Kawaii - that distinctly Japanese take on cuteness - burst into my life early on. Every time I made a family trip to Asia, I'd return with a few Kitty-chans in tow. (This photo was taken in 2003, when I had purple hair! ) I went through the Sanrio roster: Keroppi, Pochacco, Chococat... By the time I entered grade school, my motto was "kawaii or bust." I turned my nose at school-issue agendas and pencil cases from Sears (these were the days before Staples). My stationery, my toys, my clothes - everything had to have a Sanrio character on it.
Alas, decora is only kosher in Japan. By 1996, I'd moved on to Goth/alternative wear - but the vestiges remained and eventually harmonized into Gothic Lolita. It's a fashion, it's refined, and yet still carries a heavy dose of kawaii (think Hangry & Angry or Metamorphose's bunny and bear mascots).
A perfect example is this "Nya" black cat cell charm and fuzzy pouch by Ne-Net, a whimsical Japanese designer that presented at the last Tokyo Fashion Week. Look at the design and quality; nobody would mistake this for kid's stuff.
Now check out Body Line's rabbit rucksacks, which are sold by Cosmates Japan. The earrings and crucifix add Goth Loli flair, but otherwise, I don't have anything nice to say about these cheap-looking synthetic leather bags. We're entering the realm of cosplay... and h.NAOTO does animal purses so much better!
Walking the line between child's play and couture is tougher than one might think. How much kawaii do you let into your outfits?
