#soft pop

Round 1, Match 7 — Hime Lolita vs. Sunshine Pop

Hime Lolita is a substyle of Lolita fashion that is characterized by a princess-like look that is frequently OTT (Over The Top). While somewhat visually similar to Classic Lolita, Hime Lolita includes many decorative factors borrowed from Sweet Lolita. The colors usually consist of lighter shades of colors and colors that give off an innocent feel, like pale pinks, baby blues and greens and white. Other colors that are seen are mint green and pale yellow. Because of the softer colors, some may get Sweet and Hime confused, however the latter includes much more layering.

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Sunshine Pop is a music subgenre that originated in Southern California in the mid-1960s. Also known as Soft Pop, the style is characterized by its lush vocal harmonies, sophisticated orchestral arrangements, and bright, catchy melodies. Despite its cheerful and optimistic sound, the genre often features wistful, anxious, or melancholic lyrics, creating a distinctive "sunny but sad" emotional quality. Sunshine Pop is associated with a distinct visual aesthetic that reflects its optimistic yet wistful sound. The aesthetic is not a cohesive fashion subculture but rather a mood and set of motifs evoked in the lyrics and presented on album covers. The aesthetic is one of a soft, hazy, "golden hour" nostalgia, romanticizing an idealized vision of mid-1960s Southern California. Common motifs include elements of nature and innocent youthfulness, such as the sun, flowers, parks, gentle rain, and whimsical objects like kites and balloons. The color palette is typically bright and warm, featuring yellows, oranges, and pastels. This imagery was reflected on the genre's album art, which often featured soft-focus photography of the bands in natural settings, dressed in the colorful floral and paisley patterns of late-60s fashion. The typography was often playful and lightly psychedelic, completing the gentle, dreamy, and escapist feel of the genre.