Gothic Lolita Style at Lucca Comics 2010 – Part Two

In the first part of our record of the conference on Lolita Style, held by the girls of Gothic Lolita Zone at Lucca Comics & Games, we had a brief overview of the origins and characteristics of this trend, and we have discovered what’s Lolita and what is not . Now we continue our report by listing the various sub-groups of this style! Again, thank to GLZ girls for the helpfulness and to the gracious Sybelle that allowed us to use her beautiful photographs!

Sweet Lolita

Sweet Lolita is definitely the more colorful, sweet and childlik style. Clothes and accessories in bright colors or pastel prints and fabrics, that recall the world of childhood and fairy tales, such as toys, animals, candy, etc. are very common. A Sweet Lolita outfit is usually filled with hair accessories (very flashy), necklaces, bracelets, rings and sometimes colored wigs.

This category also includes Shiro Lolita and Kuro Lolita, girls dressed predominantly or completely in black or white. Despite the dark color, Kuro Lolita meets the Sweet aesthetic, with large bell-shaped skirts, elaborated dresses, many accessories and childish outfits. At the same time, Shiro Lolita style enhances a more angelic and ethereal look, accentuated by the color white. Mizuru and Pinku Lolita Lolita are also very common, that is girls dressed in pink or blue.


Photos (c) Sybelle’s Photography

Sweet Lolita is probably the most widely known style, thanks to the variety of colors and interpretations and the famous brands that make clothes in this style, like Angelic Pretty and Baby, The Stars Shine Bright.

Classic Lolita

Classic Lolita is closer to the origins of Lolita Style, and it’s strongly inspired by the English Victorian fashion, with some reference to the rococo and baroque style, in particular for floral prints. The clothes are characterized by more adult and sophisticated cut and they use important fabrics like velvet and brocade. The colors are more classic (burgundy, blue, ivory, dusty rose…) and the accessories are definitely more sober (headbands, hats, elegant handbags).


Photos (c) Sybelle’s Photography

If Sweet Lolita atmosphere recalls childhood, Classic style depicts young women from good families of the Victorian era. Its prevalence in the West is much lower compared to Sweet Lolita style, while Japan is far more popular. Classic Lolita most famous brands are Innocent World and Mary Magdalene.

Gothic Lolita

Gothic Lolita is probably the best known variant, so that in the West the name is now used (uncorrectly) to denote the whole of Lolita fashion. The inspiration is that of the European Gothic, with crosses, roses, bats, cobwebs and general stylistic elements that refer to the typical goth stereotypes. The Gothic Lolita clothing prefers dark colors and very serious, sober and elegant dresses, accompanied by very high shoes and makeup that highlights dark eyes and lips..


Photos (c) Sybelle’s Photography

The first to call this style “Gothic” was Mana, famous designer and front-man of Malice Mizer and Moi dix Mois. The artist founded his clothing brand, Moi-mamp;ecirc;me-Moitié, and he is responsible for the spread of this style in Northern Europe.

Panku Lolita

Panku style clearly refers to the English punk fashion, reinterpreted and drained of any original ideological and musical meaning. Only the most characteristic elements of “classic” punk remain, like tartan fabrics, asymmetrical cuts, bow ties, chains, pins, studs, etc. Unlike the previous styles, the rules to be respected are less, since the Panku Lolita is much more informal. For example, the skirts are shorter and t-shirts and sweatshirts are used, with a prevalence of colors like black, white, red and purple. The most popular Panku Lolita brands are Putumayo and h.NAOTO.


Photo on the left (c) Sybelle’s Photography

Casual Lolita

Recently, Casual Lolita was seen on the streets and in stores: more than a style, a way to render Lolita in everyday life, when you cannot follow the canon to the letter, and you must give space also to convenience. For example, you can simply use a less voluminous petticoats, more sober shirts or dresses and less flashy accessories to adopt a style comfortable and true to the aesthetics of the Lolita style at once. There are not brands specialized in Casual Lolita, so in this case it takes on great importance to know how to tastefully combine various elements of the wardrobe.


Photos from Lolitafashion.org

Other styles

Beside these most common categories, there are particular styles. For example, Pirate, which elaborates pirate style on a romantic viewpoint, or Qi/Wa Lolita clothing inspired, respectively, to Chinese dresses and Japanese kimonos. Contrary to what one might think, there is no male equivalent of Lolita fashion. This style, in fact, was created exclusively for girls or boys who want to dress in women’s clothes. The aforementioned Mana, for example, is posing himself as a model for the clothes of his clothing line. Possibly, we can cite Kodona or Ojisama fashion inspired by Victorian era kids clothing and either worn by boys and girls (even by me).

There’s more! In the next part, some info on where to buy Lolita clothing and the video of the fashion show!