Sakura Sunshine
“This is awesome, the hijab just gives the Lolita style a new element,” commented one reader on the viral Vice post Meet the Hijabi Lolita. The interview with Alyssa Salazar introduced thousands of people around the world to a very niche style of dressing labeled “Lolita”—with a hijab twist. The eccentric looks, or “cords,” as the pieces are carefully “coordinated,” are composed of Victorian-inspired clothing and ultra-feminine embellishments that decorate the outfit from head-to-toe. For several years now, Muslim girls have incorporated the hijab into the Lolita looks, but the style has largely remained a topic of interest only to the niche community.
Style.com/Arabia’s Caterina Minthe recently reached out to Sugarnoor, the self-proclaimed “first Muslim to wear Lolita fashion with a hijab.” Based in the UK, Noor Al-Kattan, is a married woman and aspiring teacher of Iraqi origin, who harbors a passion for Lolita dressing and Asian culture. Here, she explains in her own words, her journey into the world of Lolita dressing and how online communities reacted to the pictures she posted online. She also gives her own how-to fashion and beauty guide for aspiring “Lolita Hijabistas.”
Golden by Tascha Dearing
IN HER OWN WORDS
When I was ten years old, I developed a big fascination for the Asian world and I socialized with people who had the same interests. I saw a magazine called Fruits with a lot of pictures of street fashions from Japan, and within the pages, was Lolita fashion. It struck me as being very different and unique, and I thought that maybe I could pull it off.
In 2008, I started experimenting, seeing what I was comfortable with, and while now, I am happy with how I dress, I don’t go out like this all the time—mainly due to practicality. I’m working to become a teacher, and here, in the UK, I must abide by Western dress; but I do try and incorporate Lolita style in some aspects to my daily wear—be it in the accessories or color combinations.
Of course, people connect the name “Lolita” to the book by Vladimir Nabokov; but it has nothing to do with that. There is nothing sexual about this style of dressing and it is in fact a very modest style (further explained in the guide below).
When I first started wearing Lolita fashion, there was an online journal called Daily Lolita where people would post photos of their outfits and get comments; so I decided to do the same. The first photo I posted sparked a lot of feedback—both negative and positive. Because I was wearing a hijab, and this was something different, that people weren’t used to, some asked, “Why is she covering her hair?” Part of the dress code is to do something with your hair or wear a wig, so I wasn’t considered a full-on Lolita. Others were extremely rude and racist.
Playful Innocence by Tascha Dearing
I expected some comments but I didn’t anticipate such a vast array. People would take my pictures and put them up on other websites and write, “Oh, look at how disgusting she looks.” It made me feel upset that without any knowledge of who I was as a person, people were creating a whole persona off a photo and writing, “She must be like this, or like that.”
I turned to my friends to ask how to deal with the bullying because it was becoming quite frequent. I had gone through a period, maybe a month or so, where I felt so low that I thought, “Maybe they are right; maybe I can’t do this.” But after speaking with my friends, I decided to stand up to my bullies and show them that actually, I didn’t care what they thought. I’m not offending anyone with what I do and I’m sticking true to my religion, and my faith, and my beliefs.
Over time, the negativity declined and there was more positive feedback from friends from around the world that I had made connections with. When they saw that I managed to get through it, they commended me for it. That admiration and support is what kept me going.
People think that because they are behind a mobile phone, or a tablet, there is an anonymity to their comments, and they get a thrill from bullying others. Yes, there are pockets of negative people in this world but you shouldn’t let them ruin your life. As long as what you are doing isn’t hurting yourself or others and you are sticking to your beliefs, you can only encourage someone. At the end of the day, this is just clothing.
Innocent World
Sugarnoor’s Fashion and Beauty Guide to Dressing like a Lolita Hijabista
When creating a Lolita outfit, one must bear in mind a few things.
First of all, always dress modestly and show as little skin as possible. A blouse should not be too revealing. Short sleeves are considered acceptable, but having the entire arm show is disliked.
If you are wearing a skirt, a petticoat should be worn underneath to add volume, and thus create a cupcake silhouette.
For a simple look, choose a skirt, add a petticoat, and pair with a white blouse. Then, add some knee high socks and a pair of low heels.
Lolita fashion is very particular about matching. A specific color scheme may run throughout the entire outfit, but the blend needs to work with the clothes and the accessories.
Generally speaking, your makeup shouldn’t be too extravagant and you should lean towards a subtle look. Also keep in mind that nowadays, most Lolitas like to wear false lashes.
