Even though June is coming to a close and Pride events are winding down, it’s always a good time to support your friendly neighborhood LGBTQIA+ owned business. And if you don’t have one, that’s okay, you can borrow one of these brands!
(Looking for even more brands? Check out these lists brands for even more businesses to support)
Dear Victoria
Based in Georgia, Dear Victoria makes kawaii accessories including headwear, wristcuffs, jewelry, and more. Their style definitely leans towards sweet lolita and similar styles, but there’s a little something for everyone in their shop. You can find them online or at in person events, including their next event, Japanfest in Atlanta Sept. 20-21.
The Moon Phase
California based brand The Moon Phase is the stuff of gothic dreams. They specialize in gothic jewelry and their offerings include earrings, necklaces, and body chains. The shop’s name sake pieces are all handmade and assembled in Los Angeles. My personal favorite are the preserved rose jewelry, which come in gold, silver, and bronze. You can find them online on Instagram, Etsy, and at in person events around southern California.
Sweet Juju
Accessory brand Sweet Juju specializes in kawaii jewelry and accessories. Their pieces incorporate handmade resin center pieces with motifs like sweets, stars, and hearts. Their collections include adjustable rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more. You can find Sweet Juju’s pieces online or in person at the Lolita Collective shop, as well as their next event Otakon in Washington DC August 8-10.
Dilettante Crush
Clothing brand Dilettant Crush launched last year with their “Lovely Scallop Cutsew,” a cute casual cutsew that will be available in 4 sizes. You can find their items both online and in person through the Lolita Collective. They are currently running a preorder for their “Scaredy Bat Cutsew,” which is expected to ship before the end of July. Follow them on Instagram to keep up with their releases!
Puvithel
Pennsylvania based Puvithel is celebrating 10 years this year, and it would be easier to list the styles they haven’t made something for. While they are probably most well known as a menhera brand, they’ve also made items for lolita fashion, goth, punk, ouiji, casual kawaii, and more. Their pieces include jewelry, clothing, brooches and pins, bags, pants, cutsews, and so much more. While they will be closing down their in person shop later this year, you can find them at events around the Midwest, as well in their online store.
Mossbadger
Whether it’s adorable apparel or jewelry inspired by historical portraits, Mossbadger’s shop is always a pleasure to browse through. I personally love the two way rosettes, which make great additions to any substyle of lolita fashion. Their original prints don’t always end up on their website, so be sure to visit them at an in person event for their screen printed skirts and dresses. You can find them in person or at their online shop. Be sure to follow them on Instagram so you don’t miss a drop!
Cottonbook
Illustrator and designer Cottonbook creates cozy and cute merch that is perfect for Japanese styles like mori kei and classic lolita, as well as cottage core. I personally love their stationary including stickers, notebooks, zines and more. One item that is somewhat unique to their shop are their button down shirts, which are great for more masculine styling or a cute way to introduce cute prints into your casual wardrobe. You can find them online on their website, as well as in person events including Tekko July 17-20 in Pittsburgh, PA, Anime NYC August 21-24, Geek and Grub Book Nerd Market in Raleigh, NC on September 28, and Nekocon in Hampton, VA October 31-Nov 2. They’re also on Instagram and TikTok!
Kawaii Status 100%
Based in Reno Nevada, Kawaii Status 100% makes cute accessories including art, jewelry, pins, stickers, and more. Their pastel color palette worse well for styles like sweet lolita and fairy kei. I personally love their crocheted accessories, which are a fun twist on staples like bows or scrunchies. You can find them at in person events around the west coast, as well as online. Be sure to follow them on Instagram for more updates!
Beyond Pride
This year, the need to support LGBTQIA+ businesses and individuals in the United States in particular has become even more important. Seemingly every day, we receive news of the ways in which the federal government is eroding support systems and passing laws that are actively hostile to LGBTQIA+ people, especially trans individuals. In recent weeks, one of these troubling actions has been removing specialized support for LGBTQIA+ youth callers of the 988 mental health hotline. Callers will no longer be directed to people trained to help them specifically. If you can help, donate or volunteer with organizations like the Trevor Project, which works in suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQIA+ young people. It’s also great to get involved with organizations within your local community, so you can learn more about the local issues that will affect you the most.
Love learning about new brands (and resources)!