Lolita Fashion in Mainstream Films?
©Gothic & Lolita Bible
I am an avid admirer of the horror genre. I can be swept up in a psychological thriller any day! I am particularly fond of horror films that are foreign films or have a foreign film style. Some of my favorite titles include; Ringu, El Orfanato, Don't be afraid of the Dark and The Babadook.
I never expected to come across our subculture in mainstream films. This is even less expected in horror films! The very nature of these dark and twisted fantasies seems to repel the feminine nature of the fashion. Yet, it seems the style has penetrated these films, even if for an only few brief exciting moments.
Most recently, my girlfriend and purchased The Forest, an American supernatural horror film centered in Japan. The main plot circulates around Aokigahara Forest and the disappearance of the main character's twin sister in the mysterious sea of trees. While most of the film takes place at the base of Mt. Fuji in Honshu, the film introduces the main character to Japan with classic culture shock.
What would be better than some time in Tokyo?
As the main character takes a drive through the famous city, she is curious about the strangeness. When her taxi stops at a red light, she casually looks out the window and catches a glimpse of some Japanese street fashion. She stares intriguingly at the scene before her eyes. I of course could not contain my excitement and held back a gasp. Four young women stood in lolita coordinates!
Copyright © The Forest Universal Studios Home Entertainment 2016, screenshot by magicalgirlme
What is extremely exciting to me is the time spent on this small interaction. You can easily see the presence of two Sweet Lolita styles and two Gothic Lolita styles. The Sweet Lolita with the pink parasol (left) is obviously a Sweet Lolita with an appetite for Angelic Pretty. The bubblegum pink dress with a bold print, the frilled parasol, the pink rabbit and the golden crown support her sugary sweet Angelic Pretty fueled style. The Sweet Lolita (right) has more of a classic flair to her sweetness. A fashion brand such as Baby, the Stars Shine Bright would be a very good possibility for her style. The bold floral print coupled with her floral bonnet is a beautiful snapshot of a Classical Sweet Lolita.
The Gothic Lolita (left) appears to be a fan of a complete black look or Kuro Lolita. It is possible the Japanese brand she is clad in could be Moi-meme-Moitie, Mana's famous Gothic Lolita brand. When compared to the other Gothic Lolita (right) appears to be a fan of a more 'old school' Gothic Lolita style. She is clearly a fan of the old school combination of a black x white coordinate, with the primary color being black. A possible brand for her could be Alice and the Pirates or BTSSB.
Possibly the most exciting piece of this interaction is for how long we get it! Rather than a captured moment we really get in a few seconds of tape. Additionally, the fact that the fashion is represented at all, and that Gothic and Sweet Lolita styles are depicted feels complete. Another exciting piece of this is that fashion is 'in'. Not only did they represent lolita, but they did it with accurate representation. All of the styles are appropriate for the trends in 2016! That additional attention to detail positively thrills me as a participant in the fashion.
Copyright © The Forest Universal Studios Home Entertainment 2016, screenshot by magicalgirlme
But before The Forest, there was…
The first horror film I bought that had a glimpse of lolita fashion was Shutter. This 2008 film centers around an American couple who are in Japan while the husband works as a photographer. While the female lead takes in the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the bustling city, she passes by two Lolitas.
While the shot is only a few seconds the female lead is overtaken with wonder, enough to snap a photo of the girls once they have pasted. Clearly one of the Lolitas is in a Gothic style, while the other is dressed in Sweet absolutely giddy from their shopping. Both of the women appear to be a fan of Baby, the Stars Shine Bright with their Alice style head bows and classic style jumperskirts. The details of lace and ribbon upon their wardrobe as they pass by is a well-deserved tribute to the classic lolita brand. This style of Lolita was fashionable in 2008. When I saw these young women stroll by, I just stared in unbelievable awe until I wrestled the remote to rewind the scene. Lolitas!
Copyright © 20th Century Fox 2008, screenshot by magicalgirlme
Who would have guessed that these films would choose our particular Japanese street fashion to be represented? Additionally, the interaction is a positive one of awe and interest from both characters, rather than a reaction of repulsion. It appears as if lolita fashion is now another celebrated aspect of the thriving pulse of Tokyo!