I bought this book when I was over in Japan in 2014/15 and I still open it often. It covers all the basics of the fashion and offers some great tutorials on how to do make-up and hair. Although the pictures are sufficient to glean information from, those who do not understand Japanese do not get to read things like the history of the fashion; the letter from Novara Takemoto, writer of Shimotsuma monogatari; or feel the atmosphere of the Lolita fashion-inspired writings which were written by, as I understand it, Misako Aoki herself.
This week I will share with you one of those writings: the prologue. I translated it myself and I hope it will help you to enjoy the book even more.
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The Lolita Fashion Book
Published in 2014 and edited by Misako Aoki.
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Prologue
Page 3
Morning.
I open my eyes, light that twinkles faint rainbow colours from the curtain.
I have long dreamed here
of a strange world so filled with the things I love.
This world is the magical spell that Lolita fashion has put on me.
When a pink skirt ruffles lightly, the curtain rises on my story.
Here, I can be a princess.
Let us go.
To a kawaii-filled, frill and ribbon Wonderland.
Page 5
I've got to hurry. The tea party is going to start.
My closet where my favourites are all in a row.
I can't decide the one I like best
However, time spent wondering what to wear is a wonderful gift given only to women.
When I have decided what to wear, I iron my blouse
I don't hold back on the number of fills and ribbons I wear.
I apply girly pink to my cheeks and lips.
I'm ready. It's time to go out.
A Lolita clothed in the fashion she loves is invincible,
So I already can only think of enjoyable things, I won't think of anything but.
My spirit is lifted with each pannier I put on,
I feel so free that I could fly.
Today, the heroine is me.
Page 7
Now, the beginning of the tea party.
Macarons on cakes, doughnuts on cookies...
Many sweet, pastel-coloured jewels laid out on the table,
I feel like my idol, Marie Antoinete.
I eat as many as I like of my favourite sweets
And put on some sweet smelling tea.
When I have one bite of a sweet cake, suddenly a story blooms.
Shall we go? To the beginning of the story of a dream that lolitas speak of
Tell me more, as well, of your cute secrets.
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What do you think? Did you enjoy Misako Aoki's interpretation of the Lolita world? Would you like to see more Lolita-influenced writing in general?
I hope to translate a few more passages in this book in the future in particular, the letter and history that I spoke of earlier.
Until next time...
