Hey guys,
I would like to discuss about coords which are inspired by christianity.
By surfing the internet I figured that some feel really offended by Lolitas using religious symbols and dresses which are inspired by nun habits.
Personally I really love these coords and I'd like to get myself an outfit like this.
But I too feel a bit strange about wearing a cross necklace, even though I find them really esthetic.
I don't really now how to think about that style but in general I feel like there's no need to be offended over religious inspired coords.
But the thing is, I'm not religious at all.
So I'm curious about your opinions.
Maybe here are some religious lolitas who could tell their opinion!
Would be pretty interesting to me.
I grew up Catholic (don't really consider myself Catholic anymore, more so agnostic but I do pray sometimes when I'm really anxious about a loved one). I love religious iconography in lolita, but sometimes it looks tacky (those skewer headdresses are horrid). The same rules apply to it as usual for the most part - try to keep the costumey levels to a minimum and if you really have to go all out, make sure it's good quality and well done, rather than cable ties or kebab skewers. My tastes lean towards old school, but you definitely want to channel a timeless Mana outfit rather than looking like you're trying to pile on all the edgy trends (halo, Madonna crown, veil, etc).
You may like this Tumblr: http://godblessnunlolita.tumblr.com/
>>8768371
To clarify, you want to look like this (could add something like stained glass stockings if it's not enough for you, but let the garments speak for themselves):
>>8768375
Not this (imagine it with an unnecessary underskirt too, ew). The OP image isn't exactly the best example but it's mostly the makeup that's offensive.
>>8768352
I like the look of nun-inspired lolita but I can definitely see why some people find it offensive.
I'm not Christian myself and would feel very uncomfortable wearing symbols from a religion that isn't my own so I look for nun-inspired pieces that have no crosses on them and find ways to coord them in a "plain" gothic lolita way rather than specifically going for the nun-like look.
It does mean that I have to pass on pieces like Nameless Poem, which is too bad because I think it's beautiful, but oh well, you can't have everything in life.
>>8768378
Another good example (the crucifix is a bit too large and gaudy but eh)
>>8768378
God almighty I am so glad madonna crowns stopped being popular
Thanks for the replies so far!
I chose the picture because the coord was quite a good example of what I imagine. The makeup though is not my taste and I think it's too intense for lolita. (Not intending to bash the girl on the image though^^)
DESU I kind of love the madonna crowns, especially if they're combined with flowers but it's not the main thing about nun inspired outfits to me. I mostly really like the dresses and the collars combined with a cross necklace :)
>>8768383
And a godawful one (sorry, Marie). Too many edgy items together and it looks terrible (the headpiece, although it can never really look good, veil, the huge cross, bible bag, printed stockings with printed JSK, normalfag Jeffrey Campbells used in pastel goth and other ~edgy~ styles)
>>8768386
I am biased against madonna crowns as they always look tacky to me, but I suppose if you made a smaller one with decent materials it could -maybe- work. I am bored so if anyone else wants me to post more good vs bad images I will.
>>8768388
Please do! It'll be nice to see more good examples, especially.
>>8768388
We just gotta wait for baby to release a Madonna crown
>>8768393
This is a good example of a bit more OTT nun coord done right. The makeup and accessories do a lot of talking but aren't awkward looking and mesh well together.
>>8768397
Too much going on and cheap materials, the pose makes it look comical too
>>8768400
Bad file size but I really like the look of the detachable nun collars worn over other dresses with a matching print. Religious inspired but subtle.
>>8768402
Dress is frumpy and costumey, hair pieces look cheap. The bag doesn't match and the makeup is lacking. Don't be afraid to wear gloves if they're nice quality with these kind of outfits. Shoes are eh but could be worse.
>>8768402
I LOVE this one! Detachable collars add so much to coords, I don't know why they're not popular.
>>8768397
THIS is one of my fav coords. I love how ott but simple it manages to be. I think people got a bit excited over the virgin mary crown + peignoir combo so there were a bunch of coords like that...
about the religious thing, I don't think it's weird at all. I was born and raised catholic and despite being agnostic rn I think this is harmless. I quite enjoy it despite lacking faith, all in all it's an aesthetic. I love it because it's a mix of gothic and reminds me of old school trends with a twist. It's probably one of the few substyles who manages to update some OTT into gothic, and when done well it's wonderful and eerie.
I also notice a lot of people getting mad at nun substyles aren't even catholic/from catholic backgrounds lol
>>8768378
>>8768383
Madonnas crowns look like shit 98% of the time in lolita, and crucifixes, especially big ones, will always look really tacky. Even huge crosses look gaudy already without Jesus stuck on it.
Even being pretty devout, I don't really care if you're not a Christian and wearing religious themed coords. However, I do feel saddened when people show disrespect to the religion (Christianity or not) while wearing things that relate to it. Actual rosaries are also a pet peeve; I wouldn't wear a hijab or a Buddha necklace even if half my family is Buddhist. But I don't let it bother me too much, because I accept that there will always be people who will shit on your beliefs no matter if you're atheist, Christian, Muslim, etc.
>I am the only person who seems to really appreciate a well-done Madonna crown. Mostly because it harks back to the old art. But, I don't like it if it isn't pulled off well, and how to do that is so hard to define.
OP here, no, you're not :)
Actually I really like them. More like veils, actually. I think that Himezawa's is a bit over the top. They should be more delicate. Less spikes I'd say.
this is an example of what i really like.
>>8768352
I'm in that image, I got called out on the town Facebook page for wearing this to class.
I explained I was not intending on offending anyone, I was just wearing something unique for Halloween.
The deal was that there was a Christian motivated shooting at school a month prior, almost to the date. And the crosses I guess flipped a few people into thinking I was being offensive towards those who were christian and had lost their lives on campus earlier in the term.
The mods came and deleted it all though. I sold the dress after that all went down.
>>8768916
>not over the top, delicate
>posts that picture
Lol, hope you're not selfposting.
>>8768999
This is actually really sad. I'm sorry you felt you had to sell the dress, it's one of my favorites, really beautiful. People can be such fucking assholes.
>>8769025
Multiple people stood up for me thankfully, but still. I got a new gothic dress to replace it. But, some people are so rude
>>8769014
I swear I'm not the girl in the image, don't do her injustice
I meant that this headdress is mostly featuring flowers and not as many spikes.
I was rather talking about the amount of spikes on a madonna crown which for me makes the difference.
Personally as a catholic I see no issue with coords using religious icons. It's not insulting the faith by any means. I do kinda get miffed when it's the only one seemingly touched. That any other faith is AMG CULTR APPROPRIATION. But besides that I think having styles inspired by religion is fine. It's not like you're running around in Sexy halloween nun with a ruler to spank the naughty or anything.
>>8768999
>things that didn't happen
>>8769046
Believe what you wish, I live in a small town and things always get blown out of proportions, especially after a mass shooting that rocks the community.
Fellow Catholic gulls, how do you feel about mantillas/veils in Lolita? I was just gifted a few for my birthday, handmade by nuns and everything. I would like to use them for mass, but maybe only on days of holy obligation, because I really don't want to be that guy. For Lolita, well I will be honest they are raschel lace and I'm not sure if I will be booed off the stage, so to speak. And regardless, thinking of wearing them that way makes me feel real guilty and I'm not sure why.
>inb4 intrinsic Catholic guilt
Probably?
>>8768999
Dammit, Carson.
>>8769056
Was it the Oregon one with the /r9nk/ robot?
>>8769090
Use them on days of holy obligation, and probably steer away from wearing them in lolita. The nuns didn't make it for that, and lolitas will chew you alive for cheap lace, so it really benefits no one here.
Buy a fancy one made in China if you really want to wear one in lolita.
>>8769100
Yeah, it was.
>>8769044
You have the most reasonable opinion on the matter I've seen in this thread or anywhere else, for that matter
>>8769112
>I like to put words in other people's mouths to prove my point
I think it's reasonable because she's not looking to start fights with people over something like this, and because she realizes there's a difference between taking a shit on someone's faith and wearing a symbol as part of a fashion ensemble.
>>8769109
Aww thank you! The way I see it. The Catholic Church didn't come crumbling down because of The Davinci Code. It's surviving the many cheapy plastic Nativity scenes put up to tie in Suburban non practicing Christmas lawn themes. It'll continue on just fine if Britney from New York dons a Madonna inspired coord.
>>8769108
I'm sorry to hear it anon, I was following that one like crazy because I happened to be scanning that board that day (I wanted to see if they had the gall to invite anyone to winter ball) and this comes up and it was just awful. I'm sorry the timing was just that bad and I hope you can get that dress again and feel lovely in it.
>>8769103
That's true. And in this case its really harmless I think. Veils fit with the modest aesthetic of Lolita and looks lovely. I guess I was trying to figure if I could bring myself to do it myself.
>>8769105
Thank you anon, that is likely what I will end up doing. And it really helped define where my trepidation was coming from.
Christian imagery aside, are jewelry or coords inspired by other religions a thing? Or are nuns/crosses/etc just the most recognizable and/or popular?
I've been really curious about whether incorporating a pentacle/pentagram would be a valid option.
>>8769199
I've seen them in Halloween coords, but if you're into it I don't see why you couldn't do it regularly. I don't know that I've ever since a pentagram print though.
>>8769199
I've seen people try with handmade pieces, but it generally looks like a clusterfuck.
(I saw a shinto "miko" wa lolita outfit in the tags on tumblr at one point, but it just looked like a really bad Kikyo cosplay)
I love you guys and I like seeing peoples opinions on this topic, but please post more coords too?
Does anyoneveryone make the giant rosaries, like the ones you see nuns/priests wearing at their sides? I'm not sure if this is only an Order of Saint Dominic thing, but the real ones are pretty damn expensive. Pic related, but with beads and chain preferably.
Does anyone have this dress?
>>8769246
No but it's one of the few bl pieces I want.
>>8769367
What is the appeal of nun lolita?
I grew up in a stringent Catholic family and I always thought nun attire was pretty damn ugly, some nuns are pious and mean as hell. I haven't been impressed with the themed dresses for lolita, either.
I probably sound bitter but I just hate religious themed lolita styles in general. I know some people who are irreligious or who just wear the stuff ironically, but I get uncomfortable having to look at the symbolism that I've grown to truly disgust. IMO, it's fair for me to say I hate it due to preferences just the same as someone can say they hate other general-themed lolita pieces like carousel prints.
>>8769376
Oh and strangely enough, I hate crosses/nun themes but I adore stained glass prints? I know I'm fickle.
>>8769380
Same here anon. I'm not Christian but I love stained glass designs, and have even tried my hand at making some myself. To me it's an art medium, and thus isn't necessarily owned by any one religion.
>>8768916
i don't even have an opinion on this topic i just fell in love with this girl wow who is she
do wiccans get this bent out of shape over people using their symbols? Just curious
>>8769451
I'm not offended by people using such symbols myself, though I cannot speak for everyone. A running thread in wicca though is being open-minded about things, and do what you want as long as you don't negatively impact others (or yourself). So if you wear a symbol of a god/goddess, pentacle, etc and aren't hurting others, I'm totally okay with it.
Only problem I can see is if you are a bad influence and use those symbols, thus giving others the impression that wiccans are also like that. But that can be said about many things.
>>8769217
Agreed anon, things are starting to go in circles.
>>8770456
I think Haenuli's stained glass dresses are one of the loveliest of its kind.
>>8770460
Though admittedly, as a Catholic myself, I'm not entirely sold on the ones with the Holy Spirit on the bodice that makes you look like you have a Sacred Heart. Clever if that was the intention though.
>>8770468
I particularly find stained glass and cathedral prints appropriate because they embody the ornamentation of the church that has become so iconic of the Catholic church. As well as other orthodox churches iirc.
Side note, does anyone actually own this one?
>>8770485
I'd like to think of the usage of the imagery as an appreciation of the art.
>>8770504
Which were monuments to God anyway, as well as ways for the iliterate to be able to understand and visualize the readings. I also see it as a testament to the human ability and desire to decorate beautifully. Something that Lolitas understand well, I'd say.
>>8770524
Overall, I'm grateful for the degree of positive exposure. And that I've found a fashion that looks lovely without having to sacrifice modesty.
I enjoy having a style that I can wear and not feel awkward in.
i like the black & white and "clean" aesthetic of nun coords, so i think a lot of them look lovely. the main religion in my country is catholicism, but everyone in my family has been agnostic or atheist for generations and i have no religious close friends, so i don't have a strong reaction to the symbolism, either positive or negative.
i'm kind of like >>8769385, when a religious piece have artistic value to me, i can enjoy it and appreciate the intent of whoever made it, even if i don't share their faith. if it doesn't have that artistic value though, it's just a symbol and i wouldn't associate with it, because it isn't representative of my own belief and i also still tend to associate most religions with negative things like obscurantism and close-mindedness.
so while i can appreciate them on other people, i wouldn't wear crosses or a rosary myself, but a stained glass print or one of a madonna painting by a classical artist would be perfectly ok. i guess it's a bit weird...
>>8768382
You could always look for a Nameless Poem that isn't embroidered, anon. I know there are some out there.
>>8769228
https://archive.rebeccablacktech.com/cgl/thread/8627952
this archived thread might give you some ideas about how to incorporate pentacles/other Pagan iconography into your wardrobe
>>8770751
No trouble.
Really liking the skirt here
>>8769325
>tfw when u a jew who would love a cute star of david print
in white x sax, would wear and coord with gold accessories
Cool, thanks. I've also been entertaining the idea norse/celtic coords in general as well.
>>8770759
Same here anon, same here.
>>8770468
As a Lutheran, holy shit I need this. I haven't paid much attention to the prints, what is this dress?
>>8770787
Haenuli Stained Glass of St. Giles.
>>8770798
here here
>>8770787
Haenuli's stained glass of st giles like another anon said, there's also a second release of this called st vitus with a slightly different design and stained glass print
>>8769288
jesus that's so pretty
>>8769205
Pretty sure one of the recent bodyline prints featured pentagrams, not something I've seen put out by any major brands yet though.
>>8772429
>you dare come into my house
The lace veils I was talking about that the nuns made were for practical mass usage for female members of the congregation. After the Vatican ii reformations they fell out of common practice but you still see elderly women use. Some younger folk use them still for special masses like on days of holy obligation or taking audience with the pope etc. Usage varies from area to area. You drape these triangles of lace of varying lengths and colors (which all have different significances' if anyone wants to know more about that) over your head, loose or with a comb thing.That's basically what's being worn when people do religious inspired coords.
>>8772829
Can confirm, there was one family where the ladies always wore these to church when I was younger. I moved away, so idk if they're still doing it, but I bet they are. No one else in Church did it, but there are still people holding on the tradition.
>>8772833
Oh they that's real interesting, in my area its a bit different because we have a high Hispanic population and you can see mantillas worn most often in the Spanish spoken masses and since mantillas are most popular in Spain, I'd imagine the prevalence trickled down from there. Its sparse but still there. Lolita is kinda what sparked a small interest in me to try to pick up the practice.
>>8768916
I don't mind the Madonna crowns made of sticks, but when they're obviously zip-ties like this it looks so stupid.
>>8772856
Interesting! The ladies at my church who did it were as white as bread. I wish I had asked about their traditions. I do know the entire family was deeply religious and went every Wednesday and Sunday for mass.
The true Madonna
>>8778061
>>8778068
>>8778071
>>8778079
>>8770757
That is the JSK "Sword Saint" from Surface Sppell Gothic. I own it, and it's lovely.
>>8778086
>>8778093
>>8778090
Isn't it called Holy Prayer?
>>8770460
>>8770468
Agreed, Haenuli's stained glass prints are top notch.
>>8770485
one of the prettiest stained glass prints.
Hope you don't mind the self post.
>>8770557
I really dislike veils with Nameless Poem. It really looks better with a headdress or beret; it's a solid dress and long veils feel out of place.
this thread is awful
>>8778823
Nice coord! The tights are a good match for it. I think the gloves are a little much since the dress already has long sleeves but everything else is really nice. I would try a darker lip color next time but I probably play around with makeup more than most lolis.
![tumblr_noc61gg3DL1rw4k13o3_500[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/cWamJkW.jpg "tumblr_noc61gg3DL1rw4k13o3_500[1].jpg")
>>8778823
>>8769325
>>8770759
>>8770773
>>8770786
To Alice used to have a dress up. I tried to find it, but I think they took it down. However, they do have a pretty star of david bag and future release so you can be kawaii jewish desu
http://world.taobao.com/item/45598508145.htm?fromSite=main&spm=a312a.7700824.w4002-8023218195.87.6hnl3r
http://world.taobao.com/item/520130608192.htm?fromSite=main&spm=a312a.7700824.w4002-8023218195.66.ejti3G
>>8769221
Where are you from anon? I make custom jewelry commissions but I live in Mexico
![tumblr_n48ot5Q6HY1s6zgtko1_1280[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/kWm9cNE.jpg "tumblr_n48ot5Q6HY1s6zgtko1_1280[1].jpg")
>>8779088
Isn't this that girl that wore a really big golden crown to regalia last september?
>>8779229
Not really lolita, but there's this
>http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Gothic-Lolita-Hexagram-Cross-Embroidery-Sailor-Collar-Dress-Winter-Thick-Cute-Dress-Wine-Black/32477031025.html
>>8770796
ahh so cute!
>>8779365
Yes, that's the same girl.
>>8779057
Thank you! Yes ever since I took that picture I got a dark lipstick. Thanks for the observation avout the lace gloves.
>>8778079
liliths coords are so cute when shes not trying to pull off otome weebmerch shit
just why does everyone own nameless poem. I've seen it so many times it's like some sort of lolita uniform.
>>8790068
Hnnnrggh what is that OP???
>>8790189
Because it allows custom sizing.
>>8790189
It's cheap, came in a lot of sizes, was released more than once and came out at the hight of the religious/nun lolita trend.
>>8790068
that op looks gorgeous,
i'd also love to know which one it is
Self post
>>8790695
How is the quality on that OP? I've heard questionable things about Phantom and the Maiden in the past and their designs are so hit or miss, but this one is cute and so cheap.
>>8790695
It's actually pretty good for the price! I'm thinking about getting another in all white. This is the second order I've done with them. The first order was a little iffy because they got the length wrong on my underskirt, but the quality has always been nice.
>>8790766
Good to know, thanks!
