KAWAII ANIMALS MEET GOTHIC LOLITA: NE-NET CAT, BODY LINE RABBIT KNAPSACK.
Kawaii – that distinctly Japanese take on cuteness – burst into my life early on. Every time I made a family trip to Asia, I’d return with a few Kitty-chans in tow. (This photo was taken in 2003, when I had purple hair! ) I went through the Sanrio roster: Keroppi, Pochacco, Chococat… By the time I entered grade school, my motto was “kawaii or bust.” I turned my nose at school-issue agendas and pencil cases from Sears (these were the days before Staples). My stationery, my toys, my clothes – everything had to have a Sanrio character on it.
Alas, decora is only kosher in Japan. By 1996, I’d moved on to Goth/alternative wear – but the vestiges remained and eventually harmonized into Gothic Lolita. It’s a fashion, it’s refined, and yet still carries a heavy dose of kawaii (think Hangry & Angry or Metamorphose’s bunny and bear mascots).
A perfect example is this “Nya” black cat cell charm and fuzzy pouch by Ne-Net, a whimsical Japanese designer that presented at the last Tokyo Fashion Week. Look at the design and quality; nobody would mistake this for kid’s stuff.
Now check out Body Line’s rabbit rucksacks, which are sold by Cosmates Japan. The earrings and crucifix add Goth Loli flair, but otherwise, I don’t have anything nice to say about these cheap-looking synthetic leather bags. We’re entering the realm of cosplay… and h.NAOTO does animal purses so much better!
Walking the line between child’s play and couture is tougher than one might think. How much kawaii do you let into your outfits?
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LA CARMINA
26 Comments
Love the clothes! Ah, it makes me remember my EGL days! …Oh dear, now I feel terribly old, lol.
Anyway, thanks for the add! Please write me anytime. ^^
– L.D.
Honestly, I really like the white one. I say if you like them go for it~ Rennais
I like the white bunny… the shiny fabric of the other two does look a tad cheap.
Since you like DIY, here's a tutorial on how to make your own kawaii-keepers:
http://community.livejournal.com/egl/10013494.html
–I saw someone comment that you could make this any animal you like, depending on the ear/tail shape.
http://community.livejournal.com/sew_loli/41005…
–This one shows you how to make a purse out of an existing stuffed animal. Just don't make it look like Miss “RoadKill”'s bag! ;) http://www.carmenyuen.com/blog/post/index/223/M…
Love the clothes! Ah, it makes me remember my EGL days! …Oh dear, now I feel terribly old, lol.
Anyway, thanks for the add! Please write me anytime. ^^
– L.D.
Honestly, I really like the white one. I say if you like them go for it~ Rennais
Thanks for the links! I like the chain/crown decoration on the teddy bear in the first one.
I hate the rabbits but this one is something cute xD
I like the white bunny… the shiny fabric of the other two does look a tad cheap.
Since you like DIY, here’s a tutorial on how to make your own kawaii-keepers:
http://community.livejournal.com/egl/10013494.html
–I saw someone comment that you could make this any animal you like, depending on the ear/tail shape.
http://community.livejournal.com/sew_loli/410053.html
–This one shows you how to make a purse out of an existing stuffed animal. Just don’t make it look like Miss “RoadKill”‘s bag! ;) http://www.carmenyuen.com/blog/post/index/223/MARUIONEJP–KERA-MAGAZINE-TO-HOST-STREET-SNAP-SESSIONS-AT-LA-ANIME-EXPO
Thanks for the links! I like the chain/crown decoration on the teddy bear in the first one.
You’re welcome. ^^ I hadn’t even noticed the crown… xD But it makes it look a little more like the fashionistas who would wear such a bear, right? :)
I hate the rabbits but this one is something cute xD
awe, how cute. :]
Kawaii, desu ne?? ~_^
awe, how cute. :]
Kawaii, desu ne?? ~_^
You're welcome. ^^ I hadn't even noticed the crown… xD But it makes it look a little more like the fashionistas who would wear such a bear, right? :)
have a great week hunn! kisses!
I don't agree with you. Theres a diffrence between a bag and a plushie? I got the white rabbit myself from bodyline and it's beautiful. Since it's white it can be hard to keep it clean when you bring it everywhere but since it made of this “syntetic leather” its easy to clean. I think the rabbit is very well done and i think its lovely. It's just a matter of taste if you like plushies with chains and clothes or this white rabbit without chanins and clothing. It has nothing to do with the rabbit? Maybe this rabbit just aint enough gothic and punk for your taste? Or maybe it because it's a rucksacks you don't like it? nobody likes rucksacks. That's so yesterday and ugly. Just kids got rucksacks and thats why you think this is for kids? I myself got my little rabbit on the wall, cus I don't like having things on my back i cant see, i'm just afraid that someone will steel my stuff inside it.
Have a nice day!
have a great week hunn! kisses!
I don’t agree with you. Theres a diffrence between a bag and a plushie? I got the white rabbit myself from bodyline and it’s beautiful. Since it’s white it can be hard to keep it clean when you bring it everywhere but since it made of this “syntetic leather” its easy to clean. I think the rabbit is very well done and i think its lovely. It’s just a matter of taste if you like plushies with chains and clothes or this white rabbit without chanins and clothing. It has nothing to do with the rabbit? Maybe this rabbit just aint enough gothic and punk for your taste? Or maybe it because it’s a rucksacks you don’t like it? nobody likes rucksacks. That’s so yesterday and ugly. Just kids got rucksacks and thats why you think this is for kids? I myself got my little rabbit on the wall, cus I don’t like having things on my back i cant see, i’m just afraid that someone will steel my stuff inside it.
Have a nice day!
I love the white rabbit. n__n
I love the white rabbit. n__n
I adore those knapsacks!
I adore those knapsacks!
I love the white rabbit. n__n
I adore those knapsacks!