What is Japanese Gothic style? How to become a true Goth Lolita? What are the differences between European and Asian styles?
These are the questions we’ve been asking in our online store. As France’s leading goth community, we’ve got the answers to your questions 😉
The Japanese Gothic style is one of the many Lolita looks. This sub-style merged with gothic fashion to create the Gothic Lolita. An eccentric style originating in Japan and adopted mostly by young girls. 🔥THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS🔥
Here’s what you’ll discover in this article:
- An introduction to Lolita, in particular the Gothic style
- How to enhance this style
- The must-have accessories
- The differences between European Gothic and Japanese Gothic
After reading the following lines, you’ll already know everything there is to know about the subject. And we’ll be delighted to welcome you among us 🙌
Let’s get started right away!
Followers of this fashion are mostly women, although more and more men are also adopting this style (they’re then called Bro-Lolita).
What is Gothic Lolita?
First of all, what is the Lolita style?
It’s a style of dress originating in Japan, Tokyo in particular. In recent years, this style has been adopted all over the world, mainly by young teenage girls. It is characterized in particular by “cupcake”-shaped dresses. 👗
The Lolita Gothique is a sub-style of Lolita with a Gothic influence. It is distinguished by darker clothing and make-up than other styles, although colors are not limited to black. It is widely considered themost popular Lolita style. The style was popularized by Mana, a Japanese musician. 💮
1) A style that originated in Japan
Tokyo is the capital of this fashion. It’s where these young girls, who are rarely over 18, have fun with their dresses. For a weekend, they swap their school uniforms for these unusual outfits. What they really enjoy is catching the eye and the lens.
The Gothic Lolita movement, far removed from the traditional image of other more classic styles, attracts the most daring. These outfits are inspired by Grimm’s fairy tales, mixing enchantment and black magic. An intriguing atmosphere that aims to provoke reflection in those who observe, a claim made by the movement’s creators in a world deemed too standardized for their taste. 🧐
2) The meaning of Lolita Goth
The Japanese appreciate what is both attractive and repulsive. They recognize in themselves a certain ambivalence, especially in women. When something is simply cute, it becomes boring, and these dresses serve to express different feelings not conveyed by happier outfits. This is thanks in particular to black and red. ❤️🖤
It’s easy to think of this Lolita style as an introduction to Gothic culture. If you’re one of those girls who likes to dress in the darker outfits of Lolita culture, chances are you’ll be adopting a Gothic style in the years to come. Welcome 😉
3) The different types of Lolitas
As we mentioned earlier, the Gothic Lolita is one of many Lolita sub-styles. Here are a few examples:
- Les Wa Lolita
- Les Fruits Lolita
- Les Sweet Lolita
- Les Horreur Lolita
- Les Country Lolita
It’s not uncommon to see groups of girls adopting each of these styles, especially in Japan. And to our delight, it’s often theGothic Lolita that predominates. 💀
Having a Japanese gothic look
If you want to adopt a Japanese Gothic style to become a true “Gothic Lolita” and you’re wondering how to achieve it, don’t worry!
<1) The dress
The Gothic Lolita follows the basics of other dresses. Bell skirts and skull dresses are usually worn with bell-shaped petticoats to achieve the classic “cupcake” shape. The Gothic Lolita can also adopt a more “classic” silhouette by using a straight-cut petticoat rather than a bell-shaped one, giving the outfit a more mature and elegant appearance. 💁♀️
2) Patterns
Dresses that are a little different often adopt motifs such as crosses or religious elements. Other motifs include bats, skulls, coffins, chandeliers, dark red roses and castles. Darker colors such as black, navy blue, brown, crimson and deep purple are common among Gothic Lolitas. Black and white color combinations are somewhat taboo, but they can sometimes be used tastefully.
3) Shoes
The favorite footwear of Gothic Lolitas are Mary Janes, boots (often in black leather) and shoes adorned with studs and sometimes chains. Shoes with raised platforms are common, as are those with low or medium heels. They’re almost always black or dark colors, and sometimes red to match the rest of the outfit. 👠
4) The hairstyle
The hairstyle plays an essential role in the success of this style. Straight or curly hair is commonly worn loose. Braids are also sometimes adopted. If you have brown hair, it’s easier to achieve a dark look thanks to its natural color. If you’re blonde, just add some black decorative elements to your hairstyle to look as demonic as your brunette friend. 🙌
5) Make-up
The usual make-up includes above all a dark lipstick (wine-colored, red, dark purple or even dark brown). For the eyes, opt for smoky makeup. A light blush is perfect. As with all Lolita sub-styles, make-up should be kept fairly natural. There’s no need to overdo it. For example, black lipstick is almost never worn. 👄
Although gothic makeup is associated with a pale complexion, this isn’t very common among Lolitas. It could be considered too exaggerated. However, Mana, our very popular Gothic Lolita, is often seen with very dramatic make-up.
6) Accessories
Common accessories for Gothic Lolitas include bows or headdresses, simple bags adorned with Gothic motifs, and more extravagant bags and wallets. Tights and black or dark stockings with lace tops are also widely used.
Jewelry tends to feature dark-colored gemstones, and silver and metallic tones are more common than gold. Lace necklaces and rosaries are often incorporated. Lace gloves are also popular. Sunglasses can add a touch of class to your style. 🕶
A gothic bracelet is undoubtedly one of the first accessories to get if you don’t want to miss out on this trend! Discover the most beautiful by simply clicking on the image below.
The differences between European and Japanese Gothic
There are many cultural differences between Asia and Europe, and this is also reflected in the world of fashion. Gothic style is no exception. Let’s take a look 👊
<1) Symbolism
In Japan, Gothic symbols such as the crucifix, even images of morbidity and mourning, don’t have the same cultural significance as in the West. They don’t share the same Christian and Victorian heritages and all that is linked to that culture. The cross is seen more as an item of clothing or an accessory. In Europe, it is closely linked to religion. ✝️
2) Style
In Japan, we find people wearing very elaborate and elegant gothic outfits. Clothes are more detailed, including the use of intricate lace. This also applies to Gothic Lolitas.
In France and Europe in general, the style is much more casual. This is Gothic in the general sense, with T-shirts, dark pants, silver jewelry and so on. It doesn’t have the same romantic dimension as Japanese Gothic. It’s easy to say that the Japanese gothic style of the scene has a more romantic dimension that’s less prevalent in France. 🉐
3) Music
The difference between Japan and Europe is also evident in music. The Japanese don’t have the same musical codes as the French, even if the basic passion is the same.
Many Japanese gothic bands don’t play what we consider gothic music. Many are more focused on hard rock. 🎸
Assert your own Japanese gothic style!
In this article, we’ve explored together what a Gothic Lolita is and why it’s the preferred style of young girls with a passion for fashion. Now you know how to show off your Japanese Gothic style, and the subject no longer holds any secrets for you! 🙃 🔥THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS🔥
We understand that it can be difficult to find the right items for an exceptional style, but don’t worry, our team of enthusiasts is here for you! We’ve selected the gothic items our community loves most, and we urge you to choose one of them.
