“Ei8ht” is a steampunk time-travel comedy written by Andy North and William Shefski. This terrific scene depicts Martha and Philippa, the two beautiful time-travelers, shedding their 19th-century shells beginning with their bonnets and their white gloves. Next the dresses come off, then the over-petticoats, the hoop-petticoats and the under-petticoats. All this before they even get to their corset covers. 

Japanese Street Fashion has brought back this “layered look” with the Elegant Gothic Lolita style, a subset of Lolita Fashion.  Elegant Gothic Lolita (EGL) is a term coined by Mana (guitarist and creator of clothing line Moi-même-Moitié). It can be considered a more mature version of Gothic Lolita, often worn by older teens and young women and charactarized by mostly black garments, accented with white.

Interestingly, I’ve heard Ei8ht has a scene with Giant Mimes. This is certainly something Gothic Lolita designer, Mana, would appreciate because…

Mana has rarely intentionally smiled or spoken in public. In his filmed interviews, he whispers into the ear of a band member or confidante, who then relates his words back to the interviewer. He has also been known to simply look at the camera as subtitles appear, as well as using Yes/No cards and expressing himself in mime.  (read more)

I found Mana’s Goth Lolita designs a bit too severe for my taste, and went back to my new favorite shopping site Maruioni.jp. There I found this fun underdress by Victorian Maiden.

The skirt spreads out even when worn without a pannier, as the intricate frills and pintucks create volume while pulling in the waistline. Great under your favorite coat or dress, and as it has a lining, it can be worn on its own as a summery dress too! Opens with a concealed fastener at the back. (read more) 

For more exploring…

• The Dressing Room - when dressing was a two-person job
• Ei8ht - synopsis and excerpt
• Mana - musician and fashion designer
• Moi-même-Moitié - Mana’s design label. Elegant Goth Lolita and Elegant Goth Aristocrat (for men).
• Gothic Lolita - a history
• Juliette et Justine - elegant, classic and romantic clothing with a hint of EGL.
• Victorian Maiden - turning back the clock

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