How I First Found Out About Lolita

The lolita 52 challenge question for today is #10 - how I first found out about lolita

I'm a little relieved to pick this out, because I'm getting a little tired of writing the same story over and over. In the future, it is now possible to direct people towards this entry (and thus making things easier upon myself).

It all began with my interest in Asian culture. At the age of approximately 10 years old, when I first visited China Town in America. I started with anime and manga (as with most people) and as I got older, developed an interest with the country as a whole. This is how I got introduced to Japanese music (Japanese Pop commonly known as J-Pop). Fortunately for me, when I was at secondary school, I had friends who shared this interest of anime, manga and J-Pop/J-Rock. One afternoon, a friend brought in a copy of the Japanese fashion magazine called "FRUiTS". It was this moment when I first discovered the fashion. Straight away there was something about the clothing that caught my eye. It was different but in an unusual and positive manner. I fell in love with the whole essence of the style; modest attire and cute clothing. I did my own research online and slowly my comprehension of lolita increased. By no means am I an expert today, but I would say I am knowledgeable.

2008 is when lolita got introduced into my life. Can not believe it has been five years since this all began! And late in that year, was when I wore my first coordination. In the years since, I have progressed a lot as a person and my outfits have improved significantly. Over time, you learn by doing. Thus, your outfits become better and more creative.

As with probably everyone, your first coordination tends to be a disaster when you look back upon it. I remember wondering how I was ever going to make it possible to coordinate the hijab with lolita. At first it was a great struggle, but without perseverance I wouldn't have got to where I am today! I was adamant upon finding a suitable way to combine the two - faith and fashion. Of course now, if you were to enquire about a Muslim Lolita, you'd more than likely be directed to a picture of me. (◕‿◕) Whether it's an image from tumblr or maybe my features within the Gothic and Lolita Bible (aka the GLB).

Can you see how I've progressed so much over the years?!
Obviously, I prefer the pastel image (on the right) more.

A lot can change over time, for example this appearance in the GLB. I have been lucky enough to be featured twice. The left image was taken around five years ago (Winter 2009 issue, in the Western GLB), whereas the right image is recent (in 2012, volume 46 of the Japanese GLB).

FYI: I hate that black x white coordination. Unfortunately I wasn't able to wear the original intended outfit. Why? Because I was recovering from an operation upon my left foot and thus had to opt for sensible shoes. Therefore this changed the entire outfit（ ＴДＴ）With every sad story, there is a silver lining. For me it was being able to experience something new and exciting, in addition to meeting my first group of lolitas. I got the opportunity to be part of something and I am very grateful. Not everybody who attended this meet got featured in the magazing sadly, so I assume I was selected for being different. 

I hope that my struggles and perseverance have helped me to become a future inspiration for others. To set an example; to show that it is perfectly possible to combine faith with your fashion style. There is nobody to stop you, apart from yourself. And to also increase the growing Muslim Lolita community worldwide. If you are reading this and wish to join the community, we have a Facebook group and all are welcome (´∀｀)

Thank you for reading and I hope you've enjoyed this insight into my life ~