Whether You're Gothic or a Lolita, there's a Runway Trend For You. The Top 10 Best Fantasy Runway Looks. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

Available at Amazon.com.

Documenting an eccentric fashion trend started in the mid-90s in Osaka - which later spread to Tokyo & Harajuku - by the fans of Japanese Goth rock bands who began wearing Gothic fashion, the new Gothic & Lolita book of photos showcases hundreds of Japan's teens in all their ruffled, tutu'd, knee-socked, eye liner'ed, lacy Goth- & Victorian-influenced, fabulously outrageous finery.

As is their wont, these teens (like teens everywhere), have taken sartorial matters to eyebrow-raising extremes; however, it's merely an expression of a wider fashion trend that directional designers have already been expressing for some time on the  A-list runways:  floor-length Victorian-inspired skirts, romantic silhouettes, "Oriental" harem pants, Byronic ruffles, lace, and extreme volume - in other words, a distinct fantasy element informed by costume-history.

The best fantasy looks from the runways for expressing your own inner Goth, Lolita or whatever captures your fancy:

• Christian Dior Couture
• Jean Paul Gaultier Couture
• Alexander McQueen

• Jean Paul Gaultier
• Gareth Pugh
• John Galliano

• Louis Vuitton
• Rick Owens
• Marc Jacobs
• Hermes

- Lesley Scott

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