The jukebox plays my song:
"Sorry" {cpop}
Khalil Fong
Whilst youtubing on fashion in Japan, I came upon a video about
gothic lolitas and a fascinating man named
Mana who exemplifies the trend. I've always been intrigued by the way men and women, girls and boys would present themselves via
visual kei, cosplay or lolitas. And gothic lolitas
- the constant juxtaposition of black and white; the pretty bows, ribbons and lace; the dark make-up; the tailoring and the stream-lining of the costumes, the headdresses, parasols and handbags that may sometimes
adorn the look; the hairstyles (or wigs) and oh, the blending of the present trends with influences from different periods of European history.
And for a simple 411 on lolitas (and Nana Kitade is so cute! ^^ and so is the host =P):
I don't like to use the word 'gawking' but I must because I absolutely love gawking at the gothic lolitas. And Mana.
I had no idea who Mana was until yesterday and thought he was a freak when he didn't speak in his interviews and whispered the answers to someone who would do the talking (don't hate me Mana fans). But now, I'm intrigued and I bet you'll be too. According to wiki, Mana is a famous jrock musician who blends clasical music with heavy metal, gothic rock, industrial music and unlikely elements such as french pop music. (o'.'o) And the most intriguing thing about him is that he has rarely intentionaly smiled or spoken in public. "In his filmed interviews, he whispers into the ear of a band member or confidante, who then relates his words back to the interview. he has also been known to simply look at the camera as subtitles appear as well as using yes/no cards. According to him, this is because he considers his music to be his voice."
Mana above and....
more mana here.
and yes, Mana's a male.
And yes, trust me, google him up and you'll find so many fascinating photos of him all dressed up in different outfits and in so many different hairstyles of all different shades. And oh, plenty of different shades of lipsticks. =D
I personally don't like his genre of music (and don't think I will ever) but I do like looking at his outfits and fashion designs although it's not my personal style either but heck, it's fascinating. Other than being a singer, Mana is also a famous fashion designer as well as being the figurehead of the Gothic Lolita fashion movement in which he helped popularise it. He created two popular lines of clothing called 'Elegant Gothic Lolita' and 'Elegant Gothic Aristocrat' under his label Moi-même-Moitié (as worn by Mana in the photos above) which has become the epicentre of Japan's gothic lolita fashion scene. The style of Elegant Gothic Aristocrat centers on the concept of androgyny and often has identical outfits for both men and women. The main image is founded on elegance and simplicity. Elegant Gothic Lolita differs from EGA in that it's strictly dresses, combining Goth fashion with Lolita fashion.
And perhaps, maybe one day on a Sunday afternoon, I'll walk down Harajuku Bridge in something designed by Mana such as this...or maybe this...and that as well...
^ that's a headdress by the way
^ I would so love this purse. I would probably use this with everything
...And I think I will . ^^
Lots of love, Cotton Candy.
Labels: all things jap, i am the paparazzi, inspired, mr.man, music, street fashion, they wear
