A trend is a trend is a trend - 10 years later

When reopening this blog I found an entry from 2009 about the evolution of the lolita fashion where I predicted that sweet's popularity would decline and classic would be the next big thing. Since it is indeed 10 years since I wrote that entry, let's look at this again.

Back to the roots: old school is very much a thing

After my pause from lolita I came back to a love bubble filled with adoration for way-back-when. "Less is more" attitude now flourish in the backwater of the early 2010's extremes and clones. For many lolitas, old school is welcoming. A certain cut and a certain choice of materials allows for more experimentation but still walking a thin line on actually being labeled old school. Less rules and more rules at the same time.

Since the cuts and materials have to be specific, the hunt for actual old school pieces are a big part of the substyle. The appreciation and loving care for these pieces of lolita history is on the same level as textile curating. Emphasis is put on how to preserve the pieces and showing the pieces. The ultimate goal is of course to wear the pieces but in any rate the interest for preservation is very high.

Sweet pushes for versatility

The change from old school sweet and new school sweet was so significant, in all our faces and especially unapologetic. Modern sweet lolita still keeps with the pastel color bombs and imaginative prints but is also much more suited for everyday wear. Cutsew JSKs are more of a common piece in a release today and also very popular since it is just much more comfortable and easily worn.

Angelic Pretty flirts with larme (which may or may not be it's own style but that's another discussion) and larme brands like Rosemarie Seoir are popular among sweet lolitas. Because of this, brands like Emily Temple Cute and Leur Getter have gained attention as well. The sweet branch has been broadened and, dare I say it, matured without losing it's playfulness. Just like it has always been. ❤ 

Safe spaces are thriving pods for OTT

Worldwide events with dresscode themes are common nowadays, something one could only dream of 10 years ago. Main guests at the events are typically one or several lolita brands so participants want to look their best while celebrating and showing their dedication to the main guest brand. The events are weekend getaways and a pinnacle in the modern lolita culture much like the tea party.

As a participant you are encouraged and inspired to wear an OTT outfit as the event is also a showcasing of sorts. You are presented with an opportunity to relish in all the aspects of aesthetic endeavours when you know that you will be surrounded by other lolitas in a separatistic space free from outer disturbance. The event space is safe so lolitas can thrive.

What about 10 years from now?

My humble predictions for the future of lolita:

• Custom sizing or a wider range of sizing will be standard from Japanese brands in order to meet the new expectations that comes with what the non-Japanese brands are offering. Japanese brands must find a way to cater to the widened customer pool (no pun intended) or go down in to bankruptcy for not changing with the times. 
• New releases will be even more limited preorders to ensure the creativity of the brand. Rereleases are raining down upon us now because they are a sure bet for sales. Rereleases are not doing that much good for future designs though and some lolitas argue that rereleases take away the uniqueness in owning a print. 
• The Westernized idea of Lifestyle Lolita will make a comeback. As the old school definition of Lifestyle Lolitas were an unattainable dream because the clothing itself was somewhat unattainable, the new Lifestyle Lolita will instead be more commonplace because of higher attainability. As lolita fashion keeps on nudging it's way in to the consciousness of mainstream the interpretations of lolita as a fashion will also be more loose. Lolitas that have been in the fashion for 20+ years will by this point have most probably gained enough economic power to truly indulge themselves in all aspects of life. Hence the truly dedicated lolitas will be labeled "Lifestylers" to stand out.