Garnet Gateau: A Love Letter to the J-Fashion Community

Good afternoon again, friends. I hope you’re making it through this dreary winter. Our fabulous pals at Bay Area Kei have come up with something truly special to beat the winter blues.

Bay Area Kei’s event Garnet Gateau, running February 5th - 7th online via Twitch and Discord, is a valentine for you and J-Fashionistas worldwide.

Alt: Garnet Gateau promotional image of a beautifully-laid table with flowers, glassware, and petits fours. Text says Garnet Gateau, A Valentine’s Day J-Fashion Virtual Event, February 5th - 7th, 2021

The panel schedule is live, and we could not be more excited for this all-star lineup. From virtual event luminaries like Kawaii Riot (presenting on sexuality and self-love), beloved fashion historians and mavericks Avina-kei and Purestmaiden, and PPC staffer Kimbuucha (along with Michelle of Porcelain Song and the prolific Purestmaiden) on J-Fashion weddings; to BAK debuts from O-Kei!! podcast (but you may remember Kamilah from Sea of Serenity and JFashion Noir), makeup maven Lacycrown, and at long last, a dedicated Ouji fashion panel from Lauri and Dane. We’re also glad to see the return of Cursed Kaiser, EGL Treats, Elya-chan, and too many others to shout out. Bay Area Kei’s signature game shows and participatory content, craft-alongs and DIYs, and community roundtables are sure to make you feel loved. Mark your calendars now!

Don’t forget: fashion walk and coord contest + Gateau au Château DIY showcase entries close February 1st at 11:59 PM PT, making this your last weekend to whip up something special for either contest, or just to share.

You also have until February 7 at 4:00 PM PT to submit an entry to the charity drawing. This event’s drawing benefits the Transgender Law Center - the largest trans-specific, trans-led organization in the United States. Beyond financial support to the TLC, you can advocate for trans, nonbinary, and gender-non-conforming members of your community today and everyday.

Alt: Bay Area Kei’s charity drawing Trans and Nonbinary J-Fashion Allyship post. Full text is as follows:

The J-fashion community includes members who identify as trans, genderfluid, or nonbinary, or fall elsewhere on the gender spectrum. Here are some tips on how to make your fellow community members feel welcome in the fashion:  

NORMALIZE ASKING FOR PRONOUNS

If you are unsure if what pronouns someone uses - ask! If you do not want to publicly call them out during a meet, ask them in private. Do not ask for “preferred pronouns” - instead, just ask them what pronouns they use. Introduce yourself with your own pronouns when meeting new members of the community.

SPEAK UP FOR YOUR COMM MEMBERS

If you are in a group setting and hear a comm member referred to by the incorrect pronouns, gently remind the speaker of the correct pronouns to use. 

USE NON-GENDERED LANGUAGE

...when referring to your community! There are many gender-neutral terms you can use when addressing your comm. Consider - friends, pals, frillies, rufflebutts, J-fashionistas, etc. 

We can’t wait to see you at Garnet Gateau! Roll up with a slice of red velvet cake and a red velvet dress, peruse the vendors’ sales and new collections, and turn your dials to twitch.tv/bayareakei starting February 5 - or slide into their romcom movie night pre-funk on the 4th.

With love - Nif @ PPC