I've been window shopping online a lot recently, looking for the perfect clothes and accessories for this summer, and I stumbled upon a bunch of amazing independent designers from Japan that I've actually never heard of before, so I thought I'd share my discoveries! Most of them are accessory designers that fall in the "kawaii" genre, but I also found interesting crafters and street clothing designers that I thought were worth mentioning.
I listed them all in alphabetical order, and included their most active webshop address, their blog or official website when it applies, and twitter account. For each store, I indicated what kind of products they carry, and which styles they would suit best. This doesn't mean that you can't match them with other styles, however! It's only for informational purpose, so don't hesitate to match these with anything you think could work!
++ None of them ship internationally unless stated otherwise, which complicates the procedure a bit, so don't be afraid to ask questions in the comments if you're not sure about something!
Furthermore, remember that these brands are pretty much all handled by one person who makes everything by hand, so their stock sells out really fast. Don't be surprised if you see almost everything is sold out on their shop page! Follow them on twitter to catch the store restocks and keep updated about new products, collaborations, events, and even discover new designers!
A.li.E
category: tights, detachable collars
style: classic lolita, dolly kei
APOLIA [ アポリア ]
category: craft, clothes, some accessories
style: cult party kei
HAJIME FANTASY
✡ IENITY ✡
Kazuharinnu [ かずはりんぬ ]
category: illustration, buttons, phone cases
style: spank!
webshop
official website
twitter
category: jewelry, accessories
style: sweet lolita, mahou kei
webshop
twitter
style: spank!
webshop
official website
lu:lu d'Autriche [ ルル ドートリシュ ]
Marianne
category: deco items, accessories
style: sweet lolita, fairy kei
mari-san's bakery [ マリさんベーカリー ]
motograph
nanaco
category: scarf, collars
style: casual cute
npa
category: craft, plushes, bags, misc items
style: casual cute
OKAME
category: illustration, stickers/buttons, misc items
style: street, casual
-parallel- [ 平行 ]
category: illustration, clothes, buttons
style: street, casual
Pink Usagi
category: jewelry, accessories
style: sweet lolita, mahou kei
webshop
Princess Strawberry
category: jewelry, accessories
style: sweet lolita, hime gyaru
SNOW BABY LOVE & Lily Lovin
category: craft, bags, accessories, misc items
style: mori, cult party kei
sukeracko [ スケラッコ ]
style: street, casual
webshop
official website
Tokimeki Teikoku [ トキメキ帝国の桃色ガブリエル ]
category: jewelry, accessories
style: sweet lolita, classic lolita, dolly kei
webshop (international. see website below for complete shoplisting!)
...n's [ エヌズ ]
category: jewelry, accessories
style: mahou kei, sweet lolita
There are also some themed accessories webshops that carry a good selection of indie designers, including some of those I've already stated above. My favorites are:
- mademoiseryu, which carries general crafty accessories great for casual cute styles, cult party and mori, and a couple for mahou kei and sweeter styles.
- lomi-romi carries cute accessories and deco items like keychains, phone cases, etc. Some stores have no items available so you have to filter through categories instead of going by store!
- rose garden has a more hime and sweet theme. They carry a variety of deco items and accessories that would work well with cuter gyaru styles and more over the top lolita styles.
That's it for now! I might update it with new shops if I find other ones ~
++ I haven't tried any of these stores yet, so I couldn't be able to inform you about the quality and reliability of any store.
I hope I could make you discover new interesting designers and artists this time! See you soon ~
