Individual Fashion Expo IV, a gothic,lolita and punk fashion event, was held in Tokyo on September 23. The event is a subcultureshowcase for young Asian people. This year’s trends are already invading not only the catwalkbut also the high street. But what do terms like gothic, lolita and punk really mean? Here is 21st Century’s guide to avoid becoming a fashion victim.
　　Gothic
What is it?
A gothic style has always been considered a dark, mysterious style of dress. It originates from the Elizabethan and Victorian periods of British history. The style contrasts inner power with outside restrictions.
How do you dress in this style?
Clothes can either flow and drape, or restrict and emphasize a body part. These two factors can be combined. Gothic fashion often includes black dyed hair and black makeup. Dark eyeliner and dark fingernails are a must.
Don’t be a
fashion victim!
This style rejects mainstream styles and challenges taboos. Wearing black eye shadow and dark clothes, which refers to the dead, may express grief, despair, or sorrow in the heart.
Punk
What is it?
It developed as opposition to disco fashion in 1970s. It drew its inspiration from a source of anger, and was considered to be arty, underground, and a little odd. It attempted to be as shocking an rebellious as possible.
How do you dress in this style?
Leather or denim jackets and vests often have metal spikes or studs on. Some clothes are painted with logos that express musical tastes or political views. Hair should be cut very short or shaved. It is often dyed bright colors.
Don’t be a fashion victim!
Punks use clothes as a way of making a statement. Just be careful not to write something too outrageous on your shirt!
　　Lolita
What is it?
The name is from Russian writer Vladimir Nabokov’s novel, which described the story of a middle-aged European man’s obsessive love for a 12-year-old girl. The style is heavily influenced by the customs of the Rococo period of the 1700s.
How do you dress in this style?
The Lolita look mainly consists of a knee-length skirt or dress, headdress, blouse and knee length socks. The outfits always have lace and bows.
Don’t be a fashion victim!
With the Lolita style, young ladies can escape the adult world by presenting themselves as extremely youthful. However, while it can be cute and sweet, the clothes are not suitable for formal occasions.
　　生词：
denim粗斜纹棉布
drape(衣服等)成褶皱状
dreary沉闷的
Elizabethan 伊丽莎白一世时代的
evoke唤起
gothic哥特式的
grief悲痛，伤心事
obsessive强迫性的
originate起源
outrageous蛮横的
punk 朋克
rebellious反叛的
restriction 限制，约束
Rococo 洛可可
spike长钉
stud 大头钉，饰纽
subculture 亚文化
taboo 禁忌，避讳
Victorian 维多利亚女王时代的
vest 背心

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