Lolita Boys? Comme des Garcons all 2013

Comme des Garcons at the recent menswear shows showed a collection that was definitely against the norm of traditional "masculinity".  In addition to the typical black and avant garde clothing from the label, they had male models stroll down the runway in bunny and Mickey Mouse ears from Stephen Jones.  There were pastel jackets, pajama-like pants and fuzzy sweaters...   This was supposed to be an ode to "youth".  Yes, even handsome male models and iconic designers have an awkward phase...

New York Comic-Con Style Report

New York Comic-Con was once called "Geek Prom" by a local news anchor.  I can't say I disagree.  The effort that enthusiastic fans have put into their looks is enough to rival any eager high school senior I can think of...

Here are your Lolitas:

 Your Goths:

 Your cosplay characters, anime, superheros and "undetermined"...

Photos by Adam Weinstein

Betsey Johnson - 40 Years of Lolita Fashion

Fashion icon Betsey Johnson has been making Lolita-friendly, whimsical frocks for over 40 years.  Tuesday night at a Manhattan nightclub, there was a runway show/birthday party/concert in her honor.

I have to say it was one of my favorite fashion events that I have ever attended as my childhood pop icon, Cyndi Lauper opened the show performing Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and True Colors.  She was dressed on a Gothic/punk Lolita outfit of black tulle skirt, swiss dot bustier and studded leather jacket.

Next, the models danced down the runway in outfits that spanned from Betsey Johnson's 1960's looks all the way through current seasons of 2012.  Pink champagne, pink popcorn and pink cupcakes were served to guests who danced the night away until the sun came up!

Lolitas and Gothic Lolitas at New York Comic-Con

I love New York Comic-con.  It's like Halloween came early, but with better cosplay and outfits.  There was no shortage of Lolitas and their darker counterpart, Gothic Lolitas.  There were several panels that addressed the nuances of the style and brought out a bunch of fashionable fans...

Gothic Lolitas at Betsey Johnson Spring 2012

Betsey Johnson has always stood for girly flirtatiousness.  She had a darker, more rock n' roll edge for Spring with playful takes on skulls and skeletons.  A rib cage was embroidered for a trompe l'oeil effect on corset dresses, a rose adorned skeleton was used in jackets and dresses as well.  A fun skull print was used on a few separates.

Black lace, corsets and jagged embroidery were used to great effect in other Lolita-like outfits.  Flamboyant personalities like Johnny Weir, Beth Ditto and Nicki Minaj flanked the front row of this audience.

Lolita Fashion at NY Comic-Con

Fan Girls & Fan Boys converged on NYC's Jacob Javits Center for the annual NY Comic-Con Festival this weekend.  One of the popular panels for fashion fans was the Lolita session on Friday afternoon.

Representatives from NYC Lolitas broke it down for Lolita Fashion newbies.  They covered the different types of Lolitas, essential accessories and wardrobe staples (start with the petticoat!).  The key brands were listed (Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, Moi-Meme Moitier...) and where to get them.  

Good quality is expensive...The hostesses stressed saving your money and what Ebay vendors to avoid.  They also gave examples of local shopping mall stores to adapt accessories from (H&M, etc.)

My favorite part of the event was the parade of fashionable Lolitas who showed their style...

Kerli's Gothic Lolita Music Style

Her music is infectious. Her style is part Lolita, part Barbie part Goth on acid... And I love it. Her two most popular music videos have some of the best fashion styling in Gothic Lolita mode I have seen in awhile.

Her music video for "Walking On Air" was an eerie, creepy doll fantasy that suited the haunting song:

Her recent tune for "Tea Party" was part of the recent "Almost Alice" soundtrack for Tim Burton's film. The catchy dance video was pure fashion porn... Enjoy!

Lolita Fashion Day in NYC

Get your petticoats, lace gloves and parasols ready. Kinokuniya Bookstore in Midtown Manhattan is hosting a full day of events and treats for the fashionably Lolita this Saturday, June 5th.

Prominent Lolita bloggers from La Vida Frills, Lolita Charm and Pretty Wonderland discuss their work and how Lolita fashion inspires them. Bibi will discuss Lolita history with tutorials on how to Lolita your own life.

Learn about DIY Lolita fashion or how to start your brand with designers of I Do Declare and Morrigan NYC.

Stick around for giveaways and gifts from Anna Sui, Magnolia Bakery, Tokyo Rebel among others. Anyone that is dressed in Lolita attire will get free sweets from in-house Cafe Zaiya (I love their carrot cake cookies). For more info, click here.

Photo from Lolita Charm

Lolita, Steampunk and Victorian How-To's - Rebecca Brooks

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite new bloggers. Perfect for designers, DIY crafters and all manner of Gothic fashionistas, Steampunk and Lolita enthusiasts. Rebecca Brooks of Victorian Nonsense creates a lovely website filled with classic inspiration of Victorian Times. She not only shows her muses, but then creates crafts with detailed descriptions and photographs so you can follow along. Rebecca also gives great resources, like Katherine's Dress site, containing a wealth of antique patterns for those who need a proper period corset or crinoline.