Apologies for falling behind on Gothloli of the Week! Amazingly, 100 people have been featured since this blog’s inception. Let’s now widen the net a little… and re-name this feature “Gothloli & Jrock Inspiration.” Meaning I’d love to showcase boys and girls who rock Visual Kei and Harajuku street style — whether it’s decora, kawaii, gyaru, or a mix of everything. Ready to share your story? Email me your answers to the questions below, and at least 3 high-res photos.

† Name: Rose
† Age: 22
† Location: Sechelt, BC, Canada
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita/Harajuku/Visual Kei fashion?
I don’t quite remember how I found it, but for sure it was through the internet. I think I was about 11 or 12 when I got interested, and I’ve always worn Lolita style on and off ever since.
† What do you find appealing about the style and culture?
I’ve always loved cute styles, and I like that I can work Lolita in with whatever other style I’m into at the time, whether it’s punk, gyaru, or whatever else my current obsession is! I’ve been in love with antiques and Victorian culture/style forever, and I like how all the Lolita styles have a bit of a Victorian influence. To me it’s a style that requires a bit of class, and I think Lolitas should always have good manners, which is something that I think is important in everyday life.

† What are your favorite Gothic Lolita Punk clothing brands?
Alice and the Pirates, Antique Beast, Sex Pot Revenge, Putumayo, Moi-meme-Moitie, BTSSB, but I love items from many other brands, and like to make my own crazy styles. I also have a huge obsession with Suppurate System.
† Any other comments (inspiration, tips, favorites)?
I think my first inspiration was Kana, I thought she was the cutest! But when it comes to decor and that sort if thing, I read everything I can about Victorian decorating. Also, I’m into taxidermy, and when I see animals, it sounds weird but they inspired many of my creations. For tips I think I would say, just do whatever you like, I never consider what other people will think of what I am wearing, if I like it, even if I’m the only one, thats enough for me, you have to be happy in what you wear. I think that’s what makes a person look good, if you can tell they are happy with themselves.

Film of the Week: The Girl Who Played With Fire (Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist). The take-no-prisoners Goth computer hacker is back! I haven’t read the novels by Sweden’s Steig Larsson but loved the first film, Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The sequel takes the already-brutal story to a darker and bloodier place. Lisbeth Salander (Rapace) returns to Sweden and is promptly pinned for murder. Who’s after her, and how’s the plan linked to a sex trafficking ring? A blond tank of a hitman and her long-gone father add fuel to the fire. The characterization is refreshingly atypical; instead of a Hollywood damsel in distress, you get a (half?) Asian lesbian lover who fights back. Rapace is a fierce actress throughout, but she’s at her best when she wears Goth clown makeup and tortures a sex pig — that’s the way to do it! The film is in theaters now; thanks to Alliance Films for the preview passes.

Introducing Harajuku Freak, an online purveyor of exclusive, one-off Japanese designer clothing. As many of you know, it’s near-impossible to find cutting-edge Japanese brand labels outside of the country. “So, due to our love of all things different and ahead-of-the-game, and to stop fashion freaks like ourselves having to travel across the globe to get their fix, we have hand picked the most interesting, luxurious and avant-garde labels making waves, and brought them to you.” (These names include Izreel, Motonari Ono, Akira Naka…)

The store is slashing all prices about 60% — so you’re only paying wholesale plus sales tax. And delivery is free worldwide. That’s an incredible deal for cutting-edge clothing you can’t find outside of Japan! Come browse the Japanese men’s and women’s designer clothing on Harajuku Freak’s site before it’s gone.

If you would like to be featured as “Gothloli & Jrock Inspiration,” please email me your answers to the questions above, and at least 3 high-res photos. For Gothic Lolita Punk shopping guides and online stores, check out the links to clothing brands on the right column of my blog.

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