Loli-Pop! at the V&A

At the end of August there was a Friday Late event at the V&A called Loli-Pop!, celebrating Japanese Lolita fashion, in conjunction with the Kitty and the Bulldog: Lolita fashion and the influence of Britain display which is open until 27th January.

I have to admit I was really tired that day and not as into it all as I usually am, but the event was excellent and very well attended. I’d never been to a V&A Friday Late before and, as well as enjoying seeing frilly Lolitas flitting about all over the place, I enjoyed just being in the museum as it was getting dark outside and wandering around the other exhibits. There were some talks, chances to try things, and DJ sets, but I just wandered about chatting to people and taking photos, soaking up the atmosphere.

As always when I encounter Lolita fashion, I found myself curiously fascinated with the beautiful dresses and accessories. I love these girls’ outfits:

The display, Kitty and the Bulldog, is well worth seeing if you’re interested in Japanese fashion or pop culture, and it’s free to visit. Outfits in the display include Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, Punk Lolita and Japanese Lolita, and there are nine outfits in total. The display explores the way in which British fashion – notably Victoriana, Punk and Gothic – has influenced the development of Japan’s Lolita style, which has a preoccupation with kawaii (cuteness). As I’ve mentioned on this blog before, while I don’t actually wear Japanese street fashion myself, I am very interested in it and certainly curious. If it wasn’t for the fact that I think I would look like a bit of a meringue in those beautiful frilly dresses (and I’m broke), I’d be searching eBay for Japanese fashion brands right now.

Sweet Lolita

Sweet Lolita

Punk Lolita

Japanese Lolita

The display, Kitty and the Bulldog: Lolita fashion and the influence of Britain, is open at the V&A until 27th January. For more information, please visit the V&A’s website.