Lolita fashion
"Being pretty, being maidenly, and having fun."
Hi everyone!
Lolita fashion is a fashion subculture that originates from Japan. It pulls influence from Victorian and Edwardian characteristics such as wide skirts (often enhanced with hoops), corsets, and a wide array of Rococo-like adornments such as frills, bows and lace.
Lolita fashion picks I've pulled from the internet, notice the similar silhouettes.
Before I jump into my personal exploration, I'd like to point out the fourth image I've attached, which is Lolita mixed with Gothic fashion. Though not the most classic example, I thought it was a good demonstration of how versatile fashion can be.
Lolita is a style that attracts many people, particularly the youth of Japan. There is a quality beneath it that is both appealing and pervasive, and this quality is revealed by VICE news to be a 'materialistic nature'. To me, this is understandable as this style of fashion requires excessive dedication, seeing as each outfit miles away from your normal outfit of jeans and a tee.
I remember watching a documentary of the life of someone devoted to Lolita (by SBS I believe). Two things that stuck out to me the most, the first being the vast collection of items owned by the lady they interviewed. Her home was filled to the brim with petticoats and dresses, and she owned boxes and boxes of accessories, a huge and scary investment. I realise that may sound a little negative, but I bear no ill will to this subculture.
See, the second thing that stuck out to me was the strong aspect of community. As the lady took the interviewer out for a walk in Tokyo, she interacted with many people who were also involved with this subculture. No doubt, the daily visual projection of this interest let her and her friends form connections before even uttering a word. While walking the streets, they were warmly greeted by street-goers and shop-owners alike and I love that sense of community.
Being Lolita is all about "being pretty, being maidenly, and having fun." --Chelsea Bell
This reminds me of probably the best socialising advice I've ever received; to wear my hobbies. i.e. usually wearing a graphic tee of a band or a franchise, or having a little branding on my hat with the sole purpose of encouraging people to enquire on what I'm wearing and hence spark conversation. The effect of Lolita is like an amplified version of this strategy. Of course, some people may choose to wear Lolita for different reasons, but this is a key component by my impression, and most likely a key component in other styles of fashion that more extravagantly pull away from the norm.
Now to wrap up this post, my attempt of Lolita fashion on Stardoll:
I layered two different dresses to achieve the petticoat look. Unfortunately these were the most voluminous dresses I had available, nothing close to the dresses pictured above. I also layered two types of shoes, the first to for general appearances, and the second to add that signature strap to imitate the strap in Victorian shoes. I found further Victorian influence from the blouse from Anna Sui, and the cardigan was added because I noticed other Lolitas sporting cardigans (and because I needed to cover up the mess that comes with layering.)
To get into Lolita fashion on Stardoll, the easiest options would be fashion store Evil Panda, and the beauty store Sunny Bunny. Other stores such as Voile, Pretty n' Love and Pearls may also have a few items appropriate for Lolita fashion, and you could always try your hand at DIYing pieces like me. Furthermore, if you want more inspiration, check out the doll Unicornie (previously MissDeboraPink). Her presentation states her theme as Kawaii, but I see a lot of Lolita influences in her wardrobe too.
What are your thoughts on Lolita fashion?
Take care,
Joanne