan, and Indivisual, Japan, with additional support from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan.