Style tips from our friends at  ElectricAlice who run a great blog and concept store in Australia dedicated to the wild energy of Japanese street fashion – here are some style notes to check out in conjunction with the latest  colection in Sunny Bunny Kloz

What's Lolita Fashion?

Japanese “Lolita” fashion has always seemed controversial to countries outside Japan because it immediately evokes the infamous novel by Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita. But in reality, the name is an unfortunate misnomer. Japanese Lolita fashion was never intended to look sexy – it’s all about modesty, sweetness and innocent beauty!

Lolita is a look for girls who don’t want to show a lot of skin to feel beautiful. They take their inspiration from the clothing worn in the Victorian, Edwardian and Rococo eras, and modernise it with brighter colours and cute, whimsical prints. Most outfits take a frilly blouse worn under a dress or skirt that is puffed up using a large petticoat, finished with over-the-knee socks and cute strappy flats or heels. This is accessorised with large headbows, bonnets, parasols, themed jewelry, teddy bears and handbags shaped like hearts, bows, or other cute items. The actual colours and themes used in each outfit vary depending on the style of Lolita the wearer prefers. There are probably close to 15 different variations on the Lolita style, but the most prominent are Gothic Lolita, Sweet Lolita and Classic Lolita.

Gothic Lolita uses a predominantly black colour scheme with punches of royal blue, crimson red or deep purple, often with accessories shaped like crucifixes, bats or coffins. Sweet Lolita uses pastel candy-coloured prints, usually with nostalgic childhood themes like ponies, teddy bears, sweet foods or references to Alice in Wonderland. Classic Lolita probably bears the closest resemblance to its Baroque, Regency and Rococo influences, using a range of natural, muted colours and classical floral prints, which are accessorised with vintage gloves, straw hats and floral hair pieces.

Although Lolita fashion originated in Japan, there are now wearers of Lolita all over the world! If you’re interested in giving it a try, you might like to start with a big, strong petticoat that will give your dresses that signature cupcake-shaped poof. Or you could try accessorising with cute sweets-themed jewelry and headbows. When you’re ready for the full look, try researching famous Japanese brands like Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Innocent World and Moi-même-Moitié. Or you can check out Electric Alice!


Imogen