uHollywood

Inspired by the ground-breaking novel “Lolita” by Nabokov, Lolita fashion basically emphasizes a girlish, infantile style of allure, where the demure frilly and sweet are characteristic of Lolita fashion. Originating in Japan, Lolita fashion has branched out into numerous different sub-genres that cater to the different personalities of the girls who do pursue an interest in Lolita fashion.

Firstly, understanding the Lolita effect and what it is that draws girls to the Lolita fashion trend. While the sexual undertones are far more muted as compared to its inspiration novel, Lolita fashion basically sends out the same message, “I’m young and feminine, and hence beautiful”.

Frills, ruffles and ribbons, things that most people have shed away once they reach their teenager years are now back with a vengeance, feeding the fairytale princess dreams that most young girls used to have. Flared skirts with multiple layers, and poofy panniers with the expressed purpose of making the skirts flounce, make Lolita fashion the epitome of classical femininity. In an age where female fashion is taking the downward dip to tramp and vamp, Lolita is proving to be an oasis for those dreamers who still want to dress themselves up in pretty pastels and layered skirts.

One of the most well-known sub-genres of Lolita fashion is the Gothic Lolita style, or Gothloli, or Gosuloli as it is affectionately called. As the name suggests, gothic elements such as rosaries, roses and colors such as black are the defining features of this sub-genre. Exuding a classical elegance, where the dark muted colors tone down the saccharine sweetness of the Lolita style, Gothic Lolita caters to most girls wanting to try out Lolita fashion. Black laced gloves and somber parasols finish up the outfit of a typical Gothic Lolita.

On the other end of the spectrum, is Sweet Lolita, where pink and pastel colors are often paired with strawberry, cake and ice-cream motifs. The key of Sweet Lolita is to, well, look as sweet as possible, so often outfits are paired with dangerously high Mary-Janes with scalloped or ruffled patterns and well as Lacy pink or white parasols. Lolita is often about behaving the part as well, so its not uncommonto find Sweet Lolitas going for tea-parties or posing for photos for passersby.

Other less popular Lolita styles include Country Lolita, where patterned clothes with flower or nature motifs are used, with less ribbons, lace and layers in the clothing, reflecting the more simple “Country” look. Waloli, a stylevery special to Japan also features Japanese elements infused into the classical Lolita lace and ruffles, with the introduction of Japanese styled collars or long flared sleeves.

The detailing and rarity of Lolita outfits result in high prices for a typical Lolita outfit however, making the fashion trend more specific to girls of higher income families in specific countries. While its not simple to find a full styled Lolita in the streets, it is getting progressively more common to see Lolita or its relative Victorian inspired outfits in the streets, with lace and ruffles making a comeback to modern fashion.