Parasol thumbnail 1
On loan
  • On short term loan out for exhibition

Parasol

21st century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Lolita fashion emerged during the 1990s as a radical form of street style born out of the Japanese taste for Hello Kitty cuteness. Whether dressed in pink, powder blue, red, white or black, Lolitas are immediately recognisable by their doll-like make-up, frilly skirts, fanciful headgear, ribbons and lace. A striking feature of Lolita fashion is the extent to which it is influenced by British culture: Alice in Wonderland, Glam Rock, the New Romantics, Gothic, Punk and Vivienne Westwood. Although the attitude and aggression of Punk and Gothic have no place in the world of the Lolita, the movement represents a similarly powerful rebellion against the conventions of contemporary society. The first three sections of the display are devoted to Sweet, Gothic and Punk Lolita. The final section, Japanese Lolita, shows how a fascination with the exotic and alternative has resulted in the reappropriation and sometimes extreme recasting of traditional modes of Japanese dress.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
tabby made from synthetic fabric.
Brief description
Parasol, synthetic fabric, designed and made by Innocent World, Japan, 21st century
Physical description
Parasol, synthetic fabric, off-white colour with frilled edging. heart shaped cuts out on the trim
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 95cm
  • Height: 81cm
Gallery label
(12/12/2012)
Innocent World is an Osaka-based design house founded by Yumi Fujiwara. The clothing is sometimes Sweet Lolita and at other times, as with the relatively sober outfit displayed here, what is called Classic Lolita. The company's concept statement speaks of 'elegance and cuteness' and of 'a simple world without dirt or blemish' that reflects 'the pure and innocent hearts of young women'.
Object history
This item is part of one of the "Sweet Lolita" outfits on display from 23 April 2012 to January 2013 in the "Kitty and the Bulldog Lolita fashion and the influence of Britain" exhibition at the V&A. Part of the V&A British Design Season.
Summary
Lolita fashion emerged during the 1990s as a radical form of street style born out of the Japanese taste for Hello Kitty cuteness. Whether dressed in pink, powder blue, red, white or black, Lolitas are immediately recognisable by their doll-like make-up, frilly skirts, fanciful headgear, ribbons and lace. A striking feature of Lolita fashion is the extent to which it is influenced by British culture: Alice in Wonderland, Glam Rock, the New Romantics, Gothic, Punk and Vivienne Westwood. Although the attitude and aggression of Punk and Gothic have no place in the world of the Lolita, the movement represents a similarly powerful rebellion against the conventions of contemporary society. The first three sections of the display are devoted to Sweet, Gothic and Punk Lolita. The final section, Japanese Lolita, shows how a fascination with the exotic and alternative has resulted in the reappropriation and sometimes extreme recasting of traditional modes of Japanese dress.
Collection
Accession number
FE.10-2012

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Record createdMarch 23, 2012
Record URL
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