Misako Made Me Buy It

    Every few months, I experience a week or so where I am gripped by the firm hands of nostalgia and feel the need to rewatch the old lolita Youtube videos that first enchanted me in the early 2010s. Deerstalker. Princess Peachie. Random human interest spots from Japanese news shows. I devour them each as if I was once again a tender youth finding them for the first time, licking syrup from my fingers as I ravenously sought out more and more. 

    Among my favorites, though, are the promotional videos Misako Aoki did for Baby, the Stars Shine Bright. Something about them just really did it for me! The Baby pressroom and stores were like tiny paradises, treasure troves packed with all the wonderful things I couldn’t get my hands on as a middle schooler. The dresses she showed off have lived in my mind ever since, and I actually ended up buying some of them as an adult. Let’s take a look at what Misako made me buy!

Today we’ll be looking at a video Misako did in 2014 with Kawaii Pateen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0izDSIrrus 

   Shirring Princess

 

 

 

     I bought my Shirring Princess JSK in ivory back in 2019. It was the 2007 release, which does feature the two bows at the base of the straps, but they’re made from sawtooth grosgrain ribbon which is unique to that release. I love whenever I find sawtooth grosgrain on lolita pieces. Its more common use is in hat making, since the way it’s woven allows it to lay flat against curved edges. Kind of like bias tape but sturdier. I love this dress! It really is super comfy, especially for someone like me who is just a little too busty to fit most BTSSB without a binder.

 

  

I still do not own Alice Dollhouse, but I would really love to one day. Thank you videographers for showing all the gorgeous detail in this print!!

Welcome to the Sweets Hexenhaus

 

    I have the same cut Misako is wearing, but in the ivory colorway. The fabric is unique to the touch–it almost has a crinkled texture and it’s quite heavy. Another exquisitely detailed Baby print.

 

Joker’s Cards Party

 

    One of my first AAtP main pieces, I think bought in 2022. I have the black and red JSK. Based on this video, I thought that the subtle red came from some type of shot fabric or jacquard, but actually the skirt has a red satin lining. Parts of the pattern on the outer skirt are slightly sheer, letting the red peek through. I’ve never seen another dress that has the same trick. Very cool!

 

    It feels really special to own clothes that were featured in one of the videos that got me into EGL in the first place. I think young me would be dazzled by the lolita I've become. At the same time though, the process of growth isn't over, and now just because I've yet to collect EVERY dress in that video. (Not that I'd want to...) There's no real end point to fashion, and I think that's beautiful.

 

🪻See you next time!🪻