A. Gato Designs

By Grace of the Goddess

Cart   Check Out

You are here: Home / News

News

Outstanding Orders: Shipping Update

by

To anyone with an outstanding order waiting to be filled from A. Gato Designs as of 12/20/2020:

Due to the historic volume increases staff shortages are affecting USPS due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I have made the difficult decision to hold packages until January 1st. In my state, over 300 USPS workers have tested positive and at least one local hub has been shut down. There have been some cases where orders have arrived damaged, were stuck in transit for weeks when they should have arrived in days, or were marked as delivered but did not arrive. There is not very much I can offer in way of assistance when this happens, so I have chosen to delay shipping to offer the best chance of items arriving. 

I will be watching the situation at USPS as it continues to progress. If you would still like me to ship your order immediately, please let me know as soon as possible. I just wanted everyone to be aware of the situation. 

I appreciate your patience and understanding during these challenging times.

Paulina A. Gato
A. Gato Designs

Collection Rundown Shiro Goshikku Collection

by

The Shiro Goshikku collection was strongly inspired by elements of Gothic fashion and the J-fashion styles Cult Party Kei, Lolita, and Visual Kei. The name literally translates to “White Gothic” in Japanese as it highlights the core of this collection. For this series I decided to pick and choose different elements that caught my interest and mix them together in a way that was new and unique. I choose to make each garment white inorder to make the accessories really pop on the garments. The garments each use a mix of materials and subtle prints to help define each layer.

Look 1: The Maiden

Using the layering process that is common in Cult Party Kei matched with a silhouette that is common in lolita fashion was the inspiration for this looks. The look is a simple white cotton chemise with a delicate floral lace chemise layered on top to add texture and the suggestion of a print. The harness accessory here can be configured in a dozen different ways and is show here in one of its simplest settings, a crossing X shape over the chest. Layering is common in Cult Party Kei but it is always with purpose.

Look 2: The Innocent

From the paisley printed lace peignoir to the peeking subtle holly printed bloomers this look is heavily inspired by Cult Party Kei. As one of the Harajuku fashion that is most open to interpretations you can find several different looks that fall into this style. The combination of a peignoir, mini cotton chemise, peeking bloomers, knee high socks, to the rocking horse shoes  encapsulate the silhouette of the style and use of layers perfectly. 

Look 3: Scarlet

This look brings the first hint of something sinister to the collection. A white cotton chemise with delicate ruffle details, creates a blank canvas with a splash of color. Scarlet drops, shimmer and sparkle in the light provide the illusion dripping “blood”. The morbid red accessories are a set that consists of a three strand pearl necklace, a body chain with matching dripping accents, and several bracelets made of red glass crystal beads, glass pearl beads, and silver tone “infinite heart” findings.

Look 4: The Bound Beauty

I have always been a fan of cage skirts, especially when they are visible in some way. This style always reminds me of Ero lolita, there is just something a little scandalous. The semi-transparent dress shows off the cage skirt without showing much else under the gown, which makes for such a wonderful suggestion of Ero. The Shibari harness is not a real bondage tie but instead a clever harness that laces up the back to give the look of bondage without being restraining. The bag on the other hand is an upcycled plush that has been modified with a pocket and zipper to hold things and is tied up tight in a Hishi bondage tie and a freeflow face bondage tie. The two ties join together in the back creating an easy to use handle.

Look 5: The Pagen 

A long simple chemise as an ode to the witches of the past creates the simple base of this look. Marking her is the sign of the devil, and an inverted star rendered out of a silver chain. It is unclear if the wearer is the sacrifice or the practitioner.

Look 6: My Bloody Bones

I call the dress in this look my “Lost Aria” JSK, it was originally released as a MTO in 2019 but I wanted to work it into a collection and I felt this was the perfect opportunity.  The dress was originally inspired by church choirs and the long flowing robes they wear. For this look I took that idea and combined it with a body chain from my “Lovely Bones” series. The dress combined with the “Bloody Bones” was to convey the image of a vengeful ghost who can not rest.

Look 7: The Rotten Soul

A delicate white brocade corset with flowing half sleeve organza blouse sit on top of a white skirt with lace cut out detail and embroidered repeating pattern. The mix of fabrics and prints help the eye travel. The delicate white details are broken up black accessories made of neoprene rubber and tulle. The ruff collar and harness highlight a sinister feeling that something isn’t quite right.

Look 8: The Ethereal Being

Lace wrapped in sheer mesh gives this look a weightless feeling. The white over dress sits like a cloud over a fitted lace dress with delicate floral details. The only bit of color comes from a black body chain that cuts into the light garments and weights them down into reality. 

Bows Before Bros | Shop Coordinate

by

This look features our Bows Before Bros Jsk with a Lace Blouse from our Essentials Collection. Perfect for a casual get together or just running errands. I’ve paired this look with a couple of acrylic necklaces and some simple hair clips.

Shop The Bows Before Bros Look

KamiCon 2017 | Fashion Show ReCap

by

I could think of no better way to send off by series, King of the Forest”, then to highlight it in my first Fashion show report. Back in 2017 I was invited to take part in the Lolita Fashion Show at KamiCon. It was my first time at this event in Birmingham, Alabama. I was so excited to be there along side my friend and fellow indie designer Puvithel! The theme of the event was “Forest Fables” and I wanted to build a collection based around that theme. It was a stoke of luck to find this stunning deer print and it inspired me to call this series “King of the Forest”. There is nothing in my mind as regal and elegant as a deer and the theme was well suited to lolita fashion. The fashion show itself featured both Indie designers such as myself and individuals from the community showcasing their own style and take on the theme. Personally, I love it when the community gets involved with a convention fashion show. It is always nice to see both big Japanese brands and indie brands show their latest collection but also being able to see the community take part can be a huge inspiration for people who share and interest in J-fashion and for those who have yet to take part but are curious about joining.

For my offical collection there were 3 colorways and 4 cuts offered: Long sleeve sack OP, Hime JSK, Highwaist JSK, and a High waist skirt in Black, Burgandy, and Navy. In each piece the goal was to highlight the innate nobility which deer possess while creating a garment fit for a princess. I choose to include accents such as matching lace, abundant ruffles, chain details, and corseting just to add a touch of elegance. I designed matching accessories for each look that included an embroidered beret, deer antler flower crown, and a regal princess crown with vail. One of my favorite things to do is work in little details that bring the whole look together. I believe this collection was the first series I designed for an event to have a regular release. These items are long since sold out but I have a few oddment pieces, made from the last of this discontinued print, available in my shop now if you wish to have a piece of this history.