Innocent World Vs. Replicas

Just a quick note before today's post- from now on, all comments on this blog will be screened. This is after I discovered a few sneaky spam comments. Quite frankly, I should have done this sooner! Please be patient as I verify and publish your comments.

Please note I am not against replicas. The reason I am writing this post today is because I was very interested by a post made on EGL- http://egl.livejournal.com/18346910.html

It would appear that Innocent World are voicing their opinions on replicas. If you think about it, there are not really that many IW replicas about. However, as it has been pointed out on EGL, Innocent World have every right to voice their opinions. Although it might not change much (people will still buy replicas and some people will always be against them), all IW are doing is trying to is defend themselves.

I have to be honest... if there was a Lotta replica made then it would be very difficult to resist it, especially when you consider how hard Lotta is to get hold of. I can't help but wonder what IW means when they say they will punish customers who buy IW replicas with the knowledge it is fake. If you walk in to Innocent World's shop and you were wearing a replica, would you be banned from the store? (Although I think that even if you don't mind replicas, walking in to their shop like that would be very rude anyway!) Will replica makers be targeted?

This small statement by IW might not seem like it will change much, but it could easily start something off if other brands decide to join in as well. It is a bit naive to think that because some brands sell out of everything anyway, that means they are happy to let replicas exist. If other brands see that Innocent World have made this statement, they may feel more comfortable and confident about addressing the matter. And that could change the current replica situation. It feels like as soon as a new print comes out, immediately somebody will ask for a replica to be made. Will that be so easy when the replica makers are being targeted? So don't think that it is just Innocent World replicas that this affects.

What do I think? Regardless of my stance on replicas, I know Innocent World's statement is very true and well done to them for standing up against something that could threaten their company. At the end of the day, they are a business and their view is not at all surprising. If I was in their position I would probably be upset about my art being stolen too. However, at the same time I can sympathise with replica buyers who are unable to buy brand. I might have been interested by a Lotta replica, but IW's words have admittedly scared me!

What initially seems like a small statement could progress further. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any news. Up until now, the big brands have kept fairly quiet so this is certainly an interesting development!

A Very Tough Day To Be A Lolita

I wasn't going to write about this but... it feels like this is an issue close to many a lolita's heart. I am of course, referring to upcoming documentary "Are All Men Pedophiles?"; a documentary which features a section about Japanese culture.

One of the things that has caused a lot of upset is that one of the posters features a lolita (or a model wearing lolita) wearing Angelic Pretty.

Although the documentary is apparently going to tackle both sides of the pedophilia debate, I can't help but feel this documentary could have negative consequences on the lolita community.

I find it difficult to put in to words how annoyed I am by this documentary. I feel the comments left on this online petition sum up my feelings really well-

http://www.change.org/petitions/jw-productions-and-director-jan-willem-breure-remove-the-promotional-poster-for-the-film-and-write-a-public-apology

Director Jan Willem Breure does not seem concerned about this upset this is causing. After being emailed, this was the response one girl got-

"The documentary does not offend Lolita nor does it compare it to pedophilia. Wild assumptions about what pedophilia is or isn't is why the documentary was made in the first place. The reason why we choose Lolita is because in the film we do a section about Japanese culture."

Well, I disagree. I know there are many lolitas who ARE offended by this documentary. And although it may not "compare it to pedophilia", to include lolita in such a documentary is harmful. Do we really want to be associated with this? 

There is probably not a lot we can do but if you feel strongly about this, then please do sign the petition in the link above. Voice your complaints as loud as possible and maybe people will realise that not everybody agrees with the director.

I am sorry if people disagree with me or this post. It just pains me that people might make assumptions after watching it. Yes, I am aware I may be being hypocritical by making this post before seeing the doc, but I reserve the right to voice my concern. I am just hoping this all blows over.