The banquet of Hexen and Menschenfresser "Trick or Treat" event report

Activity record 2022.11.18 17:50

▲Ludwigsburg Castle venue (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)



The creepiest tea party is coming!

Witches and monsters, let's dress up scarier than anyone else in your special dust-covered coats!

On October 29-30, 2022, a lolita event with a Halloween theme was held in Ludwigsburg, Germany.

Day 1 focused mainly on a tea party and a sales event, and Day 2 included a castle tour and participation in the Pumpkin Festival.

A vivid two days, I will write a report to share with everyone in Japan.



- Day 1 -

▲Main venue photo (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)



The weather was good, and the climate was a bit colder than in Japan.

From the early morning hours when the surrounding shops are still closed, exhibitors, staff, and fashion show models gather at the venue dressed beautifully.

The venue is very spacious, with seating for about 70 participants (over 100 including staff!) as well as sales areas, a stage, a buffet area, and a drink counter.

 

▲Stage used for fashion shows and other performances

 

▲Handmade table decorations (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)



Although the menu of meals prepared by the venue seemed quite sufficient, this is nowhere near enough! Everyone won’t be satisfied!!

So, the organizer Melanie apparently made additional handmade sweets and brought them!

Along with the surprise of wondering if this amount is enough... everyone was impressed by the cute design of the sweets...!

▲Melanie and her handmade sweets (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)

▲Welcome drink that changes color when mixed (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)



Now, as the venue setup is steadily progressing, visitors with VIP tickets are entering.

At the time of entry, everyone receives a welcome bag (entry bonus) as a souvenir.

The welcome bag printed with the event illustration contained sweets, items provided by participating brands, bath gel, and more.

 

▲Welcome bag (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)

 

▲Scene at the entrance reception (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)

The VIP ticket allows you to enter the venue earlier than regular tickets, shop, and reserve special seats for the tea party.

Kids who have a favorite brand or work buy this ticket and head straight to their desired booth!!

Everyone is seriously contemplating which item to take home.

 

▲Scene at the sales booth (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)



"I absolutely wanted to welcome this dress and hat!"

Participants who welcomed their desired works looked very happy, and before I knew it, they changed clothes at the venue on the same day!!

I was so happy just watching...!

▲ Visitors who welcomed the OP from MoonriseTheater and hats from L'aristocratie



Here is a group photo of the VIP ticket members!

Everyone has wonderful outfits shining with originality♪

 

▲ Group photo of VIP ticket visitors (photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)



About an hour later, visitors with regular tickets also started entering one after another, and the merchandise area became very lively!

I was impressed to see many visitors carefully examining and welcoming the works...!

I was very happy and deeply moved to realize that works from Japanese brands have crossed the sea and connected many people with the common recognition of "cute."

 

▲ Visitors who welcomed works from Japanese brands

　*We only approached and took photos of those who happened to be spotted.



In the merchandise area, not only about 30 Japanese brands but also wonderful brands from the European region are lined up.

Now, let me introduce some brands from the European region!

▲ Amai Dreams (Instagram: amaidreams)

Amai Dreams is a brand based in Germany.

A world of dreams that everyone secretly holds in their hearts, sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter.

A brand characterized by dreamy designs and art prints that express that.

They are particular about materials, and every piece uses natural materials!

▲ Daydream Overture (Instagram: daydream_overture)

"What you need to make your dreams come true is just a little imagination and a little nostalgia!"

"A brand that has only recently started its activities.

This brand creates wardrobe staples that can be matched with various scenes and coordinates.

The nostalgic atmosphere is irresistible!!

▲AmaStacia (Instagram: amastacia_official)

A Gothic & Lolita brand based in China and France.

They also have a strong following among Japanese Lolita fans!

They create clothing designs that reinterpret classic fashions such as Victorian fashion and military uniforms in a modern way.

The clothes feature elegant silhouettes and exquisite details, but they are also designed to be wearable in everyday life, which is another appeal.

High-quality clothing is realized by a dedicated team of tailors specializing in sophisticated women's wear!

 

▲TrivialFey (Instagram: trivialfey.shop)

The brand concept is "You are the protagonist of your own story!"

TrivialFey is a German brand offering a wide range of unique and eye-catching items like ribbons, bags, and necklaces that can be used to complete outfits.

They value customizability that can match various styles, hoping to become a source of self-expression for those who welcome their clothes.

 

▲Lady Sloth (Instagram: ladyslothshop)

Lady Sloth is a Polish brand established in 2012.

They focus on creating comprehensive fair trade fashion using unique prints and lace.

Since Halloween is their favorite time of the year, they have released many Halloween-themed designs, and despite this being their first time participating in a German event, many attendees were wearing Lady Sloth clothes.



Once the shopping time settled down, everyone freely took photos.

Outside, there were many professional lights prepared, and everyone was taking special photos using props they had brought specifically for this.

 

▲Scene of photography in progress

▲Photo of attendees (photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)



Next is tea party time!

In Japan, tea parties are often held alongside events like fashion shows, but in European events, they often make sure to set aside proper time for eating.

The attitude of wanting to fully enjoy all the content is somehow nice, isn't it?

 

▲Scene of the buffet venue (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)

Also, you can order drinks from the drink counter lady and have as many as you like!

And what surprised me here was the variety of drinks...!

At Japanese tea parties, tea is the main drink, but here, of course, there was tea, as well as carbonated drinks like cola and Sprite, fruit juices, and even beer...! (As expected of Germany!!)

▲Scene of the venue (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)

 

▲Eight people per table enjoying their meal together♪



After the meal was mostly finished, the two hosts of the stage event appeared!

When the greeting was given, the participants responded enthusiastically.



The first event was the lottery draw!

Each person draws one lottery ticket randomly from the witch's hat, and with the color and number on it, they can get the prize assigned in advance.

The most common color and number won small prizes, and at the end, two first prizes were won, so the winning participants were very happy.

▲Scene from the lottery event (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)



The Best Dresser awards were chosen by two guests from Lady Sloth, one guest from Japan named Yamada and organizer Aya, and one more by Melanie.

Also, the two organizers selected not only the best single dresser but also participants who coordinated their outfits with couples or friends based on a theme.

 

▲Best Dresser of Lady Sloth (Photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)

 

▲Best Single Dresser selected by Yamada and Melanie (photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)

 

▲Best Couple, Triple Dresser (photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)



These are the ones who were ultimately chosen!

These girls with their unique and shining coordinates even handmade accessories, and we applaud their seriousness and quality!!

▲Prize handover (photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)



Lady Sloth gave out prizes provided by the exhibiting brands to the winners selected by the management and Yamada, including their own brand's clothes.

They embraced on stage and expressed their gratitude.



Next up is the fashion show, which I personally was looking forward to.

Not only the local brands participating in the face-to-face sales booth, but also the Japanese participating brands Moonrise Theater, HERHUM, and Melanger Etranger joined us.

Below is a part of the fashion show.

 

▲Amai Dreams

 

▲Melanger Etranger

 

▲Loliya

 

▲Diana Alieva

 

▲AmaStacia

 

▲Moonrise Theater

 

▲HERHUM

 

▲Violet Fane

 

▲Lady Sloth



The clothes from Japanese brands that usually participate in Gothic and Lolita Market, when worn by different models than usual, seemed to rediscover new charms, which made me happy as well.



The local brands' clothes were impressive in that each brand made efforts so that people of various body types could wear them well.

I was surprised that there are many brands that are still not well known in Japan, but all the brands have wonderful designs, so I want to check them out in the future!



And finally... a speech corner answering questions about Japanese Lolitas collected before the event!

Based on the questionnaire results answered by everyone in Japan, Yamada from Gothic and Lolita Market gave a speech adding supplements and considerations.

 

▲Yamada's speech scene (photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)

　* Because the code was short, Aya from the management and I reluctantly sat on the stage! lol



The questions were mainly divided into two categories: how to become friends with Japanese Lolitas, and questions about Japanese brands and events.

Some were very curious, taking photos of the projected materials and coming closer to listen intently, which made all the effort put into preparing the materials worthwhile...!

And I would like to sincerely thank everyone who cooperated in answering the questionnaire.



Even after the speech ended, I was moved by the enthusiasm of the children who came to share their impressions or to take a two-shot photo with me...!



And just like that, the first day ended in no time.

Even when it was time to end, many people stayed at the venue with reluctant feelings, but after repeated announcements, everyone said, "See you tomorrow!!" and went home.

 

 

- Day 2 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

▲ Participants gathering in front of Ludwigsburg Castle (photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)

 

▲ Participants gathering in front of Ludwigsburg Castle



On this day, we toured Ludwigsburg Castle (Ludwigsburg Residential Palace) and participated in the Pumpkin Festival held in its gardens.

Ludwigsburg Castle is the largest Baroque palace in Germany to remain intact.

Built by Duke Eberhard Ludwig modeled after the Palace of Versailles, it is the largest Baroque palace in Germany and one of the largest in Europe.

 

Since a lot of walking was expected this day, more people dressed lightly than the previous day, but just like the day before, there were many wonderful outfits.

Some even wore works that were included in the Welcome Back or were welcomed on the first day!

 

▲ Participants wearing Japanese works who welcomed us the day before



Since this day was also a Halloween-themed event, many items with Halloween motifs quickly joined the outfits.

Now then, first up is the Ludwigsburg Castle tour!

▲ Participation in the Ludwigsburg Castle tour (photo by pipp, Instagram: pipparazzi_cosplay)



Most of the places did not allow photography, so I feel sorry that I cannot convey the details well to those reading this report, but the luxurious and gorgeous decorations make you feel as if you yourself have become a noble being just by walking and looking around.



After fully enjoying the castle, next is the museum tour.

Inside the palace, there are several museums and art galleries, and this time we visited the Fashion Museum among them!

Here, the development of fashion trends over three centuries is illustrated using clothing from the 18th to the 20th century as clues.

 

▲ Museum guide sign



For those who love historical fashion, there are especially many drool-worthy dresses and clothes...!

Even I, who am not very knowledgeable about history, watched with sparkling eyes!

There were moments that somehow reminded me of Lolita fashion, and we got excited saying, "This dress looks like ◯◯'s clothes!"

Unfortunately, photography was not allowed throughout the building here either, so if you're interested, please be sure to visit when you travel to Germany♪



After this, we will head to the gardens of Ludwigsburg Castle.

In front of and behind the palace, French-style (planar geometric) gardens spread out, modeled after the Palace of Versailles.

What was happening in the garden that day was the "Pumpkin Festival".

The Pumpkin Festival is, as the name suggests, the world's largest pumpkin festival!

This year's theme is "Rainforest (Regenwald)".

This event features sculptures, carvings, and displays using 500 varieties of pumpkins produced locally, as well as competitions for size, carving workshops, and pumpkin canoe events.

The restaurant also offers special menus such as pumpkin-based soups, the famous Maultaschen, and pancakes♪

After entering, everyone is free to move around and enjoy the festival in their own way.

▲ Snake sculpture made of pumpkins (Photo by Natalia Vizintini/naawie Instagram: _naawie_)

 

▲ Spider (?) sculpture made of pumpkins (Photo by Natalia Vizintini/naawie Instagram: _naawie_)

 

▲ Parrot (?) sculpture made of pumpkins (Photo by Natalia Vizintini/naawie Instagram: _naawie_)

 

▲ Orangutan (?) sculpture made of pumpkins

 

▲ Championship competing for size (weight)

The winner weighed an incredible 1100.50g!! Over 1 ton...

If they get too big, maybe their own weight can't support them, and they end up looking melted~

 

▲ Various shapes of pumpkins for sale

There were pumpkins shaped like those seen in Japan, but also uniquely shaped ones twisted or squeezed, and some shaped like gourds, showing a lot of personality were on sale.

 

▲ Garden filled with pumpkins (Natalia Vizintini/naawie Instagram: _naawie_)

 

▲ The two with outfits in autumn colors perfect for this event were wonderful

 

▲ Group photo

This is the group photo on the second day for those who wished to participate!

Since it was such a vast land, it felt like only those we happened to meet could join... lol



Before I knew it, it had gotten dark, and the fulfilling two-day event, The banquet of Hexen and Menschenfresser "Süßes sonst gibt's Saures," has come to an end.



It was my first time shipping a large volume overseas, about a 19-hour flight from Japan (with transfers), which was quite challenging, but the two days were so fulfilling and stimulating that I almost forgot about that.

We want to further strive to create an environment where exchanges and shopping feel seamless across borders.

 

▲ Organizers Aya and Melanie

We sincerely thank the two organizers who hosted and invited us to this wonderful event, the staff who helped, the visitors who came, the brands that exhibited, and everyone who read this report.

We look forward to the day we can meet again.

Gothic and Lolita Market Yamada







- Upcoming Event Information -



●2023/4/8 (Sat) 8th Gothic and Lolita Market @WITH HARAJUKU HALL

More than 100 Lolita brands from various genres gather, and there is also a coordinate snap photo session at the largest Gothic and Lolita sales event in Eastern Japan♪



●2023/4/30 (Sun) GLM FREA MARKET 2

GLM FREA MARKET, abbreviated as #GLM Flea Market

Hosted by the Gothic Lolita Market, we will hold a flea market for Gothic and Lolita fans!

Of course, there are clothes and accessories, as well as many charming items like miscellaneous goods, tableware, books, and furniture gathered here.

Whether you are looking for something, want to wear Lolita clothes from now on, or seek to learn from the past to innovate, please do come.