It’s June, which means it’s also Pride month, a celebration of the rich community of LGBTQIA+ people. While you can find Pride merch in many mainstream stores this month, consider supporting a small, LGBTQIA+ owned business instead. (You know I love my indie brands!) If you’re looking for shops featuring j-fashion, look no further than these brands!
Mezzogram
Mezzogram is an artist based in Germany, whose bright, colorful designs are obviously inspired by kawaii fashion. In addition to their own designers, they collaborate frequently with Swiss brand Fluffy Tori, including some of their Pride collection.
Mezzo’s “Fuck the Patriarchy”/“Smash the Patriarchy” apparel are a personal favorite of mine! You can find them on Instagram and shop their designs on Redbubble.
Candy Trap
US based brand Candy Trap creates apparel and accessories in hyper saturated colors perfect for Decora fashion. If you’re looking for a colorful outfit for Pride celebrations this month, look no further than Candy Trap! You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, and Facebook.
Magical Girl Me Shop
Indie brand Magical Girl Me is a US accessory shop specializing in pastel, sweet accessories. Her themed collections include “Magical Warrior”, “Sweet Treats”, “Under the Sea”, “Witchy”, and “Fairytales.” Magical Girl Me is a self hosted shop, and while you’re there, you can check out her blog and YouTube channel.
Porcelain Song
US based Porcelain Song is a gothic accessory brand with a particular focus on rosaries. If you’ve watched a rosaries without the Catholic imagery, Porcelain song is brand for you!
They also debuted a Pride collection, featuring gemstone bracelets in a variety of colors. You can find them on Etsy and Instagram.
A. Gato Designs
Lolita indie brand A Gato Designs creates clothing, accessories, and jewelry for sweet, gothic, and classic styles. Their shop is currently only open to their Patreon members, but it will open up for the general public later this summer. You can find their items on their website, at the Lolita Collective, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Noble Ghost Fashion
US based Noble Ghost Fashion creates gothic and lolita apparel with a definite alternative bent. If you love the look of bustiers but want something a little more industrial, their zipper front “Elsinore” vest or “Rococo denim coat” are perfect for you. You can follow them on Instagram and visit their shop on Etsy.
Belladona Fashions
US based Belladona Fashion makes lolita fashion items. They are the geniuses behind the iconic Ice Cream Shoppe release! Belladona Fashion has been busy with conventions, but their online shop should be open in the next week.
You can also visit them at Tekko Con in Pittsburgh this summer. You can also follow them on Instagram and watch their livestreams on YouTube.
R.R. Memorandum
UK based indie brand R.R. Memoradum specializing in old school inspired lolita pieces, as well as graphic totes, tees, and sweaters. They’ve released a “Sapphic Pride” print on demand collection just in time for Pride. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook, check out their blog, or visit their shop.
Clammyheart
US based Clammyheart makes kawaii apparel, including embroidered hats, bags, and clothing, original knitwear, and in house designed wet felted creations. Clammyheart released a Pride collection featuring their handmade berets! You can find them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or visit their shop.
Lipton Cunningham
US based accessory and home goods brand Lipton Cunningham makes historical inspired pieces that work well in gothic and classic lolita, as well as ouji! They also vend at local events in and around San Jose. You can find them at the Reclaimation Fim Festival and Art Market at the Tech Interactive on June 25 and 26. DM them on Instagram or Facebook to purchase.
Beyond Pride
Supporting these brands is a fantastic way to make a difference in the life of an LGBTQIA+ person, but it shouldn’t be the end. While Pride celebrations are now hosted by cities around the world, it’s important to remember that these festivities are in remembrance of the Stonewall Uprising. Helmed by Black and Latinx transwomen, the protests were in direct response to laws that threatened the safety and lives of LGBTQIA+ people. More than 50 years later, laws still threaten the safety and dignity of queer individuals, especially the trans community.
In the United States alone, more than 300 bills affecting LGBTQIA+ people have been proposed this year, with at least 140 bills specifically affects trans youth. Reach out to your elected officials and talk to them about laws affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. If you live in a place that’s strengthening laws around sexual and gender identity, consider donating orgs and mutual aid funds that are helping the LGBTQIA+ community in other places, like the Trevor Project or the Sylvia Rivera Law Project.
Thanks for the list! I have to check our the brands.