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The Lolita Complex: - Scholarly Commons Home

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the rong [sic] age”. * And similarly, “Ashy” believes “it brings back the<br />

etiquette and innocent romanticism that has been lost in the present. I love<br />

that fact of it”. †<br />

Gothic <strong>Lolita</strong> Kath Bridges waxes lyrical:<br />

Since I was small I have always been intrigued by the notion that just beyond our<br />

reach lie magical kingdoms filled with wonders and we can get there if only we<br />

know how to turn the key. <strong>The</strong> attraction of <strong>Lolita</strong>… (for me) is that I love the way<br />

sweetness and innocence are fused with a lush dark beauty, influenced by past<br />

times and this is all recreated in a modern world and lifestyle.<br />

Whereas fellow Aucklander “Mental Tart” plainly states, “Sometimes I just<br />

§<br />

want to feel like a beautiful princess. Or at least dress up like one!”.<br />

* Ibid.<br />

While some <strong>Lolita</strong> fashions are visually more regal than others, it is<br />

clear that on the whole the wearing of these dresses generally makes<br />

Gothloli feel princess-like. Moreover, in returning to the new feminist aspect<br />

of the movement, the Gothloli re-establishes her right to be a feminine, girly<br />

little princess but also a woman playing at being a princess-like little girl.<br />

† Personal communication between “Angelic <strong>Lolita</strong>” and “Ashy” (Auckland, New Zealand) on<br />

MySpace, www.myspace.com/botticelliangel_nz, 17 January, 2010.<br />

‡ Personal communication between “Angelic <strong>Lolita</strong>” and “Kitty Bridges” (Auckland, New Zealand)<br />

on MySpace, www.myspace.com/botticelliangel_nz, 18 January, 2010.<br />

§ Personal communication between “Angelic <strong>Lolita</strong>” and “Mental Tart” (Auckland, New Zealand)<br />

on MySpace, www.myspace.com/botticelliangel_nz, 17 January, 2010.<br />

‡<br />

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