Lolita lost in translation
The appropriation of certain English words by foreign cultures can produce odd misunderstandings. But there can be few more bizarre than the interpretation of the term “Lolita” among young Japanese women. Tokyo’s “Gothic Lolitas” exhibit a bizarre style of dress that applies a grungy twist (lots of black eyeliner and pouting) to a “Lolita” aesthetic. The result is a tad disturbing, especially for readers familiar with Nabokov. The girls are delighted with their look, as was one of the organisers of a gathering of 1,500 “GothLolis” in Tokyo.
Naoki Matsumara, editor of the gothic Lolita magazine Kora, tried to explain the appeal: “Gothic fashion represents coolness in the darkness. That’s why these girls mixed Lolita fashion into it, so they can look cool and pretty.” Sorry, still confused.