Japanese fashion: from ancient kimonos to gothic Lolita style

Traditional Japanese fashion is experiencing a renaissance: the kimono, with over a thousand years of history, is being revitalized with modern prints. Designers such as Yoshiki (from X Japan) are even incorporating anime images into contemporary kimonos, fusing pop culture and tradition. According to Web Japan, the classic garment with motifs from Attack on Titan or Western comics shows that young Japanese people are reinterpreting the kimono as casual fashion.

On the other hand, the Gothic Lolita subculture persists in Japan and beyond. This style is characterized by dark Victorian dresses, lace, and dramatic makeup. As Reuters describes, young women “look like a mix of Jane Eyre and the Addams Family,” wearing Victorian outfits with lots of black lace. International celebrities have popularized this aesthetic: tennis player Naomi Osaka appeared in 2024 wearing a Gothic Lolita-inspired outfit designed by Yoon Ahn (Nike), a nod that highlighted the global influence of Japanese fashion.

• Revamped kimono: Traditional in ceremonies, it is now seen on modern catwalks and at pop events, thanks to bold prints.

• Gothic Lolita: A Japanese urban subculture of dark and adorable fashion, contrasting Victorian dresses with gothic accessories.
• International icons: Figures such as Naomi Osaka have worn Lolita in public, bringing alternative Japanese styles to the world.