Otakon 2024 featured an exciting collaboration between two prominent Japanese fashion designers, Haenuli and Iris Garden, showcasing their unique blend of Lolita and Harajuku styles. This partnership, known as Iris Garden x Haenuli, was a highlight of the convention's fashion show, which made a comeback in 2024.
The fashion show took place on Saturday, August 3rd in the Featured Events area of the Marriott Marquis. It not only showcased the Iris Garden x Haenuli collection but also included designs from local and indie designers specializing in Lolita fashion and Japanese streetwear.
Iris Garden, founded in 2021 by Iris, a Korean immigrant with experience in specialty costumes, joined forces with Haenuli in 2023 to create their sister brand. This collaboration brings together their distinct visions of Harajuku fashion, promising a captivating display for Otakon attendees.
One of the key features of the Iris Garden x Haenuli collaboration is the limited-edition nature of their collections. Each piece is produced in small quantities, making them highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts. This exclusivity adds to the allure of the garments, making them prized possessions for those who manage to acquire them.
The inclusion of the Iris Garden x Haenuli showcase demonstrates Otakon's commitment to celebrating various aspects of Asian pop culture, including the vibrant world of Japanese fashion.
Otakon 2024, the premier convention for anime, manga, and Asian pop culture enthusiasts, was an enormous success this year, attracting a record-breaking attendance of 46,000 fans, according to Otakorp. Held from August 2-4 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, the event celebrated its 30th anniversary in style, marking its highest turnout ever. The vibrant energy and excitement were palpable as fans gathered to celebrate their shared passions.
This milestone year delivered on being the ultimate celebration of Asian pop culture, featuring an incredible lineup of guest panels, exclusive screenings, and epic cosplay contests.
2025 Dates Announced
Otakon 2025 will be held again at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on August 8-10, 2025. Hotel blocks for Otakon 2025 will open in a little more than a week, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
Lolita Tea Party
The Lolita Tea Party at Otakon 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis. This event marks the first tea party since Otakon's relocation to Washington, DC, and promises a delightful experience for attendees. Here are the key details:
Dress Code
Participants are encouraged to wear Japanese fashion, particularly Lolita styles, but other styles like Kawaii, Decora, Visual Kei, and Menhera are also welcome. The following restrictions apply:
No jeans
No cosplay or kigurumis (including 'Alice' cosplays)
No 'ero' Lolita styles
If attendees do not have J-fashion attire, they should wear nice slacks, dress pants, shirts, blouses, skirts, or dresses. Inappropriate attire may result in being asked to leave without a refund.
Menu
The tea party will feature a selection of refreshments, including:
Cucumber sandwiches
Chicken salad sandwiches
Fresh fruit tarts
Cranberry scones with assorted jams
An assortment of premium teas
Regular and decaf coffee
Tickets and Amenities
Tickets are priced at $70 each, with a maximum of four tickets per transaction. The limited seating means that once tickets are sold out, no additional tickets will be available. Each ticket includes:
Access to the seated tea and snacks
One raffle ticket for prizes from featured designers
A 'goodie' bag
Access to a photo backdrop area in the room
The event aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for fans of Japanese fashion and culture, providing a unique social experience at Otakon 2024.
FLOW Rock Band
After debuting in 2003, FLOW has an established reputation for hit anime works, including themes for anime “NARUTO” (GO!!!, many others), opening themes for “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion”, (COLORS, WORLD END), and the opening theme for ”Tales of Zestiria the Cross” (Kaze no Uta). They have written songs for numerous other anime works as well.
Since 2006 they have been active playing shows not only in Japan but overseas, performing over 60 live performances in 19 countries in Asia, North America, South America, Europe, and the Middle East, transcending borders as a live band. Strongly streamed, their song “Sign” for the opening of “NARUTO Shippuden” has been played over 120 million times worldwide on Spotify.
FLOW celebrated their 20th anniversary on July 2, 2022, and on November 16 released the single "Daydream Believer" in collaboration with ORANGE RANGE. In July 2023, the band's largest one-man performance, "FLOW 20th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL LIVE 2023 ~Anime Shibari Festival~" was held at Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall in Japan.
Mikage Project: Japanese Traditional Musicians
Mikage Project is a contemporary Japanese musical group that blends traditional folk music with modern sensibilities. Formed in December 2020, the group consists of three young and influential musicians who play traditional Japanese instruments: shakuhachi, shamisen, and koto.
The group's primary focus is on composing and arranging minyo, which are Japanese folk songs from various regions. They aim to introduce the allure of these traditional melodies to audiences both in Japan and abroad by presenting them with a contemporary twist.
Mikage Project has been actively exploring the possibilities of Japanese traditional instruments in modern contexts. Their performances showcase the rich musical diversity of Japan, bridging the gap between ancient folk traditions and contemporary musical styles.
Through their performances, the group aims to inspire new generations and create lasting connections between different cultures while preserving and reimagining traditional Japanese music.
Elizabeth Cutler
Elizabeth Cutler, Assistant Division Director of Programming for Otakorp models her Lolita outfit during the Otakon Fashion Show!
Scott Westerfield to Appear at Otakon 2024
New York Times Bestseller Scott Westerfeld to appear at Otakon 2024, according to Otakorp Inc.
Scott David Westerfeld, born on May 5, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, is a prominent American author known for his contributions to young adult fiction. Westerfeld's writing often explores themes of identity, societal norms, and the implications of technology.
Scott Westerfeld is the author of twelve New York Times bestsellers, including the multimillion-selling “Uglies” series which he gained widespread recognition. Published in thirty-five languages and loved by generations of young readers, “Uglies” has been adapted as a feature film starring Joey King, streaming on Netflix in late 2024. The New York Times called the novels, "A masterpiece of popular art."
His Uglies series, which includes Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras, is set in a dystopian future where cosmetic surgery is mandatory at age sixteen, prompting a rebellion against societal expectations. The series has been influential in the young adult genre, addressing issues of beauty standards and conformity.
Studio aLf
A vocalist with dynamic colors of voice that can change based on the songs and not bound by range or genre. The YouTube channel “Studio aLf” is loved by a wide fan base. aLf’s goal is to bring happiness to everyone’s heart through her performance of Anisongs.
Studio aLf is a vocal project from Korea, known for its dynamic vocal performances that span various genres and styles. The vocalist, referred to as aLf, is recognized for their ability to adapt their voice to different songs, showcasing versatility that transcends traditional vocal ranges.
aLf has gained popularity for covering a wide array of songs, including those from the Vocaloid genre and anime openings, such as the theme from "One Piece" and tracks from Vocaloid music. Their performances are characterized by a rich and colorful vocal quality, allowing for expressive interpretations of the original material.
