young woman in gothic lolita fasion outfit is posing close to a chandelier
Photo:  Harajuku Pop Web

Gothic Lolita style or aesthetics has always been dear to my eye. The subtle, almost elusive mix between danger and cuteness, East and West, innocence and melancholy. I wonder if there is any other fashion style as ambivalent? Nevertheless, ambivalence is not the only peculiar thing about this style. One of the most exciting aspects is certainly its origins. If you are interested in discovering more about the Gothic Lolita style, its immersion, main characteristics, and the philosophy behind the whole movement I invite you to keep reading!

The Origins of Gothic Lolita Style


To truly understand the uniqueness of any Lolita fashion, it is essential to go back to its origins. Understanding the specialty of the decade and the social background of the time also helps fashion research. Sad to say, it is very complicated to locate the exact date and time of Gothic Lolita aka GothLoli immersion. Some sources state that in the mid to late 1990s, while others trace the roots back to the 1970s. 

In both cases, the Gothic Lolita style is deeply connected to the popular street fashion movements around the Harajuku district of Tokyo.  This is a well-known place, a home to all things extraordinary and kawaii. Wikipedia claims that youth who wore alternative and lolita clothing had a special meeting point – the Jingu Bash or Harajuku Bridge.

young woman in gothic lolita fasion outfit is posing in a room

Terminology

As for the terminology, here we have more than a single opinion on this matter. Some say it has nothing to do with Nabokov's Lolita and naming isn't connected with this book in any way. Probably, it is all because of the negative connotation associated with the topic. However, Wikipedia states that there was no such thing as Lolita fashion, until the publication of the book in 1955. In Japan, this novel built a positive discourse without perverse meaning and even connected with the shojo or shoujo category of manga.


"I am your sugar
I am your cream
I am your anti-American dream

I am your sugar
I am your cream
I am your worst nightmare
Now scream"

young woman in gothic lolita fasion outfit is posing in the middle of a street

What is Gothic Lolita Fashion?


But what exactly is the Gothic Lolita fashion style? Simply saying, it is based on an alignment between Eastern modern visuals and vintage Western aesthetics. On top, it is all spiced with an alternative twist to the overall look. The deadly cuteness, as I like to call it. A true pleasure for fashion fans with the abundance of accessories, volume, and little details. On the other hand, a disaster for a hardcore minimalist. The abundance of accessories and little details may drive them crazy!

The Gothic Lolita style is strongly influenced by popular culture. Books like Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll with its Victorian atmosphere and the concept of eternal innocence and beauty; horror movies and dark visual novels by Tim Burton; Visual Kei and kawaii metal and rock bands and even Japanese fashion 'mooks' (a duet between book and magazine) and mangas – all of these add to the formation of Gothic Lolita style.

fashion collage with gothic lolita dress, skirt and accessories

Lolita Subcultures

As with any other subculture or fashion movement, it is possible to distinguish three main branches of Lolita fashion: 'classic' Lolita – mainly inspired by historical fashion, 'sweet' Lolita based on the colorful thematic and adolescent-style wear, and 'gothic' Lolita – Victorian and Edwardian-inspired clothing and silhouettes in dark colors and alternative vibe.

GothLoli was largely popularized by pop and rock musicians, designers, and actors. Among them is Japanese musician Mana, who is also a fashion designer and owner of the Moi-meme-Moitie store based on Gothic and Lolita fashion.

fashion collage with four young women dressed in gothic lolita style

What are the Main Characteristics of the Gothic Lolita?


There are no strict rules and limits when it comes to Gothic Lolita fashion. Mixing, matching, and playing 'in-between' the styles and substyle of Gothic and Lolita look makes it so charming. However, there are a few very recognizable features that will help you to tell the Gothic Lolita apart from other styles.

• Bell-shaped or A-line dresses and skirts with the use of voluminous underskirts;

• Regular and underbust corsets, corset belts, and suspenders;

• Medium to long dress length, but short baby-doll dresses are just as popular for this style;

• Duochromatic color theme: black and red, black and white, black and pink, black and purple, etc;

• Ruffles, laces, ribbons, floral and pearly elements;

• Old-fashioned accessories like hats, canes, sun parasols, kerchiefs, veils, headbands, and gloves;

• Stocks and stockings, pantyhose, and knee-socks;

• Jewelry with large pendants, crucifix, bats and knives, and heavy chains; 

• Classic tea-party shoes, Mary Janes, flat shoes, or heavy Gothic combat boots.

Of course, all of the elements above are not mandatory for the Gothic Lolita style. Some may be present, others avoided for the sake of personal preferences. As for the makeup, it is always nice to wear a matching Gothic Lolita makeup look to have the whole package in one look.

young woman in gothic lolita fasion outfit is posing in a room

How to Style and Wear Gothic Lolita Fashion?


This is an uneasy task, but nothing is impossible for a true fashionista, am I right? Gothic Lolita fashion is very far from the concept of a capsule wardrobe. The skirts, blouses, and dresses in this style are decorated with laces and ruffles, which, for some people, don't match a regular lifestyle. The good thing about it – this style may become an awesome alternative to any boring dress-up party or Halloween hangout. Just imagine dressing up like Kawaii GothLoli covered in artificial blood? This looks so much more original, in my opinion.

If you are brave enough to rock Gothic Lolita style on your regular days, I suggest you opt out for a less dramatic silhouette. The black and white collar dress above the knees aka Wednesday Addams is my favorite alternative. A pair of high-heeled Mary Janes with striped stockings, maybe? Sounds like a fashion plan. Of course, you shouldn't forget about extra accessories.

young woman in gothic lolita fasion outfit is posing in a room

Gothic Lolita is Not Superficial


Despite all of the cuteness, innocence, and external frivolity of Gothic Lolita, its philosophy is far more fundamental at a second glance. Teenage girls and young adult women adopted this fashion style in response to the tight social norms and rejection of mainstream fashion. This style is undoubtedly very romanticized and lacks functionality, but it is meant to put beauty and aesthetics above the comfort and everyday dullness of living.

Where to Read About the Gothic Lolita Style?

1. The Tokyo Look Book Stylish to Spectacular, Goth to Gyaru, Sidewalk to Catwalk by Philomena Keet, 2007

2. Gothic and Lolita by Katsuhiko Ishikawa, 2007

3. The Encyclopedia of the Gothic by David Punter, William Hughes, Andrew Smith John Wiley & Sons,  2015

4. New Voices Volume 2 by The Japan Foundation, 2008

Lots of love,
Liz