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RSS FeedThe lolita look: Cute or creepy?
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| Cute | 52% | 13 votes | Total: 25 votes | |
| Creepy | 48% | 12 votes |
Cute
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Add to FavoritesLet us not forget that the term "Lolita" has always been ascribed with an innocent connotation, and whether or not it also carries the title of "sexually promiscuous" is less certain. The name Lolita originated from a the book written by Vladimir Nabokov, which is about a man who finds young girls sexually attractive. However, upon reading this book, one realizes that it is the interpretation of the individual whether or not the "Lolita" mentioned is of a sexual nature; her innocence is always presumed and promiscuousness comes second, if at all.
Now, remembering the innocence of the subject matter, the Lolita look is by default cute. As many innocent things are cute, an innocent fashion trend resembles an untouched, uncorrupted portrayal of purity and cheer. The only thing a person could find "creepy" about innocence is the thought that others may find innocence as sexually attractive. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this creepy feeling is not being attributed to the Lolita look itself, only those who find it as a turn-on. It is the choice of the individual to be attracted to it in whatever way they so desire, but the Lolita look is innocent in nature and should be thought of that way.
Even if the viewer does not find an innocent, childish style as cute, they would at least not find it creepy. There is nothing unnerving, uncomfortable, or awkward about the idea of purity in attire. A main contention of those who oppose the Lolita look is that adult women find ways to fit the style, but also create an air of sexual desire. One must recall, however, that this is no longer the Lolita look; it is a variation created by individuals as fashion evolves. If it no longer carries an air of innocence, it is no longer the Lolita look. Adult women also have every reason to want to retain the "cute" appearance, as this often gives off signals of their personality. Women often want their fashion trends to reflect their personalities, and what kind of companions they seek. If they want companions who can appreciate a cute sense of innocence, it is strategic that they dress this way.
In conclusion, this debate is not coming down to whether the Lolita look is cute or creepy, but rather whether how some individuals choose to be sexually attracted to it, and how some individuals alter the original trend to transform the original message. These scenarios should be disregarded when evaluating the Lolita look.
Learn more about this author, Marcie Maier.
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Creepy
The Lolita look is cute enough, but in the context of young women deliberately dressing to appear as under aged sexual objects, the look is beyond creepy. It is bizarre. The story of Lolita, by Victor Nabokov, involves far more complexity than the coming of age of a wealthy young girl who takes on a much older lover. The dress, as depicted in the film, is the focus. There is wealth which allows the maximum of excellence in tailoring and quality, period.
As a result, the context is not always necessarily to dress in the style in a sexual context. Japanese culture is ground zero for the Lolita look, which has been adopted all over the world, but which is not widely popular. The not so large audiences for Japanese Anime, gaming, and film are the most exposed to the styles, and there are several regionally based sub styles, one of which goes so far as to involve adding fake blood and styling to appear as if injured. The two main distinctions are "Gothic" and "sweet".
The goal, in many cases, is for teen aged and young adults to simply look "cute" as they develop their own senses of style and expression. To wear beautiful clothes that are constructed of high quality fabric and detail, and to wear expensive clothes is the goal of any young woman and girl who is coming of age. But Lolita outfits can retail for at least $300, and go much higher, making the true style available only to the very well to do.
It is not easy to find such fashions in America, as they are a sub cultural item which competes with pure goth, punk, and other underground and developing styles. The main style is derived from Victorian era styling, which are an acquired taste. There is simply too much competition among styles and pricing in European and American markets, and Japanese styling can be very localized and regional in appeal.
Many adopt the look without even understanding what Nabakov's book "Lolita" was about. The general association is with young girls who are normally coming of age, and yes, into their sexuality, but definitely not with the intent of engaging in deviant relationships with older men. The Lolita philosophy that is used by marketers emphasises being young, immature, child like, and interested in dressing and wearing beautiful things. With "Sweet Lolita" philosophy, the activities of the "leisure class girl" is supposed to be the focus, not sex.
The clothes are simply beautiful, glamorous and richly detailed. But, given the rise in disturbing social movements, predation, and early sexualization, there is an underlying element of being manipulated into activity with deeper, hidden and deviant meaning, which adds to the element of creepiness in the whole Lolita fashion movement, especially in the Goth and Injured baby doll subsets.
Learn more about this author, Elizabeth M. Young.
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