#gosu

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gothic lolita —summary

gothic lolita is a highly structured, elegant fashion subculture that originated in Japan. it combines the hyper-feminine, modest, Victorian and Edwardian-inspired silhouettes of the broader lolita fashion movement with the dark, macabre, and melancholic themes of western gothic style. It emphasizes a doll-like appearance, immaculate coordination, and high-quality, lace-heavy garments. here is a breakdown of gothic lolitaaa!!!!!!!!!

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origins & development

emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s in the Harajuku district of Tokyo, Japan.

heavily popularized by the Japanese Visual Kei music scene, most notably by Mana, the guitarist of the legendary band Malice Mizer, who coined the term "Elegant Gothic Lolita" (EGL).

rooted in a rebellion against mainstream Japanese societal expectations of youth fashion, choosing historical elegance and alternative expression instead.

spread globally through anime conventions, J-fashion subcultural meetups, and dedicated independent indie brands.

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clothing & accessories:

bell-shaped skirts

A-line skirts

structured petticoats

high-necked, ruffled Victorian blouses

long sleeves

bell sleeves

jumperskirts (JSKs)

one-pieces (OPs)

heavy cotton

velvet

jacquard

dark, ornate prints

cathedrals

crosses

bats

chandeliers

ornate headwear

rectangular lace headdresses

mini top hats

large elegant bows

knee-high socks

thigh-high socks

often trimmed custom lace

cross prints

platform rocking-horse shoes

chunky Mary Janes

lace-up Victorian boots

lace parasols

bat-shaped purses

silver cross jewelry

elegant lace-trimmed bloomers

makeup & hair:

porcelain, matte foundation base

soft, round doll-like eyeshadow

deep plums

muted pinks

dark browns

neatly applied eyeliner

prominent top and bottom eyelashes

muted rose

deep crimson

dark berry lipsticks

perfectly styled hair

ringlet curls

straight hime-cuts

princess cuts with heavy straight bangs

twin-tails

hair is typically kept in natural dark tones

platinum blonde

deep burgundy

colors:

solid pitch black

stark white

deep navy blue

midnight blue

rich wine red

burgundy

oxblood

forest green

deep violet

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music

Visual Kei

Symphonic rock

Darkwave

J-rock

Gothic metal

Neoclassical

artists: Malice Mizer, Moi dix Mois, Kanon Wakeshina, Ali Project, Yousei Teikoku, Phantasmagoria

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movies, anime & manga

Kamikaze Girls (Shimotsuma Monogatari, 2004)

Rozen Maiden (2004)

Death Note (2006)

Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji, 2008)

Gosick (2011)

Psycho Gothic Lolita (2010)

Nuigulumar Z (2014)

X-Cross (2007)

Peep "TV" Show (2004)

Carole & Tuesday (2019)

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fashion magazines & brands:

Gothic & Lolita Bible

Moi-même-Moitié

Innocent World

Atelier Pierrot

Alice and the Pirates

Putumayo

Black Peace Now

fandoms / communities:

international J-Fashion (Japanese Fashion) communities

local "comm" tea parties

anime and manga convention subcultural circles

doll collecting communities (such as Super Dollfie and Pullip)

similar aesthetics:

victorian goth

romantic goth

haute goth

steampunk goth

inspo

A couple of commissions I finished!

These were so fun to draw <3

My fav historical manhwa:

Bring the Love (zestkyō)

Philia Rose - The Prophecy of the Crown of Thorns (Kim Youngji, Yumi, Ryuta)

The Taming of the Shrew (Biai)

The Flower That Was Bloomed by a Cloud (Bionhu)

Return of the Blossoming Blade (Biga, LICO)

Gosu (Ryu Kiwoon, Moon Junghoo)

King's Maker (Haga, Kang Jiyoung)

Mage Again (Myoung Rang, Sulmo)

Goth (2008)

✨ DI SEGUITO ALCUNI NUOVI ANNUNCI E ALTRI CHE MI ERO PERSO:

BANG DREAM IT'S MYGO!!!!! - Nuova serie in arrivo questa estate per il popolare franchise musicale di Bushiroad.

GOSU - Toei Animation sta realizzando una serie basata sul fumetto coreano, incentrato sulle arti marziali, firmato da Giun Ryu e Jeong-Hoo Mun.

GIJI HAREM - In cantiere una serie tv tratta dalla romcom di Yu Saito.

AMAGAMI-SAN CHI NO ENMUSUBI - Annunciato l'adattamento televisivo anche della commedia romantica firmata da Marcey Naito.

GIRLS BAND CRY - Toei Animation è al lavoro anche su di una nuova serie originale, all'apparenza a tema musicale.