/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

I can't comment on many taobao brands, but I will comment on Dark Box (Krad Lanrete's gothic lolita brand, I guess) The piece I have is Kostelik Vech Savtych JSK I.

Dark Box claimed it was "Japanese made jacquard"(?). I'd like to know if any Chinese lolitas know what happened with this release and if that's still the case. If they're trying to claim Kostelik was made with "japanese brand tier jaquard" then that's just laughable because I've never owned thin, shiny brand jaquard like this. It was a common complaint on Lolita Updates as well. I do know before release there was a more matte fabric choice and a "japanese jacquard" choice, then something happened where they only ended up printing it on a thin jacquard. I'm not sure if they ended up having to get some lower quality Chinese jacquard to print it on, but that is certainly what it feels like.

Regardless, the overall design is simple, from lace to construction, and not at all a $218-241 dollar piece, depending on if you chose the long or short version. It's one of those "brand prices but not brand quality" indie brands.

In general, I'd avoid buying Krad and their offshoots if you think it'll at all be on par with Japanese brands. I've seen them switch up things on their orders before (fabric choices, materials used, designs etc.) as well long before Kostelik, so that is something to be wary about with them. Make absolutely sure you are getting what is pictured before placing your orders and possibly do not pre-order too early. Read descriptions as well because sometimes they use old stock photos which doesn't help anyone. Even though the Chinese tout Krad as one of their best and even when they claim they buy Japanese materials, it simply is not up to par.

>>9391347
Dark Box/Krad did it first and imho theirs is still more beautiful