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Style?
Gothic Lolita is the best-known of the various "Lolita" looks. Other categories include "Classic Lolita",
which is often more mature-looking and contains more muted colors and floral prints and "Sweet Lolita" which is
identified by childish pastel colours and cute prints.
The style is usually a combination of black and white, often black with white lace and typically decorated with ribbons
and lace trims. Skirts are knee length and may have a crinoline or petticoat to add volume. As in mainstream Japanese fashion,
over-knee socks or stockings are popular. White or black tights are also common. Boots, rockinghorse shoes, or child-like
shoes such as Mary Janes complete the look. Frilly, ruffled or lace-trimmed Victorian blouses are also popular with Gothic
Lolitas and designs are usually modest, sometimes with long lace-capped sleeves and/or high-necked blouses.
Some additions may include mini top hats, parasols, and lace headdresses, which resemble wide, elegantly decorated headbands.
Other popular Lolita headgear are ribbons, lace or bows, an alice band with a bow or sometimes even a bonnet. Hair is sometimes
curled, or a curled wig is worn to complete the porcelain doll look. Blonde and black are the most popular hair colors, though
as the fashion continues to develop, other colours (such as brown and red) are increasing in popularity.
Lolita outfits may be accessorized with other props like handbags, small backpacks and purses, sometimes in the shape
of bats, coffins, and crucifixes, as well as conspicuous pocket books, pocket watches, and hat boxes. Teddy bears and other
stuffed animals are also common, and some brands make special "gothic" teddy bears out of black leather or PVC.
Some Lolitas own Super Dollfies or other ball-jointed dolls and carry them when wearing the style, often going so far as to
dress them to match
The fashion is regarded by some of its adherents as more than simple dress, and can be an etiquette and mindset as well.
In magazines/written works devoted to lolita fashion, this is also emphasized by advice given on how to behave and modest
use of makeup. Some lolita just like the clothing/scene though; they are likely to have read this material, but may not actually
follow any of it
There are fashions similar in feeling to gothic lolita but they are not regarded by the gothic lolita community as authentic,
rather "lolita-styled".
| Black Lolita |
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More Styles...
Shirorori (white Lolita): a sub-set of Lolita fashion that was all white.
Kurorori (black Lolita): a sub-set of Lolita fashion that was all black
Gurorori (Gory or grotesque Lolita): a sub-set of Lolita fashion that was often defined by bandages and an "injured"
appearance.
Punk Lolita: a sub-set of Lolita fashion that has many bright colours and patterns.
Elegant Gothic Lolita (EGL): This term was coined by Mana (Guitarist and leader of Moi dix Mois and Malice Mizer, creator
of clothing line Moi-même-Moitié) and It can be considered a more mature version of gothic lolita, often worn by older teens
and young women. The male 'counter-part' to EGL is EGA (Elegant Gothic Aristocrat); it is very tailored and stream-lined,
both being mostly black and white
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| ELG Style |
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| Thanks to Chaymarion for the photograph |
Attitude?
It should be in the nature of a Lolita to be respectful, polite, and demure at all times.
It has often been known to attempt to cultivate interest in hobbies or activities considered appropriate to high-society
ladies during the Rococo and Victorian era's such as needlework, opera, classical and baroque styles of music, painting, sewing,
and the traditional observance of high tea.
For the most part, however, most Lolitas live a day-to-day life very similar to any average person.
Outside Japan?
The Lolita fashion is still widely unknown. However, Lolita, along with cosplay and other Japanese cultural phenomenon, can
sometimes be seen at concerts and anime conventions throughout Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, France, the
Netherlands and the United States
There are even some committed to the fashion who will confirm that Gothic Lolita is not a fancy dress costume, rather,
a way of life.
| Sweet Lolita |
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Shopping?
The style has not yet been mass marketed outside of Japan, though small, stores based outside of Japan are starting to emerge.
Major brands, such as Metamorphose temps de fille, Angelic Pretty, h. Naoto and Baby, The Stars Shine Bright have recognized
the international recognition of lolita fashion, and have begun to ship goods to the international market.
This is still not very widespread, as many of the clothes produced by non-Japanese designers are not accepted by the Lolita
community for being inaccurately portraying the style as related to the British 'goth' or French maid look, and not as high
quality as the expensive Japanese brand clothes.
Lolita magazines are widely available for purchase on the internet and at Japanese bookstores, which also deal in anime
and manga.
You can find little stores thoughout the UK and US that will stock similar styles and you can always use the various internet
retailers which specialise in Gothloli...
These include..
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