A letter to Mana-sama

Loyal readers:

I'm working on a long article about what is and isn't lolita. It's sort of a guide for newcomers to the fashion, and something that I hope will spark a debate among the veterans of the culture. Unfortunately, it's taking longer than expected, and in an attempt to let you all know that I haven't forgotten you, I've decided to post a light hearted break up letter to Mana-sama. I of course do not know Mana-sama personally, and we were never dating but...you'll see why I had to write this letter.

Dearest Mana-sama,

As the ambassador of lolita to the world, it was only natural that I love you. You were a god to me, and the Gothic Lolita Bible was your holy word. Alas, it is foolish for a mere mortal such as myself to love a god. Knowing our love to be ill-fated, I could not help but stray and (though it pains me to say this) I have found another. His name is Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer, and he has made music everything that I have wanted it to be by bringing the Queen’s English to hip-hop. Though he has not changed my entire life as you have, I find it unfair to you to split my affections like this. I will always remember the times we had…blasting your music in my bathroom as I prepared for Gaskells, swooning over how beautiful of a woman you often are, and being secretly jealous of your delicious androgyny. And I will always, always hold lolita dear to my heart. Please don’t be angry, and I hope we can still be friends.

Sincerely,

~Y. McLeod

Some of you may have absolutely no idea who I’m talking about in this letter so allow me to clear things up. Mana-sama is most known for his amazing cross-dressing abilities, vow of silence, and his involvement with the band Malice Mizer and his own band Moi-Dix-Moi. He is also the man who popularized the gothic lolita subculture by appearing as a gothic lolita in Malice Mizer and an aristocrat in Moi-Dix-Moi. EGL (Elegant Gothic Lolita) and EGA (Elegant Gothic Aristocrat) are his terms. He is also known for his brand Moi-Meme Moitie, and for founding the Gothic Lolita Bible (his holy word) along with another musician named Kana.  Not much is know about Mana-sama...things like his age, if he's married, and even where he was born are known to only a few. We don't even know his real name. But honestly, that doesn't matter. He has contributed a whole lot to the lolita subculture, and for that we thank him. Did I mention he signed Kanon Wakeshima? He did. Both pictures are of Mana-sama. He's deliciously androgynous, as previously stated. 

The second person mentioned is Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer and unfortunately, not much is know about him as far as private life goes either. But again, this really doesn't matter. He has, quite simply, revolutionized music. Because of Mr B, we now have a genre of music called Chap-Hop which is absolutely perfect for lolita. He brought proper English to hip-hop, along with his banjolele (which is one of the coolest instruments on earth). I was introduced to his music through an ex (a real one) who saw him in an interview from about 2008 at the Steampunk Con in England (the interview can be found here) and I was stunned. After doing a bunch of research, and listening to his music on myspace over and over, I finally got his CD and have been in love ever since. You really must listen to his music and watch a music video or two, they're funny and musically great. I plan on going to see him as soon as I can when I get to England. 

I'll be honest for a moment here loyal readers. That picture of Mr B is my desktop background...and how could he not be with a mustache like that?

~Y. McLeod