/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Op here again. I'd like to post some excerpts from an article Princess Skye wrote about Lolita Lifestyle.

"In the end there really is no such thing as ‘The Lolita Lifestyle,’ there is no set of rules one must follow, no code of behavior or list of accomplishments. Nothing is required to be lolita, other than to dress as one (and even that is debatable). This said, there is such thing as ‘A Lolita Lifestyle,’ in fact there are many of them, such different lives as lived by lolitas all over the world can be said to each in their own way be a lolita lifestyle. The distinction is very important. The first is definitive and all encompassing, the imaginary ideal that all Lolitas must live a certain way and behave as befits the clothing - this is the false concept and in fact few (perhaps none) who actually aim to live as lolitas believe in this. Only the detractors of this so called ‘Lolita Lifestyle’ seem concerned with its imaginary rules and regulations. The second is oh-so-different, for it is personal and unique to each individual. They create it for themselves and it is simply that which brings them greater enjoyment from Lolita."

"Just as it is unlikely that any lolita should like everything they find in the culture, it is also unlikely that all Lolitas should share the same idea of a ‘lifestyle.’ Each is drawn to this novel, exaggerated yet elegant style for different reasons, though usually they recognize something in all the lace and pin tucks that is already familiar to them. Whether it is a decadence as only found in their favourite period novels and films or a simple love of dressing up and feeling girly and pretty, there are too numerous answers to count for why we wear Lolita fashion. None is more valid than the other and likewise there are numerous ‘lolita lifestyles’ all equally real and valid."