Goodbye Kitty, Hello... Goth? The latest rage in Japan trickling westward is Goth Lolita style fashion. Don't have a clue what I'm talking about? Pick up a copy of the popular style guide "Gothic & Lolita Bible"-- part fashion glossy, part McCall's pattern book-- it just launched an English version last year and is available at Barnes and Noble. There are even blogs dedicated to Goth Lolita fashion and Tim Burton is making his version of goth 'Alice in Wonderland' for release in 2010. WWD cites Japanese rocker Mana for popularizing the look ten years ago. He has since launched fashion lines named Elegant Gothic Lolita and Elegant Gothic Aristocrat. As for the reason behind all this Gothic attention lately (no matter what its strain), some point to the economy, suggesting it's a hemline effect of sorts, but with dark and gloomy clothing for a dark and gloomy outlook.
What do you think of Goth Lolita? Will you follow in the footsteps of Tokyo fashionistas?
Source: WWD
i'm actually living in tokyo now, for school :) i've seen a handful of goth lolitas, but none as traditionally "goth" looking as those above - more like the typically frilly lolita outfits, but in black instead of pink. i read something about them that i thought was interesting, that unlike america where goth has religious undertones, making it more "shocking," there's no context like that in japan, so the look is purely visual. i've taken a few stealth pictures, but i'd feel weird sharing, lol. who knows, maybe they read this site!
These girls actually walk around Japan wearing the outfits. I think it's fun. Girls in my country only get to wear Lolita outfits during anime events.
These girls actually walk around Japan wearing the outfits. I think it's fun. Girls in my country only get to wear Lolita outfits during anime events.
I think most girls in Japan only walk around wearing the outfits in certain contexts, not all the time...
I used to be into this style when I was younger, and it's part of what got me into more mainstream fashion - the clothes from Japanese boutiques are really exquisitely made, even if they never fit quite right on my big-boned Norwegian frame.
As an anime fan, I am familiar with the look from both conventions and the Gothic and Lolita Bible.
The look can be hard to wear but I would love see some elements incorporated into everyday outfits. Frilly scarves, gloves and accessories could pump up the volume on a plain outfit.
Do you have more pics of this look?
PS: It's a great look for the creative, especially those who like to make their own clothes and accessories!
Hi surfergirl
I'll do an update this week with more photos of this look!
ofn.
so old news.
I'd hardly mention La Carmina as having any sort of valuable opinion on Gothic Lolita as she does not understand the fashion. I would recommend this following link if you would actually like to know what it is about http://lolita-handbook.livejournal.com/
Yeah, really don't go and read failmina's blog.
Check out the egl community on lj instead!
http://community.livejournal.com/egl