/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

>>8331559
Whatever happened to Moss Marchen?

>>8331676
Still around, they seem to do more convention sales so the webstore doesn't restock very often. The girl who runs it has a good full-time job so I don't think she has a ton of time to devote to crafting, unfortunately.

>>8331719
Ah, that's a shame. Was hoping to buy some stuff from her but I never saw anything restock when I checked back.

bampu

>fav indie brands
Dear Celine by far. I also like the stuff Cloudberry Lady has but I hven't actually bought anything from her (yet).
>Least Favorite
Dream of Lolita. The quality was okay but they took six months on a pretty basic jsk.

>>8331559
This is my thread right here.

My shoutout goes to Infanta, Teja Jamilla (80 denier tights, swoon) Peppermint Fox (those brooches!), Corgi Corgi for hats, RIP the Snowfield. I guess Miho Matsuda counts as indie; doesn't get enough love. Also the up and coming Mika Takeuchi (it's like a cross between Miho Matsuda & H.naoto). Oh, and I got a lovely OTT chiffon blouse from Glittertale recently.

Tiramisu Tiny, Cloud Chamber, and Dear Margaret are some that I really love. And Seraphim too, although I don't know if they count as lolita. Cloud Chamber and Dear Margaret's stuff always seems to have solid construction so I'd be interested in getting their things in the future- especially their coats.

LIEF is my absolute favorite, but I think they've gotten pretty big in the past couple years so I'm not sure if they still count as indie?

I'm a pretty big fan of Yolanda and Excentrique myself.

>favourite indie brands
Cloudberry Lady, I own a hat and it is wonderful but I wish I could afford more of her stuff. She is really nice in person too. I talked with her at a tea party.

LIEF The service and designs are great but sometimes I think they are too pricey for that less detail. Some of their items could profit from adding more lace and such imho.

Elegy has also a good service and their Albino Accord series was a blast. I just wish I had bought white, the other colors look grainy from close.

Milky Ange has so beautiful items, sadly they don't offer much lolita stuff anymore. I simly love my dresses from them!

Akane&Alois have wonderful designs and even they might look simple they have some stunning details too. I love my dress which is very comfortable.

VioletFane I just did an order with them so I can not say anything about the quality but their service so far is great. They also have the most stunning designs I ever have seen.

>least favourite
English Charm, glad they are closed. Their service was ok but the actual item was wonky.

LittleDrawer had a nice service but the actual item wasn't worth the money and the measurements wheren't accurate.

>any good/great experiences with a particular store?
Cloudeberry Lady, she is just so lovely in person. if I had the money I would buy only her stuff.

Senor Bear, I won one of her necklaces which was beautiful enough to order two other ones from her. I like her Kristy designs the most.

>bad experiences?
beside the ones with English Charm and LittleDrawer? Only with Dream of Lolita. I agree with >>8335134 about the long making time and they also used very cheap materials.

>>8331559
WAMH has the ugliest shit i swear to god

>>8331739
where do you live? she's usually at East Coast/Northeast cons in the US.

Has anyone here bought from Long Ears and Sharp Ears' Studio? I like some of their stuff but I'm hesitant to buy from them.

Also who makes the best blouses for their price? I need to fill my wardrobe with some new blouses (and cutsews) but I don't want to spend a fuck ton on my filler.

>>8331559
>favourite indie brands
my "Kingdom of Lolita" OP from Baroque is really elegant and well-made.

Dear Celine always makes super cute stuff, all their releases this summer have been spot on. Love their sailor dress and the new peignoir-type overdress.

Strawberry Witch aka cmloli on taobao makes really nice blouses. They do custom sizing too I think.

Cherie Cerise just released a new dress for the summer, and after buying a sailor top from them two years ago I was floored by their quality and customer service. Her work is comfortable and has good construction. Always worth a look.

Not sure if they're still making stuff but Rouge Aerie made some nice stuff, their Nightmare Rising jsks are really cute and detailed. The embroidery is nice and I love the wing-shaped sailor collar detail on the back.

Jewelry and accessory-wise I'm a big fan of Dream Princess, a small accessory shop on Etsy. Very cute clay jewelry and bracelets. Cute Carousel, Bisguilt, Dutch Bunnies, and Alice Doll all make very cute necklaces and bracelets.

I want to get a few things from Neverland but I have to wait. My two best friends both decided to get married this year and they live in different states. So far my budget is blown on hotels.
In the mean time, does anyone have any reviews of their stuff?

Why is it that Western indie brands almost never work out, whether it's because of poor quality or the inability to get items done on time?

>>8341705
It's more like they're a one woman act that doesn't have a Chinese or Korean sewing factory making it for them, in addition to being their own marketing and PR. I think some of the newer designers are going in the right direction with collaborations with artists for prints. I do like to see solid color pieces with an emphasis on construction and details, but I usually don't go for it because you can get something on tb for cheaper.

My favorite brands are LIEF and Baroque by far. They always send you some candy and a postcard. I got those sparkly bookmarks from LIEF for free with my order and these bookmarks sell at artist alley for $8 usually! I usually can't convince myself to buy Haenuli since her prints are way too busy for me or I don't justify the prices when I can get secondhand or new brand for less. I'm plus sized with linebacker shoulders, so custom sizing from the Vietnamese blouse brands (The Floral Notebook, Glitter Tale, Bunny House) are my favorite. Also, I follow Loli loli paradise and mylolitadress on fb for updates on random tb stuff that doesn't make Lolita Updates.

>>8339921
Really? I went to AB this year and I didn't see her.

>>8339938
I have a skirt from LESE's first release. The quality is good, especially for Chinese indie, but it's not quite brand quality. Nothing to really worry about.

I'm still wondering how come Classical puppets discontinued customs? Especially on there pettis?

I fucking love infanta

not to mention their aliexpress store is convenient af

How do you guys order at those Korean sites? (or any sites with languages you can't read). Is google translate good enough?

>>8343421
Maybe it wasn't cost-effective or efficient. If they make their items in a factory, custom sizing becomes a lot more difficult.
I don't know anything about their business model, though, so this is speculation.

My favorite would have to be LIEF. I've only bought from them once, but it was a really pleasant experience. No muss, no fuss, and they kept their deadlines. 10/10 will buy from if they release something I like.

Krad is one of those brands that I want to like, but can't bring myself to. Everything since Mozarabic Chant has been one clusterfuck or another, but the quality of MC is just lovely.

>>8331719
God damn it, I keep checking to see if she's updated and she never does. And I'm midwestern, so no chance of her getting to a con near me. Might have to break down and find a girl to SS at a con she's vending at.

>>8345777
Usually you have to find an SS. Most of the Asian brands will only ship to addresses within their countries if they don't have an English front.

>>8342173
i've seen her at Connecticon and RuffleCon. maybe she's based out of Connecticut or AB was too expensive or whatever. i see her at Connecticon every year, it seems.

from long ears and sharp ears instagram

>New LnS starry jewelry print will be on show tomorrow at the Guangzhou lolita tea party!✨✨ Sneak peak of Ryouko who is once again modelling for us 💜

I don't think I can escape this print

>>8347504
from their facebook, the present box one is so damn cute too

>>8347476
She's more south, I think. She does Katsucon and Otakon in MD/DC.

She sells most of what she brings to cons from what I've seen, so she probably doesn't have the time/stock to sell online much.

Apparently Boston is hard to get into, so that might not be a good gauge of what brands are active.

>>8339938
I wouldn't recommend them. I got the book dress and there was a lot of loose threads and the zipper was hard to pull up. It was by far the worst quality item I had ordered from Taobao. I'd possibly rate it on par with Bodyline or worse. I have a dress from Pumpkin Cat and Dark Box and they were way better.

>>8347518
Thats unfortunate, i have seen my friend's deer print dress in real life and it seemed fine. Maybe because the book dress was their cheaper sub brand? Mind if i ask for pic? I've not seen a complaint about their quality yet and I'm considering this star print myself

I'd really love to get something by voodoodolly. Atelier Dormir, Cloudberry Lady and Baroque are amazing.

I've had amazing customer service from Haenuli and construction is high quality. But most disappointing was sweet mildred, especially given her positive reviews.

>>8347545
Sorry, it's been sold.
The book dress is up for $110 on LESE's Storenvy which is ridiculous.

>>8339938
I have the Curtain is About to Open jsk and I love it! No loose threads or problems with the zipper like the other anon mentioned. They had great service and sent me lots of free goodies (art and such) with the order. Here's a pic of what the inside sewing looks like. Not as neat as burando but definitely above Bodyline. I agree with whoever suggested that the dress by PINK UP! might have been cheaper in construction.

>>8347833
I've bought accessories from voodooodolly and always been happy with them. I'd love to buy/see her making more of the OOAK pieces she used to do more of but maybe they're not as profitable.

>>8347921
Oh I meant pic of loose threads, my bad. My friend was very happy with her dress and said pretty much the same things as >>8348110
to me. I would think their quality have improved as the curtain print was their first collection. If you have bought from storenvy you probably should have told them you weren't impressed by the quality? the customer service girl was very nice and all the people I know have been happy with the service, she could've probably refunded or exchange it for you if it was that bad?

>>8348146
Knowing they're lovely makes me want a piece from her even more, I've dropped her message on Etsy but I understand one-woman operations can be slow on replies.

>just want to buy all the things

I absolutely loved my experience with Haenuli. It was well worth waiting two months for a JSK I ordered from them to come in. I was amazed at how detailed it was, too.

I'm hoping to order from more indie and Taobao brands in the future. Infanta's Cathedral OP has been on my wishlist for the longest time, and I've heard a lot of good things from Lief and Baroque.

Also, I cannot recommend Bunny House enough. The owner is really nice, and her communication is superb. I bought a blouse from them, and it's really nice. I'm hoping to buy one of their petticoats very soon.

>>8331559
I'm so excited for Peppermint Fox's next release and restock, I love their stuff! I think I might grab some brooches.
It's a bit quiet on Rouge Aerie's front, but I think they're coming out with new stuff now? I like Nightmare Rising and all, but it gets repetitive.
Magic Cat Street is also coming out with a new blouse, it seems.
I wish there are more (decent) Aus indie brands.

>>8348336
I'm really hoping Rogue Aerie bring outs more dresses. I loved the price of Nightmare Rising but not the dress itself (nothing wrong with it, just not my to my taste) so if they keep future releases to a similar price point and it's stuff I like I'd buy everything.

Also, related, is Magic Cats Street worth the price? I loved that chiffon JSK but thought it was overpriced for an unproven indie brand.

>>8348336
OH FUCK Peppermint fox is releasing new stuff?? fuck my wallet is going to be empty

Suddenly too many things I need to buy

Lief was my favourite although I'm hesitant about their new direction (ie. hideous pasta print).

>>8331676
Do they have a webshop?

>>8348903
I have the gradient chiffon JSK and it seems pretty well made, the construction is solid and the materials used felt smooth and flowy. I really love mine. It's slightly overpriced, but I guess it evens out when you factor in the shipping costs?

>>8348924
It says on their FB page that they'll do a release and restock on the 28th.

>>8348936
Holy shit! Can't wait!!!!

>>8347507
What's the quality like with long ears and sharp ears?

>>8348935
An etsy, but it's been empty for ages
>https://www.etsy.com/shop/mossmarchen

>>8348942
Read the thread.

I am so in love with Krad's Lost in Sea line, I know its been really over done but damn that dress speaks to me like no other

I'm in love

>>8348176
Sorry I meant no pics because it was long sold! But anyhow, I got it through Taobao. It was still around $70 and not worth it.

>>8348942
Couldn't get much results

>claramisu.blogspot.
>co.uk/
>2015/02/
>review-long-ears-and-sharp-ears-studio.
>html

>ff-and-ss.blogspot.
>co.uk/
>2015/02/deers-in-mist.
>html

>egl.livejournal.
>com/
>19839657.
>html

Who's getting the pasta dress???
If so, which color???

My husband is convinced that if you stick any random food print on a dress, it will sell.

>>8348303
>Infanta's Cathedral OP
I have this dress in green in gold, and even though it feels a bit stiff the quality of it is really lovely. I also have to mention the shipping time; through his AE front, from the time I got my shipping confirmation to the time the dress was on my doorstep was only one day. I live in the Deep South of the US.

>>8349471
I was going to, but I don't like how the finished products look. Pass.

shit like this grinds my gears. it's commercial fabric from harajuku dolls, if you're just posting it, why not tell people?

>>8349489
I'm the opposite.. when I first saw the art, I thought it look so clip art-y... but now that I see a physical dress, I don't know, it's hard, I want it.

>>8349471
Which brand is it? I want to get it for otome.

>>8349783
Lief.

I also like it for the diagonal pattern and stripes which go so well for otome.

Can anyone confirm whether most of Lief's dresses have pockets? I remember they made a point of mentioning it when Instrumental Regiment came out, but I've not been able to find out if any of their other dresses have pockets or not.

>>8348936
where can you buy the gradient chiffon jsk? I'd do anything to get the Red wine version on my body

>>8349810
My Gardenberries rerelease has one pocket.

>>8349509
THIS. I had some girl refuse to tell me where she got some whatever sailor fabric and I'm not even making lolita out of it (found it on aliexpress after a while).

>>8347833
What did you get from her and what was wrong with it? Like, I know her expensive stuff tends to be really nice, but she definitely has pricepoints; she makes cheaper stuff and sells it cheaper to casual people at cons.

>>8350274

I see, thanks!

>>8349810
Every dress has at least 1 pocket!

>>8350106
It's all sold out now, unfortunately.

>>8350688
Not that anon but here was my experience with her
>20 days after I placed the order, paid, and confirmed some details with her via pm, I had no indication that she was working on my order
>pm her
>"I'll have photos for you in the next day or two!"
>another week goes by
>put my foot down and explain that I've had no update in the timeframe she set for herself and that I'd like to request a refund
>she responds back 2 days later with a sob story about how she was just so overwhelmed with rush orders that she couldn't possibly have gotten to my pieces and that she'd already purchased special trims and cut out my pieces, but if I wanted to get a refund still I could
>I said that if she'd already cut the pieces I didn't see a reason to cancel, but that in the future if there's going to be a delay I need to know. I'm not unreasonable and I understand things come up but radio silence = "I don't care about your order or you" to me.
>confirm a few more details with her
>finally receive the bows, plus some random bow I didn't order, more than a month after my initial order was placed
>Pic related took more than a month for her to make and send

I never recommend her anymore, the quality is average and the wait time is ridiculous. I legitimately would have been fine with waiting if she had kept her promises about when she would communicate with me, but instead I had to pry any updates out of her.

>>8351109
>>8351109
Same happened to me, I wanted a custom headdress to match a dress I was getting and she was taking forever and when I PMd her she said how she was soooooo busy. Some friend told me she was having troubles with depression and some bs. She told me she could make it in the next day or two (oh so now you can make it in 2 days?) or refund me, I opted for the refund. What a waste,

Does anyone like Elpress? I haven't seen anything about them but the designs are just gorgeous.

>favorites
Infanta, Chess Story, Haenuli, Elegy, VoodooDolly, MossMarchen
>least favorite
Never had any REALLY bad indie experiences but I guess I'd say Magic Tea Party from Taobao. I bought a blouse and it seemed smaller than the measurements and the shoulders were small, and I have a small/average frame.
>good/great experiences?
Most of my transactions have been via easy online cart systems. I do recall Elegy writing a sweet personal note when I got one of my orders which was so nice!

I saw someone say Elegy was considering doing another Albino Accord run, is there any truth to that?

>>8351109
I was trying to get a quote about a custom piece and she kept saying she'd get me a price within a week, and then never would. So I'd contact her again, same thing happened. After the third lack of response I went with another person for it. Which is a pity, because her stuff looks really amazing but that turned me off.

>>8349810
According to a close friend of hers (Korean girl in my comm who is a long time friend) Sora (the designer) is obsessed with pockets and will never release a dress without them.

>>8351289
>>8351078

omg. I think this is going to be my new favorite brand.

Thank you for the info!

>The Good
Momo and Jia Baby - Only 2 minor complaints are they forgot to remove chalk lines on some pieces of my JSK and they put white fake pearls on my black JSK bows which differed from the stock photo. Both simple fixes of course.

Custom size was on point and it was better than I imagined.

10/10 would buy from again but with an SS fuck QL's mark up.

Bunny and Black - Took part in their first print reserve. Lady who runs it tells me I picked the least ordered colorway which was instant bonus. Actually have no complaints Lady was amazing even sold me a bonus matching headpiece. JSK arrived with lots of extras. I know a lot of people hate the print but as soon as I saw it I had to have it.

20/10 would buy again but all her prints since do absolutely nothing for me personally.


>The Meh Tier
Dream Of Lolita - You get what you pay for. At my fattest I saw a sale on VR replica skirts, buy 3 thinking I'll make a super skirt and some matching accessories and finally get to wear my dream print. Skirts arrive, fabric is hard, crunchy almost, smells a bit weird and the print is a lot more awful than stock photos. Fuck it took em apart going to make into a bustle or something so it's drowned out. Will never consider DOL again but I wasn't out a lot of money either and they were wearable. Trim lace is actually softer than fabric.

5/10 Wouldn't buy again or ever recommend but not raging

>>8348934
This

Up you go.

>>8358339
ok who sells the best petticoat?

Peppermint Fox restocked! My wallet cries.

>>8360402
I picked up Florence! Though I wish they had the petite sizes ready for tea society, makes me feel more anxious needing to wait a few more weeks.

>>8360402
Thanks for the reminder.
Did she do restock of the fox brooches? If so damn those sold quickly.
I did buy an Edgar brooch, which makes me pretty happy since I love badgers.

>>8360430
I don't think they did, I was eyeing them as well!

>>8360417
I'm so hyped for the petite sizes. The size 1 + looks really frumpy on their mannequin, though.

>>8360417
The wait gives me time to make up my mind. I'm not set on buying it just yet, but I did get the matching brooch.

>>8349509
>etsy.com/listing/220644925

Boom.

Bitch posted that, and that little image was all that was needed to find a source. She needs to rethink her priorities.

>>8362881
my point btw, even though the poster of that said as much, is that I did a google image search, I'm dumb for not saying that in the first place.

>>8360402
>tfw you missed explorer's journal moth brooch
>hurts

Restocks likely?

>>8362896
maybe, they'll be more inclined to restock if lots of people still want things, so shoot them a message on facebook if you're really keen

i'm still deciding on whether i should get a tea society dress, i own crowning glory and whilst the print is gorgeous, the cuts are so simple and lean towards otome more than lolita (which i prefer)

>>8363000
>the cuts are so simple and lean towards otome
That's because they're an otome brand. They clearly say so in their faq.

>favourite indie brands
Pumpkin Cat. The quality is what you would expect for the price but their prints are so cute. Plus the shop has a wacky sense of humor.

>any good/great experiences with a particular store?
I actually ordered from Down the Rabbit Hole's first ever preorder and my dress turned out great. Pretty surprised by the quality and service, even though it took a bit longer than projected.

>>8349509
I need Sweet Mildred to come back and sell me the dress she made with this fabric. She answered some questions about it then disappeared for months on a hiatus. She is super slow to respond and make things and I don't even know why. I just want my pancakes for the summer.

Since there is all this talk about Infantas rose cathedral, has anyone tried to wash it. Mine doesnt have washing tags.

>>8363096

The tower pancakes print fabric is available on Rakuten and etsy (It's a Harajuku Dolls fabric, if that helps you find it), why not just buy some and get a tailor to make something for you?

I'm against ripping off indie brands, but this isn't their own print, it's freely available in fabric stores.

>>8349509
Geez go search fabric on Taobao you will find it -_-

>>8363112
I hand washed mine with whatever detergent I had at the time, and it came out fine. It bled a little in the water, but the colour doesn't seem to have changed.

>>8362896
They said they would be doing a small accessory restock when they release the petite sizes for tea society.

>>8363000
I'm still irritated that the CGII rerelease did not even come close to the demand for it at all and they refuse to consider a(nother), proper rerelease for it. It was really a huge letdown as someone who was waiting for it since the first release and to be honest has turned me off from trying to buy future releases from them. They seem nice in their communications, but it felt like they were punishing customers/potential customers for their products coming out with defects.
>sorry for the intense salt

>>8363276
Thanks! I appreciate it.

Just ordered a skirt from ladysloth. Any experiences my fellow seagulls?

My favourites are currently Infanta, Dear Celine, and Surface Spell. I have the birdcage coat and steampunk jsk from Infanta, and they're both really pretty and good quality. From Dear Celine, I have the Bride jsk which is super gorgeous and light, and the Alice Secret Garden OP. The fabric on the OP is a bit thin, but the print and construction is really nice. I haven't gotten anything from Surface Spell, but I like their designs and I'm wanting to get the Judgment Day skirt.

>>8363015
oh, it didn't used to say that, must've missed it when they updated it, but at least now i know for sure thanks anon

>>8363892
they weren't even planning on re-releasing the midnight blue to the public, it was only put up because there were factory defects
i'm on the fence about it, because on one hand i really like the exclusiveness of it but on the other it's a pain in the butt if you do miss it. it's not like they're giving priority to VIP members or anything (though they do have event exclusive items) so they're not really trying to exclude anyone, plus i think they're already churning out as many pieces as they viably can

>>8364870
I think the entire production is just two girls, so it's understandable that the production time is long and there are very little items. iirc CGII was the only time they tried to work with a factory (says on my tag Indonesia) to increase the amount of stock available, and that crashed and burned, so they're back to the original method of sewing the dresses themselves.

>>8360402
It seems like a busy time for Aussie indies because Rogue Aerie just put previews up of their new skirt, and MagiCatStreet just started the reservation for their new blouse. I'm tempted to put in an order.

>>8365512
Rouge Aerie's new skirt. I'm so glad they're coming back, more simple gothic please.

>>8365512
Their blouses are really nice. I really want the Camellia one with the lace inserts in the sleeves. I saw someone wearing it last year at a convention (possibly the designer? there was a group of about four or five girls all wearing the different chiffon dresses).

>>8365515
That's good to know. I think the Camellia is still available on their storenvy?

>>8365531
It is. I've actually been staring at it since making that post and pondering placing an order for the two remaining colourways.

>>8365536
Do it anon! I own it in wine and it is very comfortable and light. The cut is also more flattering than expected.

I've already posted this in lolita general, but I want answers quickly as I'm thinking of ordering this dress today. Would this dress be suited for a poofy A line petticoat, or would it have to be bell shaped?

>>8365513
Depending on the material they make that out of, I might have to get it, and just live with the postage costs. Looks like an older Boz or MmM design, and if it's in purple chiffon I'll have a mighty need.

What exactly dictates an indie brand from a non-indie brand?

Also, is there some way of searching taobao for a certain style (Keywords etc.)? I'm not a lolita but all the recommendations seem to be geared that way.

>>8365881
I've always seen indie as being anything that isn't the big name Japanese brands. Some indie brands are big enough to rival the Japanese brands (Krad and the like), but they're still considered indie because they don't really have die hard fans to show loyalty the way the JP ones do and they don't have a decade+ of experience.

Even though some indie designers have quality just as good as, or better than, the Japanese brands, I think age is a real defining point of what is indie and what is non-indie, as well.

>sorry for rambling, I'm having a surprisingly hard time putting this into words

>>8366197
That's pretty much how I see it too, age and fan base. Most of the big non-indie brands have large fanbases and have been around forever. What I consider indie are ones that while potentially popular are not seen as frequently in coords or may not have huge releases/hype around releases. I'm talking like sold out super fast and I reserved this in December just to get one hype.

>>8364281
Have her Baroque JSK in wine, was really nice, fit well(lost a lost of weight since I first ordered it so it's huge on me, but I don't want to get rid because it's stunning and she doesn't do that dress anymore - if she did I'd buy another in a heartbeat).

No real gripes with her service, my only gripe is the straps on the JSK are really long and could have been a bit shorter but other than that 10/10 would order again.

I'm considering starting up an indie brand (making skirts for now). What would I need to do to get people to actually buy things I make?

>>8366258
Decent fabric, Decent construction, decent customer service

>>8366263
You forgot decent pricing

>>8366258
Not going to lie, the fact that you're making skirts has me interested already.

Decent fabric is a big one though. Also decent lace.

>>8365714
Looks like a slight bell shape

>>8366267
What would constitute as "decent pricing"?
I can make a skirt like >>8361544 in 3 hours and for about 30 dollars of materials. If I make lace/ruffle at the hem, gathering or an elastic waistband the making time decreases, because invisible hems, pleats and nice waistbands just require extra time.
So the base price of a plain skirt will be around $60, which seems like a lot to me. They aren't even lined or having custom details like screen print or something.

>>8365881
>>8366197
>>8366220

"Indie" is short for "independent", and the hallmark of an indie anything is that they're much smaller companies, not affiliated with any large groups or corporations. It doesn't rely on the number of fans a brand has. This definition is not lolita-specific, you can look it up in any dictionary and it's the same meaning.

So while Krad Lanrete may boast a lot of fans, they are still considered indie as they are still just a really small company. Compare this with IW, Btssb, AP or Meta, which has branches in several cities in Japan, employ probably hundreds of shopgirls alone, more than one designer, at least one person just to do foreign online sales, we know for sure btssb has at least one entire sewing factory/workshop of its own, and the brand spreads that are done in GLB are done on their dime (usually they also pay to be in the GLB, sponsoring the cost of printing as well, that's why these brands always have multiple pages as they pay to be on each page).

One of the taobao companies does indeed have real life shops in a few cities in China. I forgot which one, though. That brand may no longer qualify as an indie brand, especially if they have their own factories and distribution network as well.

The "indie" label on a brand is not a negative one. Indie brands aren't "lower" or "lesser" than established brands. All they tell you is that the brand is a much smaller company. That's all.

If you happen to really love an indie brand, the best way for you to show your support is to buy (and encourage others to buy) directly from the brand. Buying secondhand doesn't channel your funds directly to the brand, and unlike larger brands, the indies need to constantly do well on each release because they don't have a lot of reserve money to keep their company running.

>>8367160
>hundreds of shopgirls
Tens, certainly, but hundreds would be pushing it.

I was going to post this in the feels thread, but it's equally appropriate here.

>Finally got a break to start a legitimate clothing store.
>$5000 of my own money for start-up stock and have a steady investor who wants to help me do it entirely full-time.
>Have the ability to buy high-quality garment fabric wholesale, which will keep prices affordable.
>Style is between accurate 1940-50s (none of this tacky 'rockabilly' caricature nonsense.) and more modern Otome. Emphasis on clean cuts and femininity.
>Going to start pumping out stock next week.
>Looking at rental storefronts in my city.
>Getting real fuckin' excited.

Things have been going so well for me, so something will almost certainly come along to mess it up.

>>8367253
Ahh good luck anon! Please post here when you open up! Are you based in 'murica?

>>8367160
>The "indie" label on a brand is not a negative one. Indie brands aren't "lower" or "lesser" than established brands. All they tell you is that the brand is a much smaller company. That's all.
Has anyone ever even said that? Especially in lolita, I don't think there's anyone that considers indie lesser than, aside from the legendary brandwhores, and maybe some newbies.

>>8367432

Yeah, but instead they'll ask things like

"why isn't _____ a real brand yet?"
"what makes brand brand?"
"when does an indie brand become a real brand?"

And one that popped up in the previous "why is brand brand" thread:
"Isn't it time we promote one of the taobao brands to brand brand?"

I don't know why anons are so eager to convince other people to recognise taobao brands as non-indie brands, it's not like it comes with more fangirls or anything. The undercurrent appears to be there, though.

>>8367176

Huh, really. Thought it'd be at least a hundred.

>>8367176
>>8367441
They have 2-3 full time and 1-2 part time shopgirls per shop and they have 14 branches in Japan so I'd say maybe just around a hundred.

>>8367253
Please post a link when you're ready, anon! I'm really not too into lolita, so much as I'm into otome and especially brands like Milk. Is it along the lines of that? I'd buy from your description!

>>8367160
>"Indie" is short for "independent", and the hallmark of an indie anything is that they're much smaller companies, not affiliated with any large groups or corporations.

Isn't that basically most lolita brands? I'm pretty sure they're not part of the Uniqlo group or HM or something.

>>8367784

A company like btssb or AP is much, much bigger than a couple of girls running a business out of their home, though.