Dolly Kei

When researching the Mori Girl style, I came across dolly kei, a style inspired by European fairytales and the Middle Ages. Like Mori Girl, characteristics include heavy layering and an eclectic mix of patterns and textures, but Dolly Kei has a distinct gypsy flavour to it, and occasionally utilises religious symbols and images.

I love this style's muted vibrancy, with its rich jewel colours, and the heaviness of all the layers and elements of fabric. Tapestry, fur, embroidery and tassels feature heavily - it reminds me of a very, very stylish curtain... in the best way possible.

From Electric Alice

From Not Here to Please You and Life. Well. Sort Of.

From Electric Alice

From Rêve Éveillé and Not Here to Please You

From Lilac Tree

From Not Here to Please You and Dolly-Kei

From Dolly-Kei

As a British-born Chinese girl, I would love to see oriental-style garments become in fashion around here, like how Japan has taken European fashion and updated it into styles like lolita and dolly kei.

This summer I went to see my cousin in China, who is only two years older than me. I showed her Lookbook and noticed that, contrary to my expectations, she was least drawn to people like Mayo W. and Jasmine L., who must dress in a style more common in the Far East, and was generally more into the styles of the Scandinavian and British.

Do you know what I mean, when you see a photo of someone's style and you can just tell they are from your country? We are all influenced by what the people around us are wearing, whether it be converging towards their styles, or, like negative feedback, diverging from them, either deliberately or subconsciously.