Interview with Chinese Lolita Brand Nightmare

Founded only recently in 2015, Chinese brand Nightmare is already well liked for dark fantasy-inspired designs, and currently gaining popularity in Japan as well. In commemoration of their new release “Acheloides～Song of Siren～”, inspired by mermaids and sirens, the designers took the time to answer questions from our customers.

Q1: What prompted you to start your own brand?

I’d already been wearing Lolita Fashion when I met my friend who was interested in designing and making apparel. We talked a lot about our ideal fashion and this led to starting our own brand.

Q2: How would you describe your brand’s image?

Nightmare means “frightening dream”. Our concept is “giving you bizarre beautiful dreams”, so we often do Gothic designs.

Q3: What are your plans for the future?

Apart from Gothic designs, I’d like to try my hand at Ouji style as well. Also, according to our understanding of “Gothic”, the style isn’t limited to dark colors. By adding Gothic elements to sweeter colors, we hope to create items that meet the needs of customers from other genres as well.

With the help of Wunderwelt, we’d like to connect with customers all over the world and make our brand more well-known among fans of Gothic & Lolita fashion. If you have any comments, questions or wishes, please don’t hesitate to contact us via Twitter.

Q4: Please tell us more about your new release. Do you have any recommendations for coordinates?

The main points are the bodice design and draping. We wanted the bodice to resemble a mermaid’s shell bra, and added sparkling lame tulle for an ethereal fairy tale-like feel. The lace on the waist helps accentuate the waistline beautifully. Combined with the lace on the shoulder straps, it resembles a mermaid’s tail, don’t you think? The pearl buttons and charms we used also fit our theme of “mermaids and sirens”.

It will look lovely if you coordinate it with a see-through blouse or cutsew. In our official pictures we used the Dawn Star blouse by our sister brand La poésie de camélia, as the soft tulle yoke and bishop sleeves add a translucent feeling. For accessories we would recommend something with sparkly crystals or pearls.

Of course we are also looking forward to all of your wonderful ideas and coordinates! Please send us your photos!

Q5: What is the difference between Nightmare and La poesie de camelia? What inspired you to create a sister brand?

La poesie de camelia is more casual than Nightmare and inspired by Classic Lolita. The designs retain the same elegance as Nightmare but are not as gorgeous.

We wanted to create items that are suitable for everyday wear and also easy to incorporate into a variety of coordinates, so we decided to start a sister brand.

Q6: How did you become interested in Lolita Fashion?

To me, Lolita Fashion is “princess dresses for adults”. All girls are naturally drawn to beautiful things, so when I got to know about Lolita Fashion it was like my childhood dream came true (laughs).

Q7: What is your recommended hair and makeup for Nightmare’s dresses?

Nightmare mostly releases Gothic-inspired dresses, so I would recommend heavier make-up. If you put your hair up so that the nape of your neck is visible, you will look just that much more elegant.

Q8: Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

From films I’ve seen lately, or books I’ve read, games I’m currently obsessed with, that kind of thing. It often comes to me quite unexpectedly.

Q9: What kind of motifs would you like to do in the future?

I would like to do a line art print, since the contrast of black and white leaves a strong impression.

Q10: Message from Nightmare

We’d like you to wear dresses that tell a story through their design and prints. Telling your own story by the clothes you wear is wonderful, isn’t it?

Nightmare official Twitter: https://twitter.com/nightmarelolita

Nightmare online shop: https://www.wunderwelt.jp/en/fleur/brands/nightmare

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