Japanese Gothic Lolita

I've just discovered an article online about a Japanese Goth trend called Gothic Lolita , intriguing. The trend began around 1999, and the site morbidoutlook.com names bands like Motley Crue and Malice Mizer (pictured above) as influences.

The look is similar to the American goth trend, but is a little softer. Less leather and chains, more layers of black lace. It's actually rather elegant and not as harsh as one would think. Some key things that characterize the look are:

• Black, black, black. What's a Goth trend without black? There is use of some color, but usually only red or pastels.
  
• Ruffled babydoll dresses. Think Alice in Wonderland meets Interview With a Vampire. In fact, Kirsten Dunst's character in this movie dresses in a somewhat Gothic Lolita fashion...
  
• Lots of layers. Ruffles, lace, aprons, jackets, leggings, tights, headbands. Even parasols can add to the dimensions of this look.
• Mary Jane-style shoes.

In essence, the girls who wear this garb remind me of full grown Victorian dolls. Ruffled dresses, innocent rosy faces, and long ringlets of hair. A little pout and a gaze of indifference helps too. It's elegant, dark, cute, and a little creepy. Deep.