Gothic Lolita - Misplaced Pages

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Gothic Lolita or "GothLoli" is a fashion particularly popular among Japanese teenagers and young women. It emphasizes Victorian-style girl's clothing and often aims to imitate the look of Victorian porcelain dolls.

Variations of the Gothic Lolita look include "Classic Lolita" (more traditional clothing) and "Elegant Gothic Lolita" (EGL, which is heavily influenced by gothic fashion). The male analog to this fashion is "EGA" or Elegant Gothic Aristocrat which shares EGL's emphasis on the Victorian era though not on children's clothing. Gothic Lolita is also influenced by the imagery of more feminine Visual Kei (or "visual rock") bands. Visual Kei is a Japanese form of pop music incorporating such diverse musical styles as synth pop, soft rock, Goth, Punk and heavy metal, but always featuring performers in elaborate costumes.

The crossdressing former leader and guitarist of the Visual Kei band Malice Mizer, Mana, is widely credited for starting the Gothic Lolita movement. In 1999, he founded his own fashion label, Moi-même-Moitié, for which he coined the terms Elegant Gothic Lolita and Elegant Gothic Aristocrat. Mana, a male, regularly appears in the Gothic & Lolita Bible, modelling his own Victorian-inspired designs with heavy gothic makeup and big hair. After the breakup of Malice Mizer, Mana founded his solo project, Moi Dix Mois.

The style

Typically voluminous with ribbons, lace trims and frilly knee-length skirts. Usually a combination of black and white, often black with white lace, is worn. Skirts often have a concealed crinoline. In the past, some dresses were adorned by an "Alice in Wonderland"-style apron, but this is no longer common. Skirts are usually worn with knee-high stockings. Black fishnet stockings (often with intentional holes) and white or black tights are also common. Clunky shoes, typically boots or Mary-Janes, complete the look.

Frilly, ruffled or lace-trimmed Victorian blouses are also popular especially with "EGL" types. Typically black or white is worn but grey, red, blue and pastels are occasionally accenting colors. Designs are modest, sometimes with long lace-capped sleeves. A flat chest is preferred. Cleavage and breasts are de-emphasized to preserve a child-like look. Sometimes blouses have "Peter Pan" collars and sleeves.

Headpieces often complement the outfit. Mostly black or white, headgear might consist of a headband with ruffles, ribbons, lace or bows. Sometimes even bonnets or askew top hats (also seen in EGA) are worn. Hair may be curled to complete the porcelain doll look. The naturally dark Japanese hair color is often lightened but rarely to blonde.

Makeup is used sparingly and is seen more often with EGL styles than with other GothLoli styles. Black eyeliner is typical. A pale complexion is preferred, so white foundation might be used. Red or black lipstick is seen but lighter makeup is the rule.

Gothic Lolita outfits may be accessorized with other props like conspicuous pocketbooks, hatboxes, handbags and other bags, sometimes in the shape of bats, coffins, and crucifixes. Parasols are also common as are lace gloves.

Typically, this is not everyday clothing for adherents. Worn primarily in public for concerts and on weekends, the style is mostly for show and not a practical fashion.

"Lolita"

Although "Lolita" is apparently a reference to Vladimir Nabokov's famous novel, and GothLoli is often worn by teens, most followers of the style do not consider it overtly sexual. Adherents present themselves as Victorian children or baby dolls and prefer to look "cute" rather than "sexy".

Visual Kei

Japanese Visual Kei or Visual Rock encompasses a wide variety of bands. Many of these groups make heavy metal or rock music but visual rock groups in Japan are not only known for their music but also for their often elaborate costumes and/or makeup . This can be thought of as an extension of the more familiar "glam rock" in English music. Many Japanese GothLolis try to emulate artists like Malice Mizer, Kana and Dir en Grey.

Gothic & Lolita Bible

Although many elegant Gothic Lolita costumes are homemade, the look has also been significantly mass-marketed. Magazines devoted to EGL attest to this sub-culture's marketing. One magazine in particular, the irregularly published Gothic & Lolita Bible has played an instrumental role in standardizing the style. The 100+ page magazine includes fashion tips, photos, sewing patterns, catalog descriptions, decorating ideas and even recipes.

Cultural impact

Currently the heart of the Gothic Lolita subculture, at least commercially, is the Marui YOUNG department store in Shinjuku, after its predecessor Marui ONE closed at the end of August 2004. It has, however, begun to spread, mainly to Europe and the United States. Gothic Lolita, along with Cosplay and other Japanese cultural phenomena, can be seen at concerts and anime conventions throughout Europe and the United States. The style has not yet been mass marketed outside of Japan and probably never will be. However, there are plenty of dedicated fans filling the gap. Gothic Lolita magazines are widely available for purchase on the internet and at Japanese bookstores, which also deal in anime and manga. Adherents in Europe and the United States often sew their own homemade Gothic Lolita outfits, sometimes offering them for sale to make up for the difficulty of acquiring them from Japan.

External links

Gothic Lolita outlets

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