Monday, January 3, 2011

Japanese Fashion - Dolly Kei Style

 

Japan is a country filled with different fashion styles. One such style is Dolly Kei. This style is described in many ways. It has a feel of medieval Celt and Russia about it, folksy garments which are antique centric. It is similar in style to mori (forest girl). It is one of Japan’s newer styles but unlike some of their trends its very earthy and suitable for all body shapes. Its inspired by old fairy tales like European dolls. Celtic mythology plays a key part in achieving this style. Its full of florals, furs and dark colours. Its cute in a fairy-tale kind of way reminiscent of a Russian doll.

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Dolly Kei style began when now infamous shop ‘Grimoire’ was opened. The store was created by former Cutie magazine model Hitomi. It has been in operation since 2008. Its a shop chock full of vintage accessories and clothing. Dolly Kei has its foundations rooted in Lolita style as they both share a fondness  for the gothic and supernatural. The Japanese are a well known nature focused nation with Shinto and a belief in spirits. Dolly Kei intermingles this with the originality and innovation of Japanese style trends. It combines the gothic side of loligoth with the nature vibe of mori kei. It can be mistaken for mori girl style but they are actually quite different.

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To achieve this style you need to embrace vintage and antique clothing. Designer clothing isn’t required here with the exception of handmade vintage style accessories. Items can be sourced from antique shops, charity shops and flea markets or online. Key styles are florals, furs, dark hues and layering. Common accessories include big crosses headdresses, long flowing skirts, dolls and tassels. Minimal make up is key using neutral shades. Frilly blouses and petticoats are mainstays of the look a la the Victorian era.

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For a blogger who really knows how to rock the Dolly Kei look check out The Fashionate Traveller

All images taken from http://nihonhitstyle.blogspot.com

21 comments:

  1. I knew about them, but it it really good of your to share more info and wonderful photos.
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  2. I really adore how japanese always wear their clothes!! and I think Indonesians are most influence by them, I could never wear something like this because it is not my personality, I wish I could!! these girls totally rock the whole look
    <3
    http://reserveradefashion.blogspot.com

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  3. Love this ... love the Gothic Lolita bibles too.

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  4. Thanks : D Yeah, real fur is nasty : ( Just the idea of flaunting a dead animal.. how is that even attractive? When I watch girls on the street with a dead fox around their neck I just wanna vomit all over their ''scarf''. Ugh, so gross!

    Thanks for following! : D I followed you all along xD haha.. but yeah.. appreciate it <3

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  5. It is adorable! I've always loved how Japanese people can look perfect in every style they choose! And they usually take it to the extreme side, they do nothing if they don't do it WELL!
    Anyway, the latest header you put on is awesome :D

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  6. SO cool! I've never heard about Dolly Kei before, but I loooooove the way all of the clothes look. I love how deeply rooted Japanese fashion can be - so many different influences, so many possibilities.

    Adorable blog! Happy New Year!

    -Marie
    So What If I Like Pretty Things
    http://melliott930.blogspot.com

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  7. Kudos to Japanese girls for inventing another style yet again. :) Honestly I am constantly amazed by their creativity and sheer guts. I mean it does take a lot of courage to not only dress but go out and about doing your regular chores like that. They look gorgeous. :) Thanks a lot for introducing us to this style. :)

    Look forward to hearing from you

    Love

    Tashrin from Toronto, Canada

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  8. ahhh where do they find the time! I love it!

    xo

    www.sceneofchangery.blogspot.com

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  9. wow, had seen this style of dressing but knew nothing about it so I found this post rather interesting. I'm fascinated by Japan, and it's fashion sense, and it's people. This is a very brave style, intricate and probably expensive to follow but so rich and beautiful. Off to check out the blogger you mention :D

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  10. These are all such great, inspirational photos. I love slightly eccentric styles and these perfectly fit that bill!
    -Meagan
    http://spunkychateau.blogspot.com

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  11. Thats something the Japanese are amazing at :)

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  12. you so should leanne's blog is amazing and she's lovely too :)

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  13. your welcome huni :)

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  14. The japanese never fail to astound me x

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  15. Thanks Marie Happy New Year to you too :)

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  16. i agree totally :)

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  17. awww thx :) finally i have a header that in happy with :)

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  18. I love the way the Japanese draw from other cultures and time periods to create amazing style. I adore anything Celtic and love that this style is modest and suitable for many body types as you describe. I'll never forget the Japanese couple I saw at Las Vegas airport and how their style blew everybody out of the water and made them stand out like two diamond rings.

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  19. I've just read this now and thank you so much! But I don't really have the dolly kei look down at all; I'm just fascinated and keep visiting to soak it all up. I'm currently looking for dolls heads which are fairly key, for that spooky days-gone-by part of the look.

    I filmed a bit when I was there last week, for anyone who's interested http://thefashionatetraveller.com/grimoire-video-take-a-peek-inside-the-grimoire-store

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  20. ooo im gonna go check it out :)

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  21. I just love dolly kei!!! It's the most beautiful japanese street style.

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i love comments i check out all your blogs :)