"But what is it really?" a Lolita Fashion Guide for Parents, Skeptics, and Significant Others
©Oliver Ayala
Maybe someone special to you has just confessed that they are, or are interested in, the pursuit of lolita fashion. Perhaps you are interested in lolita and are in search of an introduction. Regardless of your reasons, this guide will introduce this unique fashion, illustrate some key points and answer the tough questions.
"Where did it come from?"
Lolita is a sub-culture fashion that originated on the streets of Harajuku, Japan. The style became recognizable in the early 1990s. Since then, this bold sub-style fashion has become adopted worldwide. Lolita fashion is influenced by the French Rococo era and the British Victorian era fashion.
"Is it associated with the book?"
No, lolita fashion is not associated with Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. As someone who has read the novel I can assure you, there is no theme or aspect of the novel that relates to the fashion in the slightest. While an individual participant may choose to dress in lolita for their own reasons, the fashion itself is not a fetish and not a kink. Therefore, should not be associated with either interest.
"Then why is it called lolita?"
Lolita in Japanese is pronounced rorīta. It is believed the word lolita was chosen for the fashion due to the sound and the whimsical qualities the name processed. Lolita was sweet and possessed romantic qualities that befitted the style. There was no consideration associated with a European interpretation. The musician Mana is credited with popularizing the name Elegant Gothic Lolita.
"What makes it lolita?"
The overall style is frilly, feminine and eye-catching. Each of these elements are the basis for each of the outfits, known as a coordinate, a lolita wears. The major key element that makes a style lolita falls to the cupcake or a-line silhouette. The shape starts at the natural waist and then increases in volume. Aside from boy-style, this bell or a-line shape is essential to the look. While the silhouette is a firm requirement, there are specific colors, prints and accessory choices that help dictate different styles of lolita fashion. It is up to the individual on what they would like to convey with their outfit.
Gothic
Gothic Lolita utilizes dark and rich color pallet and is a mature and elegant style. Gothic Lolita often features motifs of crosses, roses and skulls. A well-known name brand for this particular style is Moi-meme-Moitie.
Sweet
Sweet Lolita uses a light color pallet, such as pastels, and is an overall cute style. Sweet Lolita often features bold colorful prints of sweets, fruits, and flowers. A few well-known name brands for this style are Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, and Angelic Pretty.
Classic
Classic Lolita features a jewel tone color pallet, is more mature than Sweet Lolita and is an overall romantic style. Classic Lolita often features floral and solid colors. A well-known name brand for this style is Innocent World.
"So, it's a costume"
Although lolita may look extravagant compared to today's fashion standards lolita is not a costume. A costume is constructed of often inferior materials and is intended to be worn certain times of the year. In association with this concept, a costume implies that the wearer is "pretending" to be someone or something they are not. People who wear lolita are themselves and are not trying to be anyone else. Lolita is a fashion statement to express and celebrate the individual who wears it.
"Why is it so expensive?"
Lolita clothing is expensive for many reasons. For one, the style is currently worn by a select niche group. Also, the vast majority of the businesses that produce lolita style clothes and accessories are located overseas. As soon as the style becomes mainstream, the local fashion stores will be forced to meet the demand and prices for these products will decrease. Additionally, lolita is a fashion that prides itself on elegance and extravagance. The fabric and materials items are constructed of are of a higher quality, and quality costs more. While quality materials are worth the investment, there are ways to look great, have quality products and be affordable. I will save those tips for another post.
"Who can wear lolita?"
Anyone. Yes, anyone. Young and old, male or female, rich or poor, tall or short, light or dark, skinny or plump. Lolita is for anyone who is willing to adorn these beautiful clothes and make a statement.
"What will people say or think?"
I have experienced both positive and negative experiences while in lolita, but often they are positive. In the decade that I have been interested in the fashion, I have seen a dramatic change in education about fashion. Knee high socks when I started adapting elements of lolita into my wardrobe were seen as sexy, but now they are more mainstream! Many people know what the fashion is and make a point of discussing it with me. If people are unaware of what I am wearing they usually ask if I am dressed up for a special event. They are very respectful when I explain that it is a Japanese street fashion! Negative experiences mainly consist of stares and laughs from teenagers. All these experiences are overshadowed by the exclamations that I am a 'princess' by small children and a source of excitement from elders. For every stare, there is always five smiles or nods of approval.
Also, your special someone is not alone. There are communities everywhere with other Lolitas! There are many online communities where your Special Someone can connect with others. Many times, there are local lolita communities! Your Special Someone is bound to make new connections.
People wear lolita fashion for numerous reasons. Some people who choose to wear lolita because it is a statement for feminism and fights against society's norms. Many people choose to wear lolita to help them come out of their shell and be more outgoing. Some people wear lolita because it helps them have a positive body image. Others wear lolita to be part of the community. Mostly, people wear lolita because it is a beautiful expression of themselves and a pleasure to adorn clothing that can be considered a work of art. The fact that this fashion can empower people is beautiful, right?
"Why do people wear lolita?"
Let’s Recap!
Lolita is a street fashion that originated in Japan
Lolita is not a kink, fetish or based on the novel
Lolita is categorized as such due to the silhouette
The three major styles are Gothic, Sweet and Classic
It is not a costume
It can be worn by anyone and for many reasons
I hope this was beneficial for all the curious people out there! I hope this information has helped answer some of your questions. For family and friends, you have learned more about something that special someone cares so much about and that means a lot! To future Lolitas, I look forward to meeting you!