On December 9th, 2011 Bubble Punch (that’s us!) along with the help of 6%DOKIDOKI, Medicom Toys, Rune Productions, Sugarpill Cosmetics, Tokyo Fashion, [a]narchy hair, Royal/T cafe, Sapporo, and Jones Soda brought you Rune Boutique!

As you all know, the theme around this event was to bring the colorful and crative world of Rune Naito, father of the “kawaii” look, to America.

Rune Naito is not a name that is regularly heard outside of Japan, but has influenced some of the greatest ‘Kawaii’ minds, like that of Sebastian Masuda of 6%DOKIDOKI.

In order to help bring Rune Boutique stateside with a punch, 6%DOKIDOKI brought over their new mens line along with a colorful fashion show, Medicom Toys brought over their new Rune Boutique inspired items, and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu even flew out to make this event an affair to remember.

We really want to thank the 4,000 of you who drove, flew, ran, and waited in line! All of you made this event a huge sucess.

We all hope that you enjoyed your evening and continue to come out and support not just Bubble Punch, but all of our cross pop-culture related events!

And for some extra bonus points! We had an incredibly busy week, as you know. We spent the entire week setting up, doing inventory with our awesome volunteers, and trying to get the entire night ready for all of you. Everyone involved did an amazing job helping us put all of the pieces of the puzzle together. We definitely could not have done it with out them.

Now you may want to know, with all of our adrenaline pumping from the event, what could we possibly want to do after this big night?

Why gather up 6%DOKIDOKI, Kyary, and Mr. Homma (of Rune Productions), and the Medicom Toys staff and mozy down to Saddle Ranch in Hollywood, of course!

We had corn, biscuts, all of those good things… and a gigantic cotton candy.

Kyary was brave enough to try out the mechanical bull! She lasted pretty long too. Alas she did eventually fall off, not to worry there were cushions to catch her!

Where are the pictures from the event? We know some of you have been dying to get your pictures. Sorry about the slight delay, we had over 1100 pictures to post so it took us a long while.

You can all find yourselves on our flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bubblepunch/

You should be able to see yourself in action. **bear with us, some of them are still uploading, so if you don’t see yourself right away, check again a little bit later**

Thanks again everyone! We couldn’t have done it with out you. Thanks again to all of our sponsors, and we all hope you guys come out to the next Bubble Punch event in 2012!

Michelle (ChubbyBunny) created special black and white striped bows for this event along with Hello Kitty’s cute ensemble. At the door, some of these bows along with some of the new nail varnishes from the collection were given to attending guests.

The girls greeting us at the door were dressed in these cute themed ‘cigarette girl’ outfits! There were no cigarettes though, just bows and nail varnishes!

Cute raspberry cocktails in pink, just for Hello Kitty. There were also non-alcoholic versions.

Jenny, Grant, Michelle, and Mie pose for a picture inside Maison 140

A special room was converted into the Hello Kitty Suite at the Maison 140 for this event. It was wall to wall Hello Kitty!

Hello Kitty poses in Michelle’s one of a kind dress designed for Hello Kitty!

We packed into a small vintage elevator with our friends and guests for this shot.

It was an amazing night with well dress girls, and lots of cute makeup!

The entire Hello Kitty Noir Collection is currently available at Sephora for a limited time. Don’t miss it!

You can check out more pictures from that evening on our Flickr (side bar)

We (BubblePunch) thought we’d give you guys a fun little photo preview of Rune Boutique.

We’ve been burning the midnight oil all week at Royal/T in preparation for the event. Sebastian, Yuka, and Vani of 6%DOKIDOKI have joined us this week to help with the set up too!

Kawaii takes a lot of work guys, and we want it to be perfect for you:

We hope you enjoyed that fun little preview of what’s to come!

Remember this is a fun, free, all-ages, public event so please line up early, be safe, and be courteous.

This event was made possible by our sponsors:

We know some of you have desperately been wondering whether or not Kyary Pamyu Pamyu would be performing along with walking in the 6%DOKIDOKI fashion show at the collaborative Bubble Punch, 6%DOKIDOKI, and Medicom event: Rune Boutique.

Hot off the press, we here at Bubble Punch are happy to announce: YES!
Kyary will be performing a short set! This will be Kyary’s first performance in the USA so we hope you guys pick up the ‘Pon Pon Pon’ dance ASAP!

Kyary’s “Pon Pon Pon” video, released earlier this year, went viral instantly. She’s also our ‘Candy’ girl in the Rune Boutique inspired key images.

What will Kyary be performing? Of course, she’ll be performing “Pon Pon Pon” as well as her new single “ Tsukema Tsukeru“. The video for “Tsukema Tsukeru” is set to debut this week as well. Perfect, right?

So don’t miss out on this debut performance by Kyary and make your way out to the Rune Boutique World Debut party at Royal/T Cafe on Dec 9, 2011.

Facebook event/rsvp: http://www.facebook.com/events/188250317925389/

This event was made possible by our wonderful sponsors:

[a]narchy hair

Jones Soda

Sapporo USA

Sugarpill Cosmetics 

TokyoFashion.Com

It’s the last day of November and Rune Boutique is creeping up around the corner!

Are you guys entering the Rune Boutique look-a-like contest? Have you decided on your outfits?

There’s only one and a half weeks left so we hope you guys are creating amazing and fun coordinates for the party!

If you haven’t RSVP’d already, you can always do that at our Face Book Events page: http://www.facebook.com/events/188250317925389/

This is a public event for all ages.
Must be 21+ to drink (have valid ID!)
We would love to thank our wonderful sponsors, who have helped make this event possible:

[a]narchy hair

Fiji Water

Jones Soda

Sapporo USA

Sugarpill Cosmetics 

TokyoFashion.Com

We also have some exciting new announcements about the event!

In celebration of the RUNE BOUTIQUE collaborative event, 6%DOKIDOKI, inspired by the unreleased Rune Naito images, envisioning a magical boutique with a dapper manager and four enchanting shop girls.

On the night of our RUNE BOUTIQUE event, 6%DOKIDOKI and our sponsors, will be holding a costume contest, inspired by the re-imagined Rune Naito artwork by 6%DOKIDOKI.

If you still haven’t read up on the RUNE BOUTIQUE event, here’s the facebook event’s page:

http://www.facebook.com/events/188250317925389/

Confused? Here’s the gist of the contest!

One pair (2 people) will have the chance to win exclusive items from the RUNE BOUTIQUE collaborators and sponsors based on their style, creativity, and overall “kawaii” factor in their inspired outfits.

• Contestant pairs must enter in pairs of 2 people each, this can be a combination of Girl x Girl, Girl x Boy, Boy x Boy
• Contestant pairs must have costumes/outfits inspired by 1 of the 4 RUNE BOUTIQUE images: Candy, Drugs, Beauty, and Savon
• 1 person must portray their inspired version of the girl in the image, and the 2nd person must portray the shop manager.
• Outfits should be inspired by the 6%DOKIDOKI and Rune Naito images, not a replica
• Contestant pairs will must report to the designated area the night of the event, and will be judged by a panel of judges including RUNE BOUTIQUE sponsors and special guest judges.
• 3 prizes will be given to the 3 winning pairs (6 people total): Grand Prize, 2^nd Place, and 3^rd Place

Need a little inspiration? Help? We’re here to give you a little hop in the right direction.

We took a little trip to Goodwill to find a good starting point. Since there are four equally amazing looks to choose from, we wanted to find some cool threads and props to inspire us. Just remember we decided to do a photoshoot, but contestants don’t have to. All the contestants need to do is portray 1 of the 4 different looks in their own kawaii style.

We found this awesome hat that would have been potentially great for “Beauty”.

These shoes might have made an amazing start for the bright yellow ‘Savon’ look.

We saw these bottles and vases and decided they would be perfect for the two key images “Candy” and “Drugs”!

So after deciding on “Candy” and “Drugs”, Bubble Punch set off to make a few more props for our look!

“Candy” has a lollipop, so we wanted to keep that item. Instead of making it round, we decided to make it heart shaped using some craft foam. We colored it with some markers, wrapped it up with some cellophane, and glued it to a wooden stick!

Voila! We managed to make this in a few minutes!

We also decided to make cute glitter mustaches, since we also had to portray the imaginary ‘Shop Manager’ in the photos.

Grabbing some stiff glitter felt, we drew out a shape we wanted and cut it out. To apply this to our faces, we used some double sided tape, but you can get creative!

Then we put together our outfits for “Candy” and “Drugs”. For the “Candy” inspiration, Michelle was the shop girl, and Yume was the shop manager!

We inverted the roles for “Drugs”. Yume was the shop girl for “Drugs” and Michelle was the “Shop Manager”.

Drawing inspiration from the images was fun and easy. Our outfits were a mix of our love for Japanese street fashion and our own personal styles.

Of course, what is an outfit with out makeup? We put on our faces and went with the theme colors using our favourite and RUNE BOUTIQUE sponsor, Sugarpill cosmetics!

Here’s our final images and outfits!

Candy, inspired by 6%DOKIDOKI and Rune Naito.

“Drugs” inspired by 6%DOKIDOKI and Rune Naito.

Here’s a full look at our outfits:

Of course, contestants are welcome to portray characters from any of the four (4) RUNE BOUTIQUE  key visuals of RUNE BOUTIQUE photos for the contest.

Remember, creating unique and fashionable ensembles inspired by the original photos is a key factor. Show us your own inspired style!

We’ can’t wait to see what you guys come up with at the RUNE BOUTIQUE event. Good look guys!

<3 Bubble Punch!

We here at Bubble Punch, happy to bring you this amazing event!

Launching a new chapter in Japan’s iconic Kawaii movement, December 9 marks the world debut of RUNE BOUTIQUE at Royal/T in Culver City. A passport to Japanese pop culture and beyond, RUNE BOUTIQUE’s World Debut Party will immerse guests in a multi-faceted experience, celebrating the roots of Kawaii alongside luminaries from Japan’s art, fashion and music worlds.

RUNE BOUTIQUE represents the new, cutting edge brand collaboration from renowned creative director and fashion designer Sebastian Masuda of 6%DOKIDOKI and the late Japanese illustrator Rune Naito. Considered the father of Japan’s Kawaii movement, Naito’s cute, feminine imagery set the direction for a global trend that would inspire generations of art, music, fashion and cuisine to come.

Four key visual elements and themes from Rune Naito’s original artwork—Candy, Drugs, Beauty, and Savon — have been reinterpreted by Sebastian Masuda and infused with his signature creative direction and dreamy girl imagery, featuring models from Harajuku’s street fashion movement: Yuka, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Shiho Takechi, and Fumiko Aoyagi. Masuda’s newly envisioned campaign will be unveiled at the event and featured on limited-edition merchandise as well as throughout Royal/T’s décor.

For the historic occasion, Royal/T’s 10,000 square foot Japanese-inspired exhibition space will be transformed into a Kawaii-esque wonderland of delights, and the evening will feature:

• Original Rune Naito Artwork Exhibit
• 6%DOKIDOKI’s first US fashion show featuring Japanese recording artist and model Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, as well as the debut of their men’s line!
• RUNE BOUTIQUE fashion contest (details on www.bubblepunch.com COMING SOON!)
• Pop-up retail shop filled with limited-edition merchandise: cosmetics, sundries, accessories and apparel
• Advance release of original MEDICOM TOY x RUNE BOUTIQUE products
• Surprise fan service/gift give aways
• Themed photo booth
• Food trucks

To RSVP, check out the Facebook Event page! http://www.facebook.com/events/188250317925389/
RSVP is not necessary, but it helps!

Following RUNE BOUTIQUE’s launch event, the exhibition and pop-up retail space will be open from
December 9, 2011 through January 9, 2012. Presented in association with The Consulate General of Japan, Japan Foundation in Los Angeles and Bubble Punch, the event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit www.runeboutique.com and facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/188250317925389/

Hope to see you all there!

In the 1980s, America saw the resurgence of Hello Kitty, Studio Ghibli’s first films, and anime blockbusters like Akira which continue to captivate artists. Today in Japan, these 80s icons are charming an entirely new generation. This show explores the relationship between 1980s American and Japanese pop-cultures by a fresh mix of artists. 

This year SWEET STREETS is co-curated by renowned Japanese Fairy Kei label SPANK!, for an 80′s and Japanese fashion inspired art show. This includes Jem, Cyndi Lauper, My Little Pony, Barbie, and every thing you can remember from 1980 to 1989.

Maria Rozalia Finna

Chubby Bunny & SPANK! Collaboration Buttons

Along with the wonderful 80′s inspired artwork, our own Chubby Bunny is also collaborating with SPANK! for a pop up shop, hosted by WWA Gallery.

Both Chubby Bunny and SPANK! will be releasing exclusive collaboration items and debuting new items specifically made for the SWEET STREETS pop up shop.

Mayumi Inoha

SWEET STREETS, with the help of Bubble Punch, is throwing a delightfully fun reception party. Artwork will be available for viewing as well as a special fashion show by Spank! and Chubby Bunny.

The fashion show modeled by the the winners of the recent model search contest, makeup provided by our great friends at Sugarpill, and hair by reknowned hair artists, [a]narchy.

Hope to see you guys out and about!

☆ Contact preview@wwagallery.com for artwork previews.

SWEET STREETS: Art Exhibition Co-Curated by Spank!
Exhibition runs: November 19 – December 23, 2011.
Opening party: November 19th, 7pm – 10pm.

@ WWA Gallery
9517 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Online: http://bit.ly/ovg3C2

This year, Capcom Unity and Iam8Bit teamed up once again to host their super popular Fight Club event! We’ve been to their previous Fight Club parties in the past, and were excited to be able to cover the event again this year. Hosted at the newly renovated Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, they made sure the venue had double the capacity of those in the past so even more fans could enjoy the event!

Celebrating the long anticipated release of Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 and Street Fighter X Tekken, Capcom allowed their loyal fans to preview both of these games at this event, with additional arcade units made up for fans to enjoy Super Street Fighter 4: Arcade Edition, Street Fighter 3: Strike Online Edition, Super Street Fighter 4: 3D Edition, and Super Street Fighter 4: VOLT.

The night also had other goodies in store for guests, with amazing sets by DJ R-Rated, a live performance by 8-bit hip hop performers A_Rival, an Ultimate SF vs Capcom 3 tournament with top players from all over the US, and free food and sodas to boot! Did we mention the free swag at the end of the night?

Tons of photos and more gaming goodness after the jump!

Fans lined up as early as 9pm the previous evening to ensure they were the first to enter the party. These fans are FIERCELY dedicated! This line wrapped around the block and almost snaked back onto itself at some point, it was so long!

Tons of arcade machines lined the floors of the beautiful Belasco Theater.

Street Fighter cosplayers greeted fans at the entrance.

A huge dropdown screen behind the stage dispayed the action from one of the arcade units.

Street Fighter 4 3D setups dotted the theater.

The announcer started the hype for the Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 tournament!

The atmosphere was intense as players Dios-X, Clockw0rk, and Justin Wong all went head to head, with the crowd releasing electrifying cheers every time a character was K.O.ed! THIS is how fighting games should be played! Congrats to Dios-X who won the tournament!

The fanciest soda bar we've ever seen!

Our buddy Michael Shirley came by to show his Street Fighter love! He's wearin a badass Street Fighter shirt, here, but unfortunately the pic came out a little fuzzy Sorry!

Our ticket into heaven! Everyone with a wristband was guaaenteed a sweet goody bag at the end of the night!

This super ecstatic fan proudly displays his swag. A Street Fighter Club T-shirt, and a poster featuring an image of Ryu made up of a mosaic of Ryu screen caps. SO AWESOME!

A full pic of the shirt, designed after the event's flyer, which also came with an Iam8Bit sticker!

Bubble Punch's Chubby Bunny gives a big THUMBS UP (with a snarl... we're not sure nwhy) to Capcom and Iam8Bit for another kickass night of gaming goodness.

As usual, another night to remember hosted by Capcom and Iam8Bit, full of amazing entertainment, cool fans, and more games than you can shake an arcade stick at.

GAME ON!

More photos on our Flickr!

Bubble Punch on The Web
Official Site – Twitter – Facebook

Tell us, is it not sparkling and magical now?

Yume re-did our logo. As you can see, it still has our fun colours, but now packs a bigger, if not more legible, punch!

We also finally got our new ‘About us’ section up. You can click the menu at the top to get there.

We’ve brought the clutter on the site to a minimal, and organized our social media networks to the left. Now you can click away to our RSS feed, Flickr, Facebook, and Twitter. Remember to follow us as well!

We would love to thank Shannon Cottrell, for taking out the time to help us get some amazing shots for our website as well. Our profile pictures now match! And we don’t mean just as a pair, we mean as in matching our fun and geeky style.

And for those who were ever curious as to what exactly we do? Now you can look at the continually growing list of services we offer as a consulting and event-coordination team.

So how did this come about? Well, actually a lot of work went into the re-design. Yume sketched out a ton of different ideas, and we both went over what we liked and didn’t like.

Since our styles can be very different from one another, we both felt that we had to get our best foot forward. Simple and clean really worked best for us.

We often have tons of pictures in a variety of costumes and colors, so we didn’t want the site design to clash too much.

So what do you guys think? Love it? Hate it? We would love to know. And if you run into any problems on the site, also be sure to contact us! We know there may be a few kinks left over from the move, so we would appreciate all the help we can get on ridding ourselves of those pesky bugs.

AND THE BIGGEST ANNOUNCEMENT?

Bubble Punch officially turned 2-years old in August! Amazing isn’t it? It seems like almost yesterday, we gathered up our forces to create this team! We’re both exceptionally proud of how far we’ve come, all of the friends who’ve supported us, all of our wonderful clients who helped us get off to a running start, and all of you out there!

Thanks so much for everything! Thanks for continuing to support us, loving our pictures, events, and showing up!

But the fun is not over yet! So remember to keep on checking back either here at our blog, our on our Facebook or Twitter for our mega-super-secret-fun events that are coming up!

Thanks for everything!