† Name/URL: Jennifer Perez
† Age: 19
† Location: New York, NY.
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita fashion?
I was introduced to Lolita fashion about four years ago like many other lolitas by Mana-sama.
† What do you find appealing about GL style and culture?
It has given me the courage to be who I am and stand tall even when others may laugh. I love lolita because it is how every girl should feel: courageous, beautiful and whimsical.
† What are your favorite GL clothing brands?
Infant, Metamorphose, Innocent World, Peace Now.
† Any other comments?
Be strong and true to yourself! ^.^ Also please don’t be mean lolis. I’ve ran into so many lolis who make fun of girls for not wearing brand. Lolita is about feeling like a princess which doesn’t always mean spending a lot of money.

Film of the Week #7: Coraline (Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, dir. Henry Selick) Opens next week – anyone else excited to see it?

† Name/URL: Haley (or Nekoni-chan).
† Age: 20
† Location: Half Moon Bay (SF bay area), California.
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita fashion?
I suppose it was through anime, but I’ve always loved vintage Victorian clothing – ever since I was little, and I’ve always loved gothic styles. When I was at anime conventions, I saw the lolita girls and I instantly fell in love. Once I was introduced to Mana, that was it: I was hooked, and I couldn’t go back.
† What do you find appealing about GL style and culture?
It’s the ultimate feminine fashion, and yet you can make it tough. It’s versatile, but adorable. I love all different styles and clothing, but I always come back to wanting some sort of cuteness with it. When I’m in lolita, it feels like past-meets-present, east-meets-west, hard-meets-soft, and it all comes together with the ultimate cuteness that can only be found through lolita fashion. There’s just nothing like it!
† What are your favorite GL clothing brands?
I enjoy making some of it myself, but my favorites would have to be Body Line (on the cheaper end) and Moi Meme Moitie (on the complete opposite of the price-scale). And I mean, what’s better than buying lolita clothes from Mana himself?! I also pick up lots of accessories from vendors at cons. You can find great pieces at inexpensive prices, and really get to know the people who made them.
† Any other comments?
Take inspiration from everywhere: for example, I went to Disneyland a while back and they had tophats with mouse-ears on them. So cute! <3 And really, just enjoy it! I did a short, independent film recently with someone who was just introduced to gothic lolita. All he knew was that he wanted the character to wear this dress, and I got to design everything around it. I had so much fun, he told me I was even eating in character! =^_^=

Film of the Week #6: Repo! The Genetic Opera (Alexa Vega, , dir. Darren Lynn Bousman)