Profile: Sen Ono
Born in 1974. Works as an editor for a Japanese women's fashion magazine.
Ono's interests lie in art, theater, movies and culture.

If you’re planning a trip to LA, you’ll want to stop by Silver Lake.
Located just east of West Hollywood, Silver Lake is home to its own Dyke March during Los Angeles’ Gay Pride season, independent from the one in West Hollywood. Overall, the district carries a strong alternative image. Army surplus stores and shops offering funky street fashion decorate its streets, and in recent years a growing number of chic interior shops and spas have established themselves in the mix. The area is steadily developing a reputation as the origin of fresh trends and urban culture.

I wrote on just a small sampling of some of the greatest spots in Silver Lake and its neighboring areas!

One thing I was looking forward to as I was heading to LA was meeting designer Vanessa Craig, primarily known for her Xkiller and Sew Gay lines. I knew she was expecting me so I called her up as soon as I arrived.

“Hey!!” she answered, “Can I call you right back? I’ll call you back in a second, ok? Cool, thanks!” Even though our brief “chat” lasted all of a few seconds, I found her voice on the other end to be absolutely charming.

Vanessa called me back and we agreed to meet up at a restaurant inside a mall. Sure enough, she was just as winsome in person has she'd seemed over the phone!

Vanessa was excited to hear how well her brands are doing at Tokyo Wrestling's Online Shop and that folks in Japan are sporting her designs. Conversation was free-flowing and fun and, since Vanessa lives in the Silver Lake area herself, she filled me in on some local spots I ought to check out--including several great bars.

translated by rayna rusenko