June is Pride Month in the United States, a celebration and remembrance of the vibrant members of the LGBTQIA+ community. While plenty of large corporations and stores put out Pride collections during the month, it’s way more impactful to shop with a brand or shop that is owned by a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, like these j-fashion brands.
(Looking for even more brands? Check out last year’s list for more artists to support!)
Kei Collective
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Kei Collective is owned and operated by a team of queer and gender nonconforming alt fashion fans. Their physical store and online shop feature independent artists from all over the country. Whether you’re looking for something bright and colorful or dark and brooding, Kei Collective has you covered. Right now they have an enormous collection of Pride items on the front page of their website. You can visit them in person 7 days a week, or at conventions around the southwest United States.
Teddy Rebel Co
Florida based Teddy Rebel Co creates cute hair accessories, jewelry, detachable collars, and more. Their items have a hint of 90s nostalgia, making them perfect for a variety of j-fashion styles. Looking for Pride items? Check out their hand painted flag pins! Shop their items online or at conventions in Florida.
Pop Princess
Hailing from Ohio, Pop Princess has been making kawaii clothing and accessories since 2011. Their “Magical Them” collection is great if you’ve always wanted to be a magical girl but didn’t vibe with the “girl” part. The collection includes accessories, t-shirts, bomber jackets, and more. Check out their designs online or in fashion shows and conventions around the United States
Cutiepillar Shop
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Cutiepillar Shop designs adorable lolita accessories. Looking for Pride products? Check out their Magical TRANSformation Bracelets. You can find their items on Store Envy.
Tomoyo’s Atelier
Italian lolita brand Tomoyo’s Atelier uses commercial textiles as well as original prints to create beautiful designs. (You may recognize the name because I’ve reviewed their pieces before!) Their releases tend to be small since the brand is the work of one person, so be sure to follow them on social media so you can stay up to date for all of their collections.
Wax Poetic
Chicago based Wax Poetic makes amazing jewelry and garments that are fantastic for classic lolita. Their name comes from their earliest pieces, which combined wax seals with wearable jewelry. I have so many items from this brand, so it’s hard to pick a favorite, but their synthetic hair mourning jewelry are definitely up there.
Eat Me Ink Me
Based in Europe, Eat Me Ink is a lolita fashion brand that makes skirts, dresses, tops, and accessories. I love their classic designs, which are often inspired by European historical fashion. (If their name sounds familiar, it’s because I was just a model for EMIM at Fanime!) You can find their designs online, through the Lolita Collective, or in person at events the Black Ribbon is selling at.
Beyond Pride
While Pride Month is a specific time of a year that we recognize and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, that support shouldn’t begin and end in June. In addition to supporting artists, brands, and stores, it is important pay attention to legislation in your community that affects the queer community. Nearly 500 bills that could harm the LGBTQIA community have been introduced in the United States 2023, with a particular laser focus on our trans siblings. Contact your representatives and be vocal in rejecting these bills and talk to your friends and family about doing the same. It’s also helpful to donate time and money to organizations dedicated to serving the queer community. My city has the long standing LA LGBT Center, but be sure to see what local organizations are operating near you.