Wa and Qi lolita

File: tumblr_ojvgsxOqdH1tykkceo5_540.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

It's been pretty pupular recently due to the current boom for fashion inspired by traditional clothes in Japan, Kawaii Pateen even uploaded a Qi makeup tutorial today.

I guess one of the reasons for "why" it used to be an ita stable was the fact that it was overdone in whitexblack and redxblack by costume shops.

File: tumblr_n0dgokQbHw1r8awsbo1_1280.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9343863

I love qi lolita, but I'm also chinese so

I would echo what >>9343876 had to say about qi and wa lolita. Plus, there would be ton of these special teenager snowflakes who would want to get into the most niche substyle without knowing actually what was up with that or where to start.

My favorite type of qi is when they use subtle designs or patterns.

I wish aflowerinhand would post again. She always thought up interesting ways to incorporate qipao elements with lolita.

File: tumblr_nti39lfLtl1sd87t7o2_1280.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9343922

File: tumblr_n0fegjB9JV1r8awsbo1_1280.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9343923

Another qi lolita coord by her.

File: tumblr_nwzvecJL7j1s0s3nuo8_1280.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9343925

File: tumblr_n0in65pqUm1slm178o1_1280.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9343926

Possibly my favorite qi lolita dress.

If anyone has it, I'll buy it off you pretty please ;_;

I personally dont care about wa or qi lolita or appropriation, but if you're not asian it just looks costumey and weeby to me.

>>9343936
I'll second this. I love the style, but it looks really off on a non-Asian.

>>9343888
>>9343923
>>9343927

OP here. I really love these; very soft and elegant.

File: TB2dP6VkXXXXXbQXXXXXXXXXXXX_!!1936678071.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9343936
>>9343970
I think it depends on the print of the dress, a lot doesn't look too different from hime.

File: TB2o9c5bpXXXXcCXXXXXXXXXXXX-1574509157.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

I don't actually wear lolita...but I look at way too much of this stuff on Taobao.
Sorry if I inadvertently post something ita.

File: TB2OQsamXXXXXaXXXXXXXXXXXXX_!!356092166.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

Kimono sleeves version of >>9343983

>>9343936
Agreed, I feel like an asshole for thinking it, but I haven't seen anyone not Asian pull either style off well. a lot of weebs try it, so maybe that's why people avoid the styles and don't try?

File: 5235235.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9343977
>a lot doesn't look too different from hime.
I think this may apply to pic related (found while browsing the Qi search results in Tumblr), I wish she would have left that parasol at home tho...

>>9343970
It comes down to the fact that you need to actually know what you're doing and also be confident enough to pull it off. Weebs fail in both aspects, but that doesn't mean non-asians can't pull it off. We're just not used to seeing people wear Asain-style clothing regularly.

>>9343936
I think it's saying something that every single person posted in this thread is asian.

>>9343936
I really don't agree. I mean, I could argue similarly with white girls looking best in classic since it has a lot of inspiration from white European cultures.

>>9343936
I think, really, it's more because the westerners that do do it don't know how to accessorise it. They just throw anything Asian like at it regardless of whether it fits the style

>>9343936
I also don't want to spout some bullshit about cultural appropriation. Those Asian themed dress do look better on Asians but I think that lolita wear in general looks ridiculous on Asians because those dresses are native to Europe. The rococo and victorian like dresses just don't work with Asian faces and their petite bodies, it looks like costume on them.

>>9343936
I actually feel the same when I see asian girls in hime and classic coords, with blonde wigs and colored contact lenses... it looks off and and make them look like white wannabes.
European-styled dresses tend to look better on caucasian girls.


...

>>9343983
I feel like this is something a white person could wear without looking too off, as the cut is not specifically Japanese or Chinese - it's just the print.
But I agree with >>9343936 in the sense that most full wa/qi-outfits probably look weeby.

File: 171707-m-05-dl.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

I think IW's latest print looks pretty wa inspired in my opinion. It makes me excited that even a conservative classic brand like IW is going into Japanese print territory.

Also the print looks like the chiyogami I used to love and collect, so I had to have it.

I wonder if there are brands who make good qi lolita and han lolita dresses because the ones I've seen were all trash that only looks good on the pictures of the taobao shop

File: wa lolita.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

coordinate from yukata

>>9344522
I really don't like this dress. It looks like early 2000s girly clip art to me. If they had taken it a step further to tone down the print and incorporate some wa elements into it, it might be more impressive. But the way it's designed just looks like a middle school weeb's spring dance dress.

File: T2w4L.XhBXXXXXXXXX_!!55084630[1].jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

Here's the "problem" with wa lolita.

>weeb discovers Japanese culture, lolita
>wa is a mix of traditional wear and jfash, so naturally it's totally kawaii
>weeb has no idea about rules of lolita or proper kimono wearing
>wears shitty, shiny satin Bodyline yukata thing because that's what's available
>some time down the road they either realize it's ita and stop doing "wa", or keep being ita and still look like crap

Wa is challenging because kimono and lolita have literally opposite silhouettes. Colours can also be a problem. In general, mixing patterns that are kind of clashy is frowned upon in lolita (though more acceptable in otome) and so many kimono coords are all about that unexpected pop of colour or pattern. That said, you can make perfectly nice coordinates provided you know how to coord both kimono and lolita at least competently.

I know a lot less about traditional Chinese wear I'm afraid, but I think qi lolita is fine too. As for it looking costumey on non-Asians, I think it's also a matter of styling. Keep it classy. Maybe don't do hairbuns but looped braids instead. Don't put chopsticks in your hair (get actual hair accessories pls), don't wave around cheap shitty paper fans or parasols, and please don't do OTT Chinese opera make-up. Just keep it simple.

Pic related is something I've been eyeing since before I got into lolita, but I always chicken out of buying it. One of these days, though...

File: 1966885_379109182237203_6960691954812515578_n.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

wa lolita is one of my favorite styles. i don't think you necessarily have to be asian to pull it off, but agree that you need knowledge of both kimono and lolita. going to dump a few coords from my inspo folder.

File: 11018828_428615070619947_3441746560801068579_n.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344617
this girl is the classic example of good wa lolita

File: 1445040355588.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344621

File: 1450651739491.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344623
the haori look is pretty good too

File: 1450041327153.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344624

>>9344607
That dress is absolutely gorgeous. I'll be looking forward to seeing how you coord it if you decide to go for it.

File: 1416788018966.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344627

File: 12313865_10206564197438500_5391777095233338186_n.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344630

File: 10389595_1110294542329477_3464033272870302209_n.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344633
i really like this girls take on wa

File: 16298730_1740730035952588_422049216167700229_n.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344634

File: 15727315_1662704770421782_5823797551301497879_n.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344636

File: 14690898_1137157552986871_5732708066434763168_n.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344637

File: 1450651311734.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344638

File: 12717351_10208167210878998_2612324776656036174_n.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344640
meta's wa prints are so great

File: 15822862_10154469291333292_434582725399774811_n.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344641
and end.

>>9344621
rip she was lovely

>>9344641
I think once you use actual kimono fabric with simple flowers, instead of a "kimono inspired" design with foxes, it becomes 90% less ita in an instant.

File: 1386310836724.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

Personally I love qi lolita and really would like to see more westerners wear it. I feel the whole "cultural appropriation" issue is met the same way people feel about kimono, where much of the negative feelings come from people not from that culture. So long as you're not parading around claiming that wearing qi/wa lolita has made you "practically" Chinese/Japanese, it's all good.

File: 2905_900.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344921

File: b3f8819f3fea489fa6a5666e4fdd4404.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9344922

File: 13244808_10154888415289298_1845081130567077785_n.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

>>9343863
This isn't quite wa but the styling is reminiscent of it.

>>9344921
I agree. Most people who cry 'cultural appropriation' don't actually know anything about what they're 'defending'. I the end, it's all about moral signaling.

>>9343980
link?

>>9345011
Sadly it's from 2015 so I don't think it's being sold anymore. There might be people selling it secondhand though.
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=43283209138

>>9344921
Thought this was a hover lolita from the thumbnail.

>>9344628
Thank you anon~ If I was to coord it, I would probably do an updo, with a peony corsage made to match the floral print of the dress. Elegant dangly earrings and delicate rose gold bracelets on the wrists (would probably want to avoid traditional wristcuffs, not sure), black vertical striped stockings, and strappy black heels. And a black bag, just a simple vintage one or something, no need for cute shapes or any of that. So yeah, really on the basic side but I think that's what works best lol.

aaaah now I'm inspired to start saving up! yay!

File: KimonoPrintHighWaistPinaforeJSK-green.jpg (1B, 486x500px)

1B, 486x500px

I really like Meta's kimono prints. Hope I can find something like this second hand

>>9344634
is the tie something she added onto the haori?

>>9349514
It looks like a boy's kimono. It usually has straps attached.

File: C3zq3DhVUAAu5eL.jpg (154KB, 720x963px) Image search: [Google]

154KB, 720x963px

Sailor Wa Lolita is a thing now

File: tumblr_npecv6B97E1tykkceo2_400.jpg (207KB, 400x537px) Image search: [Google]

207KB, 400x537px

>>9344621
Now I'm sad...

I'm going to dump my very tiny wa/qi lolita image collection. Call me out if it's ita. I don't know much about this substyle.

File: tumblr_nopddlcReP1tykkceo1_1280.jpg (100KB, 580x949px) Image search: [Google]

100KB, 580x949px

>>9354477

File: 1312309318574.jpg (123KB, 413x580px) Image search: [Google]

123KB, 413x580px

>>9354478
Oh here's an...interesting wa aristocratic fusion outfit. Not sure how I feel about it and I don't remember why I saved it.

File: tumblr_no9z8yG3sQ1tykkceo2_500.jpg (54KB, 498x737px) Image search: [Google]

54KB, 498x737px

>>9354479
There was a very pretty white and orange goldfish themed qi lolita dress from a Chinese indie brand a while back. I thought I saved it, but I guess not. Would anyone happen to have a photo of that dress?

File: B9A12460-2C26-4876-B8B1-5AD7B3CBC730-2375-000003FEC8E5C3DB_tmp.jpg (179KB, 640x470px) Image search: [Google]

179KB, 640x470px

I saw a dress once with this print on it and I'd love the source if someone recognizes it. Sorry I don't know what I'm talking about here.

>>9354495
Not sure if you're asking the source of the picture itself, but it's a ukiyo-e print about the kabuki play Princess Takiyasha the witch.

>>9354495
Excalibur Lolita on Taobao

>>9344813
did she died?

>>9345624
I wish the Chinese would stick to making qi lolita. I've never seen a nice wa lolita dress from a taobao brand. Who wears this? Do they make things just for tumblr likes?

File: P1000972.jpg (153KB, 1200x1600px) Image search: [Google]

153KB, 1200x1600px

>>9355131
She passed a while back. The family didn't say much. Most suspect she suffered from a long-term terminal illness.

>>9355137
That is in fact a qi lolita dress, have you never seen the style of han dynasty dresses?

>>9343863
Wa is difficult partially because kimono + accessories are expensive and complex garments to wear as it is. It often takes lessons and practice to wear kimono even decently.
Trying to do a derivative interpretation with some of the elements, usually not knowing how real kimono are worn in the first place means it looks sloppy and badly worn more often than not. Yukata are simpler but often come off too informal or cheap when 'frilled up'.

>>9355431
I didn't mean to reply to that, I'm mainly talking about the dresses with weeby prints

I think the cheap Bodyline dresses and dresses with bright color patterns bring back visuals of the 'generic sexy Asian girl' costumes for sale around Halloween. I think the style can look extraordinary when done well.
>>9343879
>>9343980
>>9343991
>>9343987
I think these look great. Unless you live in Japan, China, or something, it is going to be hard to find a backdrop like that. If you photographed those same girls in the middle of a busy city, I'd see it less favorably. It'd look more like a costume in that setting. I think whoever wears it, no matter what ethnicity, should be aware of what setting they photograph it in. These are much harder to pull off.
>>9343900
>>9343885
>>9343888
>>9343984
>>9343925
I don't think anything like this would ever look out of place on anybody. They remind me of fancy ballgowns, almost Renaissance like, before I think of China or Japan. That last one even reminds me of the Wild West.

I don't think it is cultural appropriation. I'm a little leery about straight out kimonos, but only because it seems like kimonos are only ever worn to festivals or really special events, by what little geisha remain, and maybe weddings. I don't think anybody looks 'bad' in them, but here in America there's very few events that it seems to remotely call for a kimono. It just looks really out of place is someone is just going to lunch in a kimono. That's not lolita though.

>>9355643
Not all kimono are for formal events. It's literally just regular clothing. Only foreigners treat it as some holy clothing suited only for events.

>>9355643
>it seems like kimonos are only ever worn to festivals or really special events
Not really. It's just thought of as outdated and inconvenient, so people don't wear it in day to day life. There's no inherent sacred or ceremonial aspect.

>>9355654
That's what I mean by that. Not some 'holy clothing' like other anon mentioned. It just seems like something so cumbersome that it's really only worn for celebratory reasons. Here when I see a lot of people in period clothing, I assume they are going to a Renaissance fair or something. It just looks odd worn for a regular old day.
>>9355653
I said *sometimes* weddings which was the only formal event I mentioned. A special occasion is like an outing, not formal.

>>9355659
Maybe if they're worn in a Western country. In Japan, there's not really the same connotation. as period clothing. The older generations (eg. grandparents) still wear kimono on an everyday basis. You still see it out in the streets depending on the neighbourhood. It's still casual clothing, just one that shows you have an antique sense of taste. Maybe with time it'll become a special event only thing, but it's not a dead fashion yet.

>>9355676
This anon is right. Kimono isn't the same as Renaissance clothing because it's not dead yet. It only looks odd outside of Japan because it's foreign. A closer comparison would be like if you saw someone wearing vintage clothing. Depending on how it's styled, it can either look dated or modern.

>>9344983
out of curiosity I'd like to know what Chinese or Japanese people think. as much as I hear people not from a culture crying about cultural appropriation, it's almost always people not from a culture whining about how it's not. frankly I don't care either way, but it always looks so childish to see people arguing who don't have any real perspective.

>>9355455
>I was only pretending to be retarded

>>9355708
Chinese anon here. I couldn't care less about what others did with my culture. Culture isn't some static relic to be guarded behind some museum glass. It has to be lived. Some other anons who were going on about 'weebs' probably only dislike 'weebs' because they're obnoxious. I think interest in other cultures should be encouraged.

Those who get all riled up about appropriation are 99% of the time Americanized asians who feel disconnected from their own culture and would rather discourage people from actually learning anything than to make the effort to reconnect.

>>9355455
You mean the Royal Princess Alice dresses? That's a japanese brand, a popular one at that because it's Kimura U's.

>>9355708
I'm raised in the US so my perspective will be different from someone who lives in China, but a western person wearing hanfu doesn't bother me, since they were/are just clothes with no particular significance (unlike a Native American headdress for example). What does bother me is that most of them seem to not do any research about it -- even extremely basic shit, like not mixing up hanfu and kimono... (because har har, all asians are the same amirite.)

>>9355719
>>9355734
Thanks for taking the time to weigh in, guys. Its much more useful to here what people involved in the cultures think then listen to a bunch of oppinionated white gulls bicker. Very much appreciated.

>>9343863
well I don't find it offensive per se. I just think traditional dress bad on anyone who isn't oriental Asian. But to each their own. If you want to dress in this style, I say go for it.

>>9355831
>>9355708

Actually I think Chinese people pretty much don't care. It's the American Japanese that got stuck with discrimination after the Pearl Harbour bombing, plus the tacky "sexy geisha" Halloween costumes, and Memoirs of a Geisha being practically two dudes' wet dream about azn prostitute waifu in kimono.

Japanese Japanese probably don't care either, too, they're happy to sell you a kimono or ten. So pretty much mostly the american Japanese who are stuck with a lot of baggage.

>>9356093
Well yeah. Of course the effects of appropriation are going to be felt by the cultural diaspora rather than the people who live in the motherland. Homogenous cultures aren't really affected by cultural appropriation on a large scale because they're removed from the situation whereas Asian Americans (and other Asian diaspora people) are going to have to live with the immediate consequences.

I disagree with >>9355719 that Asian-Americans are just bitter about other people having fun or whatever. For a lot of As-Ams, (especially if they're 3rd/4th gen) it's going to be harder to reconnect with their culture unless they have encouraging parents or a support group that will help them. Having limited resources or unwilling parents means a lot of the Asian diaspora are unable to learn about their culture even if they wanted to. So yeah, when they see flippant white people doing shit like >>9355734 mentioned (mixing up kimono and hanfu, creating an Asian monolith, etc) it's going to rub them the wrong way as opposed to a Chinese or Japanese person who lives in their homeland.

Also, I remember being made fun of as a child and people yelling "ching chong" at me and making fun of my lunches. So I can see why some people might be upset that the people who made fun of them for being Asian when they were young are now turning around and embracing Asian-inspired fashion. Not saying that that's a particularly correct way to feel but an understandable one.

At the end of the day, it's just clothing and people can do whatever they want. All I ask is that they be respectful and do some research first.

>>9356110

>>9356093 here, and actually I think most Chinese don't care because there's way more people in line already doing the appropriating, and way more noise surrounding the cheongsam vs the kimono. High fashion brands using mandarin collars, chun li, the chinaboo on Seinfeld, cheongsam itself having gone through various transformations, nightclub hostesses, and the confusion over the "real" "traditional chinese attire" (cheongsam vs hanfu), plus Chinese soapies playing fast and loose with traditional attire in "period" soapies, vietnamese aodai and its development,......it's gotten to the point where I don't even bat an eye if I see a western import sporting a mandarin collar or ten, the whole thing is so diluted and messy anyway, it's practically mainstream at this point.

Probably a different story if I saw someone diving into it full weeb and butchering my culture alongside it as well.

>>9355708
My ex's grandma was Japanese and she asked me if I would wear her wedding kimono for my wedding. She also wanted me to have her casual kimonos/yukatas when she passed. I'm lily white.

>>9355708
>it's almost always people not from a culture whining
In my experience, it's almost always Americans. I don't even know how to say 'cultural appropriation' in my own language because no one talks about it ever. American Japanese people do bitch about white people wearing kimono, I've heard their grandparents or something weren't allowed to wear kimono when they came to America because they had to try to fit in.

>>9356293
>people from a country where there's a lot of different cultures talk more about things that happen when cultures mix than people from other countries
thanks

>>9355708

I'm more interested in being able to wear my own goddamn ethnic clothing without being labeled a weirdo or ~exotic~ than what weebs or China boos do in their spare time.

Honestly though more educated China boos are nice to talk to because they don't have the self loathing that we ABCs do to our own culture. It's refreshing once in a while.

>>9355719
>Those who get all riled up about appropriation are 99% of the time Americanized asians who feel disconnected from their own culture and would rather discourage people from actually learning anything than to make the effort to reconnect.

As a Chinese American, I agree with this so much!

People shouldn't take it for granted that they will know everything about their culture just because of genetics. I was born in the US and I speak English with my parents. Of course I'm not going to know everything about China without a bunch of effort.

>>9356439
Nice American exceptionalism

>>9355248
This makes me sad, I wondered what happened to her. Her coords were some of my favorites and she seemed like a lovely person. RIP.

>>9356293
I can say that British Asians do not give a flying fuck. This isn't about being disconnected from your culture, this is purely the American idea that if a white/cis/majority person is doing it, it's offensive and rude and you should make a fuss.

It's a form of entitlement, basically. And a way of attacking another race without being called out on it. Cause, let's face it, if they were actually bothered about their culture they'd actually practice it and go with it, rather than following Western ideals and fashions

>>9355719
>it has to be lived
Exactly. Do people not understand if you keep culture alone in a cage, it is dead?

>>9355719
This. I went to a workshop on traditional qipao making a few years ago and basically, it's a dying art form because there's no market for the older, shapeless qipao. The way they patterned and cut them is not in line with current fashion trends and emphasis on how a body looks in clothing rather than the clothing itself being the status symbol. I'd be glad if the west appropriated it as another hobby-craft, because that way it would be at least keep alive

>>9343983
jesus, this reminds me of that butt ugly To Alice print. This one's at least better than that one

>>9357509
I wonder how those traditional qipao look like, do you have a picture ?

File: 毓朗贝勒福晋.jpg (162KB, 412x530px) Image search: [Google]

162KB, 412x530px

>>9366758
Not that anon but one of the examples would be pic related, qipao got their current slim-fit shape in the 30s due to hollywood influence.

File: 爱新觉罗·恒香.jpg (223KB, 500x814px) Image search: [Google]

223KB, 500x814px

>>9366770
This would be the 1875–1908 variant.

>>9366770
>>9366773
Thank you ! I always fond weird that qipao could be traditionally so close to the body

File: IMG_20170226_201833.jpg (555KB, 1534x2048px) Image search: [Google]

555KB, 1534x2048px

>>9370176

File: IMG_20170226_193431.jpg (226KB, 1366x2048px) Image search: [Google]

226KB, 1366x2048px

>>9370178

File: IMG_20170226_192135.jpg (461KB, 2048x1360px) Image search: [Google]

461KB, 2048x1360px

>>9370181

File: 0100.jpg (63KB, 500x378px) Image search: [Google]

63KB, 500x378px

>>9370184

File: th_RCP_1539.jpg (176KB, 720x1080px) Image search: [Google]

176KB, 720x1080px

>>9370882

>>9370883
This is actually quite cute. Is this Meta?

File: TB1xhazNVXXXXXUXXXXC0Oq.XXX_728x728-1.jpg (115KB, 506x645px) Image search: [Google]

115KB, 506x645px

>>9354495

>>9383833
it's royal princess alice

>>9383833
It's from Royal Princess Alice, JP brand

File: TB1uNwyPFXXXXaraXXXrZ2I.FXX_728x728.jpg (120KB, 463x728px) Image search: [Google]

120KB, 463x728px

it has a waloli type too

>>9383864
That's amazing!

>Do you have any examples of decent coords?
No. Because they don't exist.

>What is it about the qi style that makes it so difficult to coord?
The fact it conceptually is ugly as fuck

>Do you find it offensive/cultural appropriation to wear these sub styles?
No. Also, there's no such thing as Japanese clothing being cultural appropriation in any context, despite what Tumblrtards will tell you, given how virtually all non-trad Japanese fashion is one giant cultural appropriation orgy.

>>9384043
Here's your (you) anon.