We Sat Down with Tokyo's TOP Lolita Model (ft. @rinrindolljapan) | Trash Taste #197

Trash Taste
29 Mar 2024107:18

TLDRIn this episode of 'Trash Taste', the hosts, known as 'the boys', are joined by RinRin, a renowned model and expert on Lolita fashion in Japan. The conversation delves into the intricacies of Lolita fashion, RinRin's journey into modeling, and her experiences in the Japanese fashion industry. They discuss the challenges and highlights of pursuing a career in modeling in Japan, touching on topics like subculture fashion, the importance of confidence and experimentation in personal style, and the peculiarities of fashion industry practices. The episode offers insights into the Lolita fashion scene, RinRin's personal stories, and a broader discussion on fashion and personal identity.

Takeaways

  • 👗 RinRin delves into the world of Lolita fashion, highlighting its princess-like, cupcake style dresses and its niche yet passionate community in Japan.
  • 🛍️ Discusses the challenges and opportunities in the modeling industry, including the transition from being discovered in LA to becoming a Lolita model in Japan.
  • 🌍 Shares insights on the globalization of Lolita fashion, noting its popularity in places outside of Japan, like America and China.
  • 💡 Offers practical advice for those interested in exploring fashion, emphasizing the importance of confidence, curiosity, and trying on different styles.
  • 🎵 RinRin is branching into music, creating atmospheric tunes inspired by Kawaii and Lolita fashion to encourage listeners to feel cute.
  • 🕹️ Reveals her venture into streaming, particularly enjoying and being terrified by playing Elden Ring, despite its challenges.
  • 📸 Discusses the significance of photography in fashion, encouraging taking photos to see how outfits really look on oneself.
  • 💻 Shares her experience setting up streaming on a Mac with Connor's help, showcasing her adaptability and willingness to learn new platforms.
  • 🎉 Highlights the communal aspect of fashion through organizing Lolita tea parties, fostering connections and showcasing industry trends.
  • 👚 Reflects on the personal journey of understanding and embracing one's own style, and the joy of experimenting with fashion.

Q & A

  • What is Lolita fashion and where is it based?

    -Lolita Fashion is a subculture fashion in Japan, roughly based in Harajuku. It's described as a princessy or cupcake style dress, very girly and princess-like.

  • What led Rinrin to start modeling for a big Lolita brand?

    -Rinrin got started when Angelic Pretty, a big Lolita brand, came to LA and selected her to be one of their models.

  • How did Rinrin become involved with modeling in Japan after being selected in LA?

    -After modeling for Angelic Pretty in LA, Rinrin was invited to model in Japan if she ever visited. This opportunity came while she was in Japan for studying.

  • What challenges did Rinrin face when she started modeling in Japan?

    -Rinrin faced challenges such as needing to distinguish her style from existing Lolita models and selecting a style that was uniquely hers yet easily copyable by others.

  • What does Rinrin think about the Lolita scene in LA compared to Japan?

    -Rinrin observed that the Lolita scene was still very new in LA when she first started, unlike in Japan where it was already more established.

  • Why did Rinrin switch from teaching English to modeling and YouTube influencing full-time?

    -Rinrin decided to switch careers after getting seriously ill and realizing that teaching English was not her ultimate goal. She then focused on modeling and YouTube influencing.

  • What does Rinrin describe as essential elements of a Lolita fashion outfit?

    -Essential elements include a headpiece, a dress, underwear like petticoats and bloomers, socks, and shoes.

  • How did Rinrin's appearance change for modeling opportunities?

    -Rinrin mentioned needing to hide her distinctive hair features, like her streak and gradation, and adopting a more standard appearance for teaching jobs.

  • What are some of the themes Rinrin explores in her YouTube channel?

    -Rinrin explores themes related to Lolita and subculture fashion, modeling experiences in Japan, and occasionally, gaming content.

  • What advice does Rinrin give for individuals interested in exploring fashion?

    -Rinrin advises trying on different styles to discover what works for you, emphasizing the importance of confidence and curiosity in fashion.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introduction to the Episode and Fashion Discussion

The episode begins with an energetic introduction to the show, setting the stage for a lively discussion on fashion. The host is joined by a special guest, Rinrin, who is recognized for her expertise in the fashion industry. The conversation quickly delves into the world of Lolita fashion, a subculture in Japan known for its princess-like, girly styles. Rinrin shares her experiences as a model and YouTube influencer in this niche fashion scene, highlighting the unique aspects of Lolita fashion and its influence on her personal style.

05:01

🌐 Global Exposure to Lolita Fashion

The discussion continues with the exploration of how Lolita fashion, although niche in Japan, has gained global recognition. The conversation touches on the challenges Rinrin faced when she first encountered the subculture in Los Angeles and her subsequent journey to becoming a model in Japan. The host and Rinrin share anecdotes about their experiences filming videos and live streams together, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal style in fashion.

10:02

👗 The Business of Modeling and Fashion

Rinrin shares her professional experiences in the modeling industry, discussing the balance between her modeling career and her studies in Japan. She talks about the practical aspects of being a model, such as the time management and the physical demands of the job. The conversation also delves into the business side of fashion, including the expectations and pressures models face, such as the need to maintain a certain image and the restrictions imposed by modeling agencies.

15:04

🎥 Behind the Scenes of Fashion and YouTube

The host and Rinrin delve deeper into the world of fashion and YouTube, discussing the challenges and rewards of being a content creator. Rinrin shares her experiences with YouTube Space Tokyo and the opportunities it provided for her to expand her reach. The conversation highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the fashion industry, as well as the value of exposure and networking in building a successful career.

20:06

🤝 The Importance of Networking and Support

The discussion emphasizes the significance of networking and having a support system in the fashion industry. Rinrin talks about her experiences with different agencies and the lessons she learned from each one. The conversation also touches on the importance of standing up for oneself and negotiating contracts in the industry. The host and Rinrin share their perspectives on the value of hard work, perseverance, and resilience in achieving success.

25:07

🌟 Navigating the Fashion Industry

Rinrin shares her insights on navigating the fashion industry, discussing the various challenges she faced and how she overcame them. The conversation covers topics such as the expectations of modeling agencies, the importance of personal branding, and the impact of social media on fashion. Rinrin also talks about her experiences with fashion events, such as tea parties, and the role they play in fostering community and showcasing new trends.

30:09

🎉 Celebrating Success and Embracing Challenges

The episode concludes with a reflection on the journey so far and the庆祝 successes achieved. Rinrin and the host discuss the importance of embracing challenges and learning from experiences in the fashion industry. They also talk about the future of fashion and the potential for growth and innovation. The conversation leaves the audience with a sense of inspiration and encouragement to pursue their passions and make their mark in the world of fashion.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Lolita Fashion

Lolita Fashion refers to a subculture fashion originating from Japan, characterized by intricate and often elaborate dresses that resemble Victorian or Rococo period clothing, aimed to create a 'princess-like' aesthetic. In the script, 'Rinrin' discusses her experience and role as a model within this subculture, highlighting its popularity in Japan and its intricate, princessy style. The discussion includes the fashion's base in Harajuku, its international reach, and the personal experiences of being part of its modeling scene.

💡Harajuku

Harajuku is a district in Tokyo, Japan, known for its vibrant street fashion and as the birthplace of many Japanese fashion subcultures, including Lolita Fashion. It's mentioned in the script as the geographical and cultural epicenter of Lolita Fashion, where the style has developed and evolved over time, influencing and being influenced by the unique fashion culture of the area.

💡subculture model

A subculture model refers to a person who models clothing and accessories representing specific subcultures, such as Lolita Fashion, gothic, punk, etc. In the video script, Rinrin describes herself as a Lolita and subculture model, indicating her role in promoting and representing the specific aesthetics and styles of these fashion subcultures, particularly within the Japanese context.

💡YouTuber

A YouTuber is an individual who creates, uploads, and manages content on the YouTube platform. In the script, Rinrin is described as a YouTuber, indicating her involvement in creating content related to her experiences and expertise in Lolita Fashion, among other topics, thereby engaging with a broader audience interested in these niches.

💡tea party

In the context of Lolita Fashion, a tea party is a social gathering where individuals dress up in Lolita attire and engage in activities such as dining, discussions, and fashion shows. The script mentions Rinrin hosting tea parties, which serves as a platform for community interaction, showcasing new fashion trends, and facilitating discussions within the Lolita Fashion community.

💡Angelic Pretty

Angelic Pretty is a well-known brand within the Lolita Fashion subculture, noted for its elaborate, cute, and princess-like designs. The script recounts Rinrin's initial opportunity to model for Angelic Pretty, marking the beginning of her career in fashion modeling and her subsequent involvement in the Lolita Fashion scene.

💡modeling

Modeling in the script refers to the profession of promoting and showcasing clothing, accessories, and other fashion items. Rinrin discusses her journey in the modeling industry, starting from her discovery by a Lolita brand in LA, leading to her career in Japan, and the unique experiences and challenges faced in the modeling world, especially in niche fashion subcultures.

💡influencer

An influencer is someone who has the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others because of their authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with their audience. Rinrin is described as a YouTube influencer, highlighting her role in influencing fashion trends, particularly in Lolita Fashion, through her online presence and content.

💡niche market

A niche market is a focused, targetable portion of a market. The script touches on the Lolita Fashion scene as a niche market within the broader fashion industry, illustrating how Rinrin and others within the community navigate and contribute to this specialized market through modeling, content creation, and organizing community events.

💡community engagement

Community engagement in the script refers to the process of working collaboratively with community members to address issues affecting their well-being. Rinrin's activities, such as hosting tea parties and creating content, are forms of community engagement within the Lolita Fashion scene, fostering a sense of belonging and shared interest among enthusiasts of the subculture.

Highlights

Exploring the significance of confidence and curiosity in fashion and trying on new styles.

The process and challenge of negotiating contracts in the fashion industry.

The importance of representing subcultures through fashion, specifically Lolita fashion in Japan.

The unique experiences and challenges faced by a foreign model in Japan's fashion industry.

Discussion on the sustainability and benefits of buying used clothes for experimenting with personal style.

The evolving relationship between fashion models and agencies, and navigating industry standards.

Insights into organizing and participating in fashion-oriented community events like Lolita tea parties.

The creative process and inspiration behind developing music for the Lolita fashion scene.

The transition from modeling to content creation and streaming, and the unique challenges it presents.

The personal growth and learning curve associated with entering the world of video game streaming.

The cultural and stylistic differences in fashion preferences between Western and Japanese audiences.

The impact of fashion on personal identity and how it communicates individuality.

The role of accessories in transforming and elevating everyday outfits.

The complexity of maintaining a balance between personal life and professional image in the modeling industry.

The influence of online communities and trends on personal style and fashion experimentation.