So Pretty / Very Rotten

I had a physical copy, loved it, and as always, I go in waves with hobbies, egl being no exception. The book was barely worth $10 used then so I donated it. Now I'm back in and it's $90? *sigh* I hope they release a digital version. The main reason I got rid of it was because I don't like the space that physical books take up. 🥲

As a lolita, I really enjoyed this book. There were just so many moments that I related to. One thing I liked about this book is that it accurately describes and introduces lolita fashion, so it could be read and enjoyed by someone with limited familiarity with the fashion. Another thing I appreciated were the more historical essays about the roots of the fashion, because I actually learned some things I didn't know, even though I have read so much about the fashion online. I really feel there is some content in this book that is not covered by easily accessible articles, etc anywhere else. The comics were cute and amusing as well!

This book is wonderful. I was so interested in the essays and the comics that I managed to finish reading it within an hour and a half after it arrived at my house. It really shows an interesting perspective on this subculture, and many of the comics I related to. I very much recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about lolita, or knows someone who is a lolita and is curious about it. There's points of lolita's history in this book that are pretty important. I very much love the art style of the comics as well, and the art of the Honey Cake JSK by AP was one of my favorites

This book is nothing short of the lolita manifesto so desperately needed but never undertaken before. The essays, both academic and personal, share the universal and unique aspects that draw people to lolita fashion and kawaii subculture. Jane Mai and An Nguyen expertly disseminate information that has been difficult to convey even after years of wearing the fashion, being involved in north american communities, and sharing some of the experiences and feelings invoked by each short comic. The brief historical background, summary of the fashion itself, and interviews with the kooky and fascinating Novala Takemoto are important empirical and academic context needed to understand the fashion movement, with other essays and the comics providing personal context, experiences close to reality for many lolitas, and personal introspection on what lolita fashion means to its wearers and fans. Particularly fascinating is the difference between Japanese lolitas and North American lolitas, Nguyen discovers in interviews with many Japanese lolitas that they feel the need to improve themselves and make themselves worthy of the clothes they wear. Some consider it armor against an unforgiving world, others feel it is "wearing your weakness on the outside" to overcome it. Many have few friends who wear it, and lose friends who think they're weird for enjoying the fashion. North American lolitas often join for the communities that go along with it, for their outward expressions of unabashed femininity, of taking up space and enjoying a sort of sisterhood over the clothes. This shared identity and community has been a large part of my life for years and I appreciate the attention to detail describing in detail these differences, it is incredibly well-researched, and an account that to many lolitas will feel is very personal. If you have an interest in the fashion, in fashion subcultures, or are an avid wearer of lolita fashion yourself, you won't regret picking this up.

If you're here for images or for words you've got quality examples of both in this book. It's a legitimately good examination of the people in the fashion and worth the read. I'd gladly pay double for a second book of this caliber.

This is such a cute book. Takes a look at the darker side of living in lolita as well as some very informative articles about the fashion.

I have no interest in lolita fashion yet still loved this. Jane Mai's comics are outstanding, simultaneously visceral and thought-provoking. Ann Nguyen is informed and articulate as she examines the culture from a variety of angles. Her comics too pack quite a punch. Basically just buy the book.

The book was smaller than I imagined, but I really love it. I don't partake in Lolita fashion, but it's one of my favorite fashion subcultures so I look forward to learning more about it and reading the cutely drawn comic parts. Edit: Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I was sent a really lovely bookmark with my copy as well.

So Pretty / Very Rotten is a great book not only for lolita-fashion lovers, but for anyone interested on alternative fashion movements or cute culture. The mix between comics and essays makes it a great journey in which you'll find yourself in, at least, one or two depicted situations. Totally recommended, would make a great gift for younger lolitas or as a suggested book for reading clubs!

This book is perfect!

Great for those people outside the fashion to vaguely understand it

Gostei de como a obra traduz muitos sentimentos que as adeptas da moda Lolita sentem, principalmente quando tratam do constelaste entre a alegria provida pelo bem material, contra um sentimento de vazio emocional - causado por, em grande medida, basear sua felicidade em algo tão limitado quanto um bem material.

A very accurate, very well researched look at lolita fashion and the culture that surrounds it. The comics were beautiful, and the essay gave me new perspective on a fashion I have been part of for almost ten years. A very good read!