I've been meaning to make this post for sometime now and thought it was best I posted something after a long hiatus and why not let this be my first post back.
First off, what is Dolly kei?
Dolly kei first started Japan. It is a hodgepodge of elements that takes influence from historical fashion, Medieval, 1970's prairie style, eastern European tradition dress, Gothic stories, and a fondness for taxidermy
Dolly kei and Mori-girl have many motifs and themes in common, making it difficult to make out whether an outfits is Mori-girl or Dolly kei. Both styles evoke images of fairy tales. While Mori-girl might be what characters like Gretel, Rose Red or Rose White are wearing, Dolly kei would be what the witch or soothe-sayer is dressed in.
There is an undeniable spooky factor visable in Dolly kei that isn't in your typical Mori-girl (maybe in dark Mori-girl but that's something to be discussed in another post). Memento Mori jewelery such as broken porcelain doll's head necklaces, raven skull pendants, and butterfly wigs earrings are coordinated with tattered and noticeably wore clothes giving this style a more eerie mystique and separating it from the sweeter more innocent Mori-girl.
Grimoire is the boutique which birthed Dolly kei. It the most whimsical, and ghostly shop and website set up. It is so enchanting that you can nearly forget that perhaps the spine hanging from the ceiling belonged to someone that is now of the dearly departed.
Is this style for you?
Do you enjoy Eastern European fairy tales?
Do you like dressing in vintage and worn dirndls and embroider aprons?
Do you have a taste for the macabre and dream of a pearl embellished crow skull broach?
Then Dolly kei may be for you.
I love this post. I've always been curious but a little confused about what constitutes dolly kei, and it's really interesting to hear the faerytale witch/gypsy connection! I like that way of looking at it. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha I should tell my mom, who I think dolly kei would be perfect for. She loves Baba Yaga (sp?) so there you go...
I love this style because of its witchy/gypsy influence. I am glad you like the post I will be adding more on this style as it has become one of my favorites, by itself and along side Lolita. Thank you for reading my blog.
DeleteYay! So glad for your return and the description of Dolly Kei made out so clearly! *-* I've been wanting to learn more about it and practice it as well, and you were my first source! xD
ReplyDeleteI've been have the most awful writers' block for this blog and I am glad to be back. I saw your Dolly kei post and you looked so lovely.
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