People express themselves differently, whether through hobbies, interests, or work. However, everyone can agree that sometimes one’s fashion style reflects who they are.
Lolita is an alternative fashion style that arose in Japan in 1970 and was created for Japanese women to fight against the Japanese female beauty standards and marriage expectations. It was meant for men to become less interested in them due to their outfit expression.
Before the name Lolita became utilized, the name of the fashion style was dolly-kei. This was because the clothing patterns of the style were recognized by women dressing femininely. Big fluffy skirts, delicate figures, and elegant-like behavior were recognizable traits of the style.
As years passed, a fashion style once known as a form of protest became popular among young adults and teenagers. Shows like “Paradise Kiss” (1999-2003), “My Neighborhood Story” (1995-1997) by Ai Yazawa, and “Kamikaze Girls” by Novala Takemoto are some inspirations in Lolita media.
“I think it kind of impacts me in a way,” junior Emily Thach said when she wears Lolita fashion. “I think it makes me seem a little more positive, a little nicer.”
Thach adds that dressing in this style makes people feel like they need to act differently, in a more positive way.
Many more styles were created as well, from the most modest and simple like traditional and casual Lolita to more complex and colorful/monochromatic such as decora and shiro/kuro Lolita.
A sophomore, Caroline V., from Riverside High School, states that she mixes many different styles when she dresses up. She adds that she follows some influencers to inspire herself daily.
The idea of Lolita is for people to express themselves in a way they feel most comfortable. Depending on your comfort level, Lolita can be treated as a hobby or as a lifestyle. However, it is costly, especially because shipping it overseas is expensive. Prices may vary from a $100 dress to a $1,000 set.
“There are brands that are affordable – brands like Taobao,” junior Veronica Ciosek said.
Websites such as 42lolita, Bodyline, or Taobao, and second-hand marketplaces such as Mercari are good places to start a collection. However, if you are interested in buying from good-quality but expensive brands, Angelic Pretty, Moi Meme Moitie, or Baby the Star Shines Bright are good places to start.
The community encourages the use of DIY pieces, with magazines providing tutorials for hair accessories, skirts, dresses, etc. Yet, the use of replicas is criticized because Lolita dress designs are made by small artists who do not permit them and often lose money when people buy from replicas.
Replicas also tend to be of lower quality than the original design. They often have missing buttons, and the pattern is less vibrant.
The idea of Lolita is to slowly create a collection of dresses commonly known in the subculture: coordinates, also known as coords.
Many will also argue that it can be associated with wanting to become a doll which is far from the truth.
Ciosek states that YouTube videos can clarify many doubts and thoughts on the style.
Lolita is a way of expression for women who feel comfortable with themselves and find a place in the community. If you are interested, start by searching in forums like Reddit r/lolita, blogs on websites such as Tumblr, or just searching for videos online about the style.
