Rococo and Lolita Fashion

   

     The Rococo style originated in France in the early 18th century. It is characterized by playfulness, grace and lightness in contrast to the heavier themes and darker colors of the earlier Baroque period. The word Rococo was formed from the French word rocaille meaning shell and from the Italian barocco meaning Baroque style. There has been debate whether Rococo is a significant point in European art or not. Since the mid 19th century the style has been accepted by art  historians and is recognized as a major developmental point.


The fabrics were lightweight silks and satin. The colors were light pastel colors. Large floral motifs were favored at started of the style. It then changed to smaller flowers and finally stripes sparkled with sprigs. Solid colors were also popular in times.

     Costumes from the Rococo period along with Victorian clothing have influenced the Lolita fashion movement. It is a fashion subculture originating in Japan. The look consists primarily of knee length dresses or skirts, headdresses, blouse, petticoat, knee high socks or stockings, and either horse or high heel platform shoes. The exact origin of the style is uncertain but it is assumed that it may have started in the late 1970's when labels such as Pink House and Milk began selling clothes in the manner of today's Lolita style.

     The style was popularized through the rise of bands, such as Malice Mizer, who wore intricate costumes. Fans began adopting the appearance and made it their every day look. The style started spreading from the Kansai region to Tokyo, where Japanese youth popularized it even more. The look has grown so much that it is now sold in department stores in Japan.


http://fashiontruhistory.blogspot.com/2006/04/rococo-fashion-era.html