A Japanese Lolita Q/A

Alright, so either only one person's asked these, or no one has. But here's some lolita Q/A. Email me or leave a message if you have any of your own questions/want to chew me out for something.

1. Is it true lolitas can't wear glasses?

Yes, it is true. My guess is that it links them to cosplay, and lolitas are very, very careful not to link themselves to cosplay. Glasses are also an imperfection.

2. I'm going to an anime convention in Japan. I want to fit in; should I wear my lolita outfit?

Not if you want the other lolitas to like you. If you're just wanting to go in a costume and get people to take your picture, please do. But people will not take you seriously as a lolita if they think it's just cosplay. Dressing up as a jrocker, such as Mana, is okay though.

3. What about male lolitas?

It's a good question. Well, first off, think about what you have just asked. When I asked my Japanese friend about it she kind of choked, laughed, and said, " First, he could cut off his _____." There are no male lolitas. Being a lolita means wanting to have ties to being a young girl, and among gothic lolitas it takes a turn towards fantasies of princesses, fantasy, etc. There's also the element of subversity, where young women are unhappy with the strict gender roles in Japanese society. So unless you're into that...there are some boys who dress and act young to get girl's attention (see Merry White's book "Material Child"). They are not at all connected to lolitas though; they would probably think they're creepy weirdos.

What you see in the Gothic & Lolita Bible are known as "princes." There's no classification for them because they just do their own thing. Jrockers are exempt.

4. Can foreigners be lolitas?

Yes. It was recently decided that anyone who is pretty can be a lolita.

5. What brands are the most gothic lolita?

Moi Meme Moitie is the epitome of gothic lolita. Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Metamorphose Temps de Fille are not gothic lolita, as seen by their lack of anything remotely gothic.

6. Is it really okay to carry stuffed animals and dolls around?

Yes. But you had better be beautiful.

7. How important are brand names?

Pretty important. There's a certain presteige seen in only wearing one brand, and certain brands are mixable while others are not. This is something I am not exactly familiar with though.