Chantilly Lace
A site for vintage dolls and elegant gothic lolita.
Elegant gothic lolita.
Classical lolita.
Classical lolita is the most subtle and refined of the EGL styles. My favorite Japanese brands are defined as classic lolita: Innocent World, Victorian Maiden, Juliette et Justine, Doris. Classical lolita dresses are knee-length and full-skirted, often worn with stockings or ivory knee socks and Mary Jane shoes. They are solid-colored or printed fabric. The colors are muted: dusty rose, moss green, slate blue. The prints are floral or otherwise subtle and often historical-inspired.
Most classical lolita ensembles I have seen do not have an overabundance of jewelry or accessories. Headwear may be flowers or a simple bonnet.
Country lolita.
I have not seen many examples of country lolita. I have seen some dresses from Heart E that I would call country lolita. For the most part I define this style on my own, using what the name evokes for me. I have a vintage green gingham jumper-skirt with white ruffles on the bodice and sleeves that I call country lolita. In addition, I think of pretty aprons, strawberries and apples on fabric, embroidery or accessories.
Because the style is less precise, I think it is tasteful to use many vintage 1960's and 1970's American lolita patterns in dress-making. Prints are sweet and elegant but evocative of country: slender stripes, gingham, feed-sack florals. It is a style where I have room to be thrifty in my selections. Hairstyles include a loose bun, braids, or a homespun bonnet, simpler than the stiff buckram bonnet of classical lolita.
White lolita.
White lolita is an elegant gothic lolita silhouette restricted to a white palette. Because of this, the style has bridal implications for me. I love all things vintage and bridal: shoes, pearl jewelry, white flowers, and these are all appropriate to accessorize white lolita ensembles. The dresses are in classical lolita style: that is, a one-piece full-skirted dress or white shirtwaist and jumper or skirt accentuated with white lace and ribbons.
White lolita also translates beautifully to home decor. White fake cakes, reminiscent of bridal cakes, of velvet and ribbon. White cases for the vanity, vintage flowers and treasures. White kid gloves, small antique clocks.
Accessories and hairstyles are more elaborate, but restricted to white. The classic elegant gothic lolita headdress of lace and ribbon is to me most appropriate as part of a white ensemble.