Lolita Fashion Magazine is Still a Thing

It’s true that niche fashions like lolita have fewer media outlets than mainstream styles. That isn’t to say that there are no magazines for us to delve into. Below is a list of some publications you should check out alongside Wunderwelt Libre. This is where you can get the latest info and interesting articles about the fashion, if you miss the traditional magazine format.

Girlism Magazine

Girlism is a Chinese magazine, which started shortly before Gothic & Lolita Bible and KERA ceased physical publications. It’s been going strong from the beginning with 9 issues so far. Whilst the magazine is testament to lolita fashion’s popularity in China, it also fills the gap left by GLB amongst Western audiences. Its format is very similar: previews of upcoming releases, tutorials, outfit snaps etc., and there’s often a freebie gift too. However, unlike GLB, Girlism features beautiful full-spread, high quality photoshoots in place of tiny picture previews. Even if you cannot read Chinese, you’ll be able to appreciate the visual side of the magazine. And as the biggest lolita fashion magazine in China (if not worldwide), it also hosts its own annual fashion show, Girlism Fashion Festa, featuring all the biggest brands. Buy it from their Taobao storefront or, if you prefer to purchase direct, through Clobba Online.

Just from looking at the covers Girlism feels like a more mature GLB. Still just as kawaii though!

Le Panier Magazine

For those preferring Japanese publications or looking for something more high end, I cannot recommend Le Panier enough. Although right now only one issue has been published, Le Panier also organised its own tea party in Shanghai. Hopefully this means more is to come. The magazine is published in Japanese and Chinese, but unlike Girlism, it doesn’t try to be the new GLB. Instead it feels much more like Harper’s Bazar: finished to an exquisite standard and focusing on the artistic side of fashion. The photography featured in the magazine is artful and worthy of framing, and the non-preview content is interesting and fresh. You’ll find a full review of issue 1 and comparison to other magazines that featured lolita fashion on my blog.

Le Panier is such a fancy magazine, that you have to cover it in your vintage pearl necklace! And read it whilst dressed in something chic, at a Parisian cafe, living your most Vogue life.

Dentelles Fanzine

This is a different magazine in that Dentelles is focuses on lolita art. It is run by lolitas in France, it’s bilingual and available both printed (limited quantities) and digitally. Each issue follows a theme and explores it through illustrations accompanied by text. So far the issues have been exploring and introducing lolita fashion, its substyles and trends, making it great for newcomers. Everyone can to admire and discover new artists through the magazine’s pages. It’s great if you’re looking for commissions or for someplace to feature your own artwork. Look out for future issues of Dentelles and calls for submissions by following their Facebook page (mainly French, some English).

Don’t let the pink cover fool you, Dentelles features all styles – both of lolita and of art.

Sličná Antonie Online Magazine

You may have missed it, but Sličná Antonie has actually been around since 2015! It’s published online by lolitas from the Czech Republic and in both Czech and English.  Thanks to a strong team of dedicated writers, translators and editors, the magazine’s pretty to look at and interesting to read. Each issue has a theme and features articles, tutorials, indie brands, outfit snaps, meet and event reports and more. They tend to post in Lolita Updates when a new issue is out. Alternatively, follow their Facebook page for updates (mostly in Czech, some posts are in English). The last issue is all about lifestyle and I think everyone will find something there for themselves!

Other options?

Of course, there is always the possibility of hunting down past issues of Gothic and Lolita Bible. Many lolitas sell their copies and you should also look for past issues on Amazon JP and Book Off. Or get into the magazines for broader kawaii fashions, like Spoons, tulle, Melt or Miel. If you prefer listening, check out podcasts like Oh My Bloomers or the old episodes of The Tea (episodes 1-4 and episodes 5-12). And there are always more YouTube channels worth following than I can list here, which you all know anyway.

Many of us collect lolita magazines in the same way as we collect the fashion itself. They are great for flicking through at picnics, sleepovers or when you’re having a quiet evening in.

Does your community create a lolita fanzine that others could also access? Do you know of any up and coming publications that are worthy of sharing? Share them with us, spread the love!

Paulina Pejka

She/her.
29-year-old Capricorn, Polish-born, UK-based and in love with Japanese fashion (predominantly Lolita). I enjoy a good bargain, OTT coords, cats and baking, and when in Japan I’m a self-confessed purikura addict. When I don’t blog, I work in the education sector, overseeing international exchange programs, and sometimes I get to do some exciting freelance translations on the side.