If you are into Japanese culture, fashion, manga, BDJ's, etc. or just happen to stumble across it during a wikiwalk, Lolita is a term you are at least somewhat familiar with.
This is NOT about the book, may I again emphasize (which I never read, but am getting a stomach-turning-creepy vibe from), nor about Loli/Shotacon anything. Just so you know. This site I have found incredibly useful as my interest in sporting the style grew (surprisingly, it can cater to many tastes, including my own punk-alternative-random-etc. type style), and explains much as to the ins and outs of this unusual manner of dress.
The basics, however: Lolita is one part subculture, one part fashion, with a few other bits and pieces, “branchings”-off and derivatives thrown in the mix. It arose somewhere in the 80’s and is heavily influenced by Rococo and Victorian aesthetics and clothing, with a twist of alternative and/or modern style. The actual look varies greatly, with everything from Punk and Gothic to Sweet and Classic Lolita, this fashion can be altered to fit numerous personalities and predilections. The movement’s significance and what the style represents in regards to Japanese society, as well as societies worldwide, can be broadly interpreted; for some it’s a way of life, for others, well, they just like the clothes. ;) The flavor of Lolita, however, remains consistent, though at times subverted— rebellious, but with subtly; loud, but soft; pretty, gentle, and, though pop-culture and racy manga will tell you otherwise, generally modest. The philosophies of the eras which this style borrows its look from also influences its message, whether or not it they are turned on their heads or become the subject of satire. Despite the world view of Lolita constantly shifting with the times and/or existing undefined, there’s no doubt regarding the prevalence of Lolita, which has not only stayed but thrived (unlike a few other subcultures and styles, which I hope I can discuss at another time), and worked it’s way into many venues of art and culture, such as music, manga and anime, dolls, advertizing, literature, advertising, and so much more. Lolita may or may not be here to stay, but its modern timelessness and traditional deviance certainly has an appeal which is undoubtedly worth studying.
This is NOT about the book, may I again emphasize (which I never read, but am getting a stomach-turning-creepy vibe from), nor about Loli/Shotacon anything. Just so you know. This site I have found incredibly useful as my interest in sporting the style grew (surprisingly, it can cater to many tastes, including my own punk-alternative-random-etc. type style), and explains much as to the ins and outs of this unusual manner of dress.
The basics, however: Lolita is one part subculture, one part fashion, with a few other bits and pieces, “branchings”-off and derivatives thrown in the mix. It arose somewhere in the 80’s and is heavily influenced by Rococo and Victorian aesthetics and clothing, with a twist of alternative and/or modern style. The actual look varies greatly, with everything from Punk and Gothic to Sweet and Classic Lolita, this fashion can be altered to fit numerous personalities and predilections. The movement’s significance and what the style represents in regards to Japanese society, as well as societies worldwide, can be broadly interpreted; for some it’s a way of life, for others, well, they just like the clothes. ;) The flavor of Lolita, however, remains consistent, though at times subverted— rebellious, but with subtly; loud, but soft; pretty, gentle, and, though pop-culture and racy manga will tell you otherwise, generally modest. The philosophies of the eras which this style borrows its look from also influences its message, whether or not it they are turned on their heads or become the subject of satire. Despite the world view of Lolita constantly shifting with the times and/or existing undefined, there’s no doubt regarding the prevalence of Lolita, which has not only stayed but thrived (unlike a few other subcultures and styles, which I hope I can discuss at another time), and worked it’s way into many venues of art and culture, such as music, manga and anime, dolls, advertizing, literature, advertising, and so much more. Lolita may or may not be here to stay, but its modern timelessness and traditional deviance certainly has an appeal which is undoubtedly worth studying.
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