Where Have All the Lolitas Gone?

By Megan Catherine Rose

August 10, 2017

What is the significance of place for Harajuku kawaii fashion communities?

Through media-based representations of the “Harajuku Girl,” our perceptions of kawaii fashion are now intertwined with our understanding of Harajuku as a space. However, Lolitas and other kawaii fashionistas are slowly leaving Harajuku. Why is this the case? And, where are they now? Using interviews with key style icons in the kawaii fashion community, this talk by Megan Catherine Rose will explore the significance of Harajuku to community members. It also offers new ways in which we can understand and appreciate the practices of the “Harajuku girl.”

This talk is part of the Tokyo FRUiTS event series, featuring talks, a film and an exhibition featuring an immersive installation of a Harajuku room, produced by Megan Rose.

Header image courtesy of Deerstalker Pictures

ABOUT MEGAN CATHERINE ROSE

Megan Catherine Rose is a PhD Candidate at the School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales Australia. She specialises in kawaii fashion communities in Tokyo, and has 5 years’ experience in the field working with models, designers and participants in Lolita Fashion, Decora, Shironuri, Fairy Kei and Gyaru communities.

Profile photo courtesy of BlueSime

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