A few days ago, EGL user go_slow_ly posted a translation from a Japanese Lolita's blog. I'm not going to post the whole thing, for that check out the post go_slow_ly made, but instead, just a few bits and pieces from it. The translation is from the Japanese Lolita blog, Twilightrose.
"Lately lolita clothes all look the same!
It seems like all the brands are just copying each other.
If one brand releases a chocolate print, they all do - same with diamond prints..."
"Lolita of today is fragmented into so many types, and now you can't even tell what's lolita and what's not anymore."
"If you compare modern lolita with lolita from 2000-2007, it's become all about original prints while the dress designs have become more plain."
"Aren't there lots of people like me out there who instead of collecting tons of similar prints, prefer the solid color lolita dresses of the past?"
"Ahh~ there are so many dresses that I want like BABY's velvet dresses from 2000-2007 or inspirational old fashioned styles!!! That's the kind of lolita I've always wanted to be!!!!"
The reasons why I'm choose these particular quotes, or bringing up this blog translation at all isn't because these are some profoundly deep thoughts on the Lolita fashion, or a unique way of looking at it, but instead because when I read the translation go_slow_ly posted I was pleasantly surprised to find out that what this Japanese Lolita blogger was saying was pretty much exactly what Lolita bloggers outside of Japan are saying as well!
Sometimes the Japanese Lolita is glorified and idolized in a very peculiar way. Some people will justify their own sense of style by mentioning "I saw it in a Japanese street snap, so it's okay if I do it!" and comments such as "Well, in Japan they wear this and do that, so I don't see why we should do it differently!" are often brought up when the popularity/Lolita-ness of certain things is discussed. So it sort of comes as a strange shock to see the Japanese Lolita more humanized, so to speak, rather than some sort of faceless fashion idol.
Of course, the Japanse Lolita belongs to a very different Lolita world than the rest of us, besides the major cultural differences (which is a different blog post altogether, one that I don't feel like tackling quite yet!), the simple fact of availability makes for a sometimes startlingly different Lolita world. I was quite pleased to see that, despite the differences and even the mystery surrounding the Japanese Lolita, what really made this particular Lolita stop and voice her opinion was exactly the same thing that so many Lolitas from my particular Lolita world, and even myself, have thought about at one time or another. Even though sometimes the only thing connecting Lolitas from around the world is the fact that they buy their clothes from the same shops, it's still nice to hear that these shops are eliciting such similar emotions despite the different cultures.
If you're looking for more translated Lolita conversations and musings, check out this one. It's pretty old (2005!) and it's from the Japanese equivalent of 4chan, but even back then things were still pretty similar, especially when usernames are turned off and anon turns on. Favorite new pieces, where to get good offbrand deals, the endless "fatty" drama, cosplay vs. Lolita, random strangers popping by to tell them they look stupid, poking fun at Bodyline- these are all things that are no stranger to the Lolita who is familiar with the online communities!
A nice post (: It's interessting to hear what japanese Lolita's think about the fashion & brands. I never thought they could think about it in this way, so it's even more interessting for me to read this. [sorry for my bad english, btw.]
ReplyDeleteThat's really neat. I think I share the same view at this Japanese Lolita too. I watched Kamikaze Girls last night and I couldn't help but sigh over Momoko's delightfully simple coordinates free of over-the-top prints.
ReplyDeleteWhew! I am really glad that there are other people out there who feel the same way that I do! For a long time I have lamented that I am not 'hardcore' enough because I hate all of the gaudy recycled prints that I keep seeing when I'm looking for loli clothes. All of my outfits are solid colors with emphasis on construction and design instead of just whatever wacky kawaii wallpaper print can be put on fabric with a ruffle edge. I mean, it's not a bad idea but it's taken over the lolita lines. It's already har enough to find stuff in my size.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I am incredibly relieved that I'm not the only person in the world who likes solid color well designed lolita clothes, and isn't thrilled to see the same prints over and over again.
Thank goodness! I thought it was just me xD I personally love solid color dresses ;)
ReplyDeleteSee! I thought that because I prefered solids over (as Arwyn said) wallpapered skirts made me a "Classic" lolita. TBQH I just don't want my eye sockets attacked everytime I want to look at the latest and greatest! i want the focus back on structure and details and embrodery, that's what's worth me paying 200+ bucks for, imo.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the Japanese Loli is in a whole different world from the rest of the world. But most styles have become really similar to each other. It's a good thing and a bad thing, in my opinion. For instance, a Graphic Designer like me appreciates the design and thought behind the prints. There are some that are like their own pieces of art. But it would be nice if the dress itself were something to talk about as well. But I guess that's how a dress balances itself out. You have to have some tranquility to the madness lol
ReplyDelete~ Kieli ~
I've noticed that too, Most of angelic pretty's designs are so plain, but its just a different print all the time. I feel like the true design process of the actual garment is not there anymore. With baby, though they do create beautiful prints that I just adore, the design of the actual dress is just hideous. Maybe instead of competing with eachother, AP and Baby should do a collaboration where they have a gorgeous JSK/ OP that is beautifully and uniquely constructed with a gorgeous print that doesn't overwhelm the overall look of the design.
ReplyDeleteHuh, I never considered that some Japanese Lolitas might feel that way about how Lolita Fashion has changed over the years!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting.
Oh, I thought this was an interesting post! I do like alot of prints designs, but I do feel brand should advertise their solids more often as wel as the print so it looks like there's a nice variety. Instead the prints get most love and if you want the more elaborate, solid designs, you have to dig around o find them, and they're rarely talked about.. I do like alot of the prints, but I would like the brands to balance the advertising with other outfits, instead of making it the main focus! Oh, this girl, (the Japanese lolita), speaks some english. The artcle was mentioned in facebook in Tokyo Fashion btw, that blog belonged to a girl they photgraphed:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/TokyoFashion/posts/126003180845512
(she posted to say thanx for the compliments to her dress)
http://www.facebook.com/TokyoFashion/posts/126003180845512#!/TokyoFashion/posts/299983570034688
It looks like some of the Japanese community is aware of the foreign one in some form or another lol. If you want to try talking to her, maybe she can talk more about how similar/different the Japanese community is?
So so sooo much this! It's why I've turned to DIY and making my own dresses, which also saves money so I can buy shoes from brands and higher quality wigs.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete同城寂寞男女交友網
午夜裸聊聊天視頻
午夜聊天室你懂的
晚上寂寞的女人的qq群
夫妻做愛視頻
手機裸聊直播室
色女生的qq群
女主播福利視頻大全
色情夫妻群QQ群
女主播全裸爆乳玩裸聊
Print Murah Cepat
ReplyDeletePrint Plotter Murah Cepat
Print Langsung Jadi A0 A1 A2
Print Plotter Langsung Jadi A0 A1 A2
print murah A2
print murah A1
print murah A0