Harajuku

HARAJUKULOLITAS

SWEET LOLITA

A young woman is waiting for the traffic light to turn green on a busy street. She is dressed in

a white long-sleeved frilly blouse

a black pinafore dress trimmed with white lace black knee length socks

white pair of ‘Mary Jane’ shoesA lacy, white headdress adorns her delicately

curled light brown hairher black parasol trimmed with black ribbons protects her from the

attack of the ultraviolet rays, which threaten her pallid complexion.

Although the girl appears to have slipped out of Lewis Carroll’s famous Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, no one around her seems to pay particular attention to her appearance. This is

Harajuku, an area known for its striking fashion in Japan.

SWEET LOLITASWEET LOLITA

Lolita fashion is originated in Japan. Lolita is inspired by the clothing of Victorian women

and children. It often aims to imitate the look of Victorian

porcelain dolls. The Victorian theme is emphasized more in the

Classic and Gothic styles of Lolita. Sweet Lolita is largely based on the luxury and

sweetness of the Rococo period. Other influences include horror movies, the punk

subculture and anime characters. Skirts are typically knee length and are worn with a

pannier or petticoat to add volume. White and black tights are also common.

Footwear is typically shoes or boots with high heels, though not usually stiletto heels.

Platforms, such as Mary Janes and the ever-popular rocking horse shoe, are also worn.

Frilly, ruffled, or lace-trimmed Victorian blouses are popular. These blouses often have Peter-Pan

collars or sailor collars.

Sweet Lolita style uses;

pastel colorsginghamheartslace

ribbons to emphasize the femininity

of clothing items

Petticoatsapronsbows

frilly umbrellasknee socks

are necessities in this form of style.

The fashion started in the 70s, though it did not gain popularity

and media presence until the late 1990s and early 2000s.

OTHER LOLITAS

SWEET LOLITA

• child-like of the lolita styles • bows, ruffles and light

colors to make up • pink, white, and powder blue

but may be pastel or plaid • motifs are oys, strawberries,

cherries, cakes and candies, hearts, polka dots and

flowers. • Accesories are teddy bear,

babydoll with lace• child-like fantasy

• everything from images of cherries and strawberries to

flowers • A natural look is emphasized

• classic fairy tales • princess-like designs

GOTHIC LOLITAS

(GOTHLOLI)(black and white)

• the visual rock genre • darker make-up and

clothing • Red lipstick and smokey

or neatly defined eyes • powdered face

• cross jewelry and other religious symbols

• bats, coffins, and crucifixes

GURO LOLITA

• portray a ‘broken-dolly’ sort of look• yet innocent sub-set of Lolita

• can range from anything to some bandages, a sling, or some blood splatters on your clothing

• pulled-off in any colour • blood splatters

• Make-up for this style is really up to you • Fake blood is a great item

CASUAL LOLITA

• more toned down version of the style

• Simplicity• nice simple cut-sew

• Lolita who not ‘dressing up.’

• modest, and elegant • can be compiled out

of any colour

HIME LOLITA

• ‘Princess Lolita’ • elegant style

• miniature crowns, tiaras, and extravagant or large

hair, and dresses • a sense of royalty, and

class • have a Rococo influence • natural-looking make-up

• key is looking classy • Pearls, roses and bows

suit this style perfectly

SHIRO LOLITA

• White Lolita • white/cream/off-white co-ordinates

• pair themselves with Kuro Lolitas in twin outfits to create an

interesting contrast

KURO LOLITA

• ‘Black Lolita’ • co-ordinates of one

colour, black

COUNTRY LOLITA

• Classic dresses • garden party, church or

summer dress • Looking classy

• roots in Victorian fashion

• nspiration from the floral patterns, and the sense of elegance of

the era • skirts have an A-line

shape

KODONO• “boystyle”

• masculine clothing • Japanese term is Ouji

(meaning prince)• laid back or very extravagant

• Sometimes has feminine touches, such as more

feminine shoes and accessories

• short capri-style pants that cut off at the knee

• suspenders, ties • Hair is often in a boyish style,

often shorter•

QUI LOLITA

• similar style but uses Chinese clothing and

accessories in place of Japanese

• qipao and cheongsam-dresses modified to

accommodate a petticoat • Accessories are platform-slippers for

footwear and bun-covers as hair accessories

WA LOLITA

• Kimono-esque look of the outfits • long ’sode’ or, sleeves, and ‘obi’ or sashes

that are taken from Kimono/yukata outfits • detailed flower prints, and cranes

• Traditional Japanese Kanzashi or flower hairclips may work

• light and natural make-up to Japanese geisha inspired