Review: Lolita Fashion Book
Misako Aoki released her Lolita Fashion Book in March of 2014. Unlike her previous book, Sometimes Cute Revolution, this book promised to be more comprehensive in regard to lolita fashion. In this book, Misako highlights lolita fashion styles and sub-styles, lolita hair and makeup tutorials and lolita coordinates in full-color brilliance! Many Japanese brands are featured in this book. These include brands such as Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, Angelic Pretty, Innocent World, and Metamorphose.
After months in search I finally was able to obtain my own copy!
I made my purchase from Tokyo Otaku Mode! This store always has great goods from Japan. I ordered the book along with a few other goodies. My order arrived quickly, which is typical with this online shop. Within five days after I had placed the order, the order was in my hands. Wrapped carefully inside, I found my lolita book.
The book cover is gorgeous. The cover is soft with a matte finish. It is an excellent representation of what is inside. Misako is featured in the center adorned in her signature Sweet Lolita style. At her sides, four name-brand lolita dresses can be seen. Additional lolita accessories such as shoes are artfully distributed around her. Cascades of ribbon, frosted sweets, butterflies, birds, and flowers frame the center image and further the feminine ideals of lolita fashion. What a great first image!
Inside I found 144 beautiful pages of full-color lolita splendor! Throughout the book, Misako articulates the basics of lolita fashion and goes through the main lolita styles. I love how Misako illustrates the aspects of each particular style with plenty of examples. Misako is sure to pick the main dress piece and then explain how to coordinate the outfit with various accessories and extra clothing pieces. Each style has as much attention to detail as the next. Whether you are a Classic Lolita or a Sweet Lolita you have a great base of examples to choose from! It's a great reference.
Each section of the book allows for the explanation of a specific style or sub-style of lolita. I was extremely interested in my discovery of "soft lolita". I believe that this style is very similar to the otome kei street fashion. The goal is to make a feminine everyday style and incorporate elements of the lolita aesthetic. As a Lolita who works full-time in an office setting, the exploration of a more casual style completely captivated my interest. I cannot wait to implement some of her suggestions!
Inside, Misako gives step-by-step makeup and hair tutorials. Numerous looks and styles are achieved and dictated in this book. I absolutely love the attention to detail in her tutorials! I also love how Misako can give examples and tips for each lolita style. This just reiterates Misako's goal to have this collection be a comprehensive reference for Lolitas. With these how-to's you do not have to be concerned with your make-up or hair again!
Below you can view some additional examples of Misako's makeup and hair tutorials. On the left, you are able to see Misako's tutorial of how to make adorable pigtails. The fact she is holding her Pullip makes it even more charming! On the right, you can see the beginning of a lovely make-up tutorial.
Overall Rating:
10 / 10
This book is beyond charming, informative, vibrant and affordable. This item would be an excellent addition to any Lolita or aspiring Lolita. I highly recommend this book!