Gamertell

The ever-increasing popularity of Japanese culture has invaded America and is here to stay. It began with video game and now it’s ever more evident in the multitude of anime- and manga-related goods becoming more commonplace in stores coupled with anime shows (Pokemon, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh) that monopolize prime TV time slots. It was only a matter of time before Japan’s penchant for Gothic Lolita, or GothLoli, attire gained its own momentum.

In Japan, the terms “gothic” and “lolita” are used to describe a sub-culture of teenagers who wear a wide range of fashions. The syle of GothLoli focuses on combinations of black with white lace which may be typically decorated with ribbons and lace trims. The outfits almost always consist of skirts should not be shorter than knee-length since it is important to maintain an image of innocence by covering up oneself as much as possible.

While GothLoli may focus on blacks and whites, Lolita fashion is primarily influenced by Victorian children’s clothing as well as costumes from the Rococo period. Pastel coloring, gingham patterns and cutesy prints are popular decorations for many lolita jumper skirts.

On August 16, 2008, Kamikaze Pop in conjunction with Tokyopop held a Gothic & Lolita Fashion Showcase to promote the pre-release of the Gothic & Lolita Bible book. The event was held in the Action Theater of Sony’s Metreon in San Francicso, California (USA), amid a swarm of participants of all ages and sizes.

While waiting for the showcase to begin, guests were invited to shop the wares of local vendor, Miss Carlyfornia. Miss Carlyfornia offered many dainty and eloquently detailed hand-made accessories and crafts intended for the GothiLoli fan. Guests were also encouraged to decorate cookies that would be later judged and awarded coveted prizes from famous Lolita fashion designers. Invitees were also encouraged to take advantage of the fact that Tokyopop’s Gothic & Lolita Bible was exclusively available to them that day much earlier than its intended release date.

The show began with an introduction by Nicole DeMeo (shown left), CEO of Kamikae Pop, who also awarded the lucky winners of the cookie decorating contest. Soon after, Tokyopop’s senior editor, Jenna Winterburg, assumed the stage wearing an Alice in Wonderland-inspired piece from Baby The Star Shine Bright. After Jenna briefly discussed the history, differences, and evolution of Lolita and Goth fashion, the promenade of young girls adorned in donated Vivien Hoffpauir pieces began.

Since the emphasis of the event was the showcase and not a mere fashion show, Jenna invited the audience to volunteer any questions that anyone might have about this popular fashion style. The audience was eager to chime in and it was apparent that the attendees were full of avid and passionate costumers. Many audience members vocalized their support for the GothLoli scene by encouraging people in the California area who are interested in this fashion-forward hobby to join the California Gothic & Lolita (CA_EGL) community.

Site [Kamikaze Pop] Read [LolitaFashion] Photo Gallery [Gamertell]

NOTE: All photos by Janine Dong.

Check out the gallery: Kamikaze Pop Gothic Lolita Showcase 2008