Gosuloli - A style deeply connected to music culture

"Gosuloli" That's the name of the new fashion born at the turn of the century. And before this category was created, a fashion called classical lolita, which resembled this one, existed among some of the bandmen and their fans. However, if it had to be classified, it would have been placed under the position of an "otaku fashion category." As of now that position looks like it's going through a change.

This exravagant style, which seems to have sprung from the artwork of middle century Europe, lets forth a peculiar sense of existance on the streets. And as a fashion it's the newest, and may even be said to be a new subculture, for now musicians and designers all over the world are taking notice of Japan's gothic lolita fashion. But when it comes to Gosuloli, there are ideologies and backgrounds that cannot be lumped easily into one fashion genre.

There is a magic power hidden in the words "gothic" and "lolita." The "gothic" from the gothic culture represented in "Dracula" and "Frankenstein," and the term "lolita," which suggestively symbolizes the shojou born from Vladmir Nobnakov's (sp...the interested must look it up for themselves) novel. The common point between these two terms, as remote in nature as they are, is their charm and beauty. And perhaps it is a natural thing for sensitive and delicate shojou to be motivated to them in their miraculous synthesis. The black cross with the scent of danger, spider webs and skulls. And moreover, the ruffled wide skirts overflowing with lace and enamel shoes we adored when we were young. A new image was born from the combination of the two. Old style western buildings and churches, and young girls like the ghosts which in those places do dwell. Their extreme beauty degenerate and ephemeral.

In 2000 the "gothic" and "lolita" styles began to be reworked into one fashion category. That fashion was deeply tied to music. I would like to look into how it evolved, and came into recognition.

The origin of Gothic, Lolita began in the Trance and Nagomu Girl styles

At the beginning of the 1980's, there were two indies labels which gained popularity. These were "Nagom Records" and "Trance Records." Nagom the sun, and Trance the shadows.