Lolita Fashion: What Is It and Where Did It Come From
Fashion is an instant global language that unites nations, cultures and tribes. The fashion industry is a vibrant massive world that is dynamic with no signs of slowing down. People no longer use attires to cover up nakedness but as a statement of expression that communicates and shows personality.
There are thousands of clothing choices and different styles in the world. However, Lolita fashion ranks among Japan's most exciting and popular fashion statements. The style has morphed into different sub styles like the maid Lolita dress, among many others.
So what is Lolita fashion, and where is its origin? Let's delve more into this fashion statement taking the world by storm.
What is Lolita Fashion?
Lolita fashion is a street fashion that originated in Japan in the 1970s. It is associated with the Tokyo Harajuku neighborhood. Fashion is a celebration of modesty, cuteness, beauty and femininity, which does not fit into the mainstream trends.
On Sundays, vehicles were closed off of the streets in the district to pave the way for youth to gather, shop and make merry. The young people started dressing in unique and exciting attires, which eventually gave birth to Lolita, among other fashion styles.
Unlike other Japanese female street fashions, Lolita draws inspiration from western cultures, fairy stories, kids' literature, and history, creating a unique sense of cuteness.
Essential Elements of a Lolita Outfit
The main elements of a Lolita dress are A-line or bell-shaped skirts with a petticoat to support it. You can also wear it with bloomers or a pannier. The blouse goes under a jumper-skirt with tights or socks worn above the knee.
Lolita fashion is also characterized by rounded-toe shoes, beret, headdress or hair bow. The dresses come with high-end lace details and fabric and have intricate details and construction. Some people opt to accentuate or sew their costumes to adorn their outfits by adding handmade accessories.
You may need some nerve going out dressed in such an eye-catching outfit when alone. This fashion statement is for sophisticated people who can handle some drama and love attention. While Japanese fashion designers are crucial in determining Lolita fashion, many others work with the Lolita aesthetic spread out in China, Europe, Korea and North America. Lolita fashion has grown beyond Japan and is now in many other major cities globally.
How Lolita Fashion Evolved
Lolita fashion descended from Doll Fashion, a craze in the 1980s. The fashion statement was made famous by the Pink House fashion brand. Milk, a label that appeared on album covers, often developed the dollhouse style.
While they did not consider it the style Lolita fashion then, labels like Milk leaned towards the design concepts in the market today. Ladies who wore the modernized dollhouse look were known as Olive girls. This came from the love of the Olive Magazine publication.
The second half of the 1980s saw Olive Girls going for more diverse, visually striking and brighter outfits when they attended concerts of their favorite artists playing.
The fashion media picked and popularized the widespread Lolita fashion, which saw it officially born in the 90s.
Visual kei-inspired rock bands emerged during this time, and the global renown X japan released a debut album in the outfits. The X Japan and other groups catapulted Lolita fashion, boosting its popularity. This was another incredible milestone for the movement.
Another boost of the Lolita fashion was when it featured in Kerouac and FRUiTs magazines. Lolita fashion fanatics sporting the style with the likes of Jane Marple, Vivienne Westwood and Pretty made it more widespread.
Gothic Lolita culture emerged just before the millennium. Malice Mizer - is a Japanese band that sparked the gothic Lolita when the guitarist Mana dressed up in a black Lolita style with gothic overtones.
Shortly after, a millennium film called Kamikaze Girls graced the big screen, spinning the notable Lolita fashion into a global fashion statement.
The Gothic and Lolita Bible was published for the first time, which, to date, is the go-to guide for the Lolita.
While the roots were firmly planted in Japan, the western world eventually adopted the Lolita fashion style. This saw the emergence of stunning Country Lolita and Loli Punk, among other substyles. The Lolita movement, therefore, grew stronger, bolder, and more exciting.
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Edwardian, Victorian and Rococo dresses and styles greatly influenced Lolita fashion. The style grew beyond gender, and finally, men embraced it. Today, males called Brolitas have adopted the Lolita dress and created a killer fashion statement.
Since its inception, Lolita fashion has maintained a growing trend, which has seen it blossom into many beautiful sub styles. It is more than fashion and developed into an incredible movement. As it grows, it helps inspire, empower, amaze, and impress people worldwide.
