Manifesteange Metamorphose temps de fille
Encyclopedia
Manifesteange Metamorphose temps de fille (Shortened to Metamorphose temps de fille, Metamorphose or Meta) is the name of a Japanese clothing boutique chain created in 1997 by the current president of Metamorphose and its designer, Kuniko Kato. Metamorphose specializes in the Lolita fashion
and like Baby, The Stars Shine Bright
, their main focus is the subcategory Sweet Lolita.
The fictitious word "manifesteange" is thought to be taken from the word manifestation or to manifest, and metamorphose from "metamorphosis", which means "to go through a drastic change".
Metamorphose state they have used the French language to coin the phrase "Manifesteange Metamorphose temps de fille"; however, the French is worded with grammatical errors. "Metamorphose temps de fille" in French would literally translate to "Transforms time of the little girl". This is due to being translated directly from Japanese grammar. In Japanese, the expression "Chisai toki" means "in 'little' time", and is used in place of the English expression "When I was young".
Metamorphose defend the mistranslation by saying that "because we invented the name ourselves, we feel there are so many different nuances and connotations that can be read into it, and we invite you to create your own." http://www.metamorphose.gr.jp/english/_aboutus/index.htm
Metamorphose are possibly the most imaginative of all the Japanese Lolita brands; they have developed a label within western lolita circles as being creative by having untraditional (in lolita fashion terms) cuts and prints of clothes; these include retro
style prints, circle skirts and the Punkma camouflage.
Metamorphose also seems to be the most accessible Japanese Lolita website to foreign customers. They have a translation of their website in English, ship abroad and accept Paypal
, unlike other Lolita brands, which usually are not available overseas without the use of a shopping service. They also have a 'point' loyalty scheme.
Because Kuniko Kato herself may be considered 'plus sized' in Japan, many Western girls find Metamorphose brand clothes an easier fit than other brands whose clothes tend to run a lot smaller. Many 'plus sized' Lolitas have found that Metamorphose clothes, which are made in one size only, can fit quite comfortably.
"News & Tidbits" relates to upcoming collections and their pre-orders, shop holidays, sales and lucky packs. It sometimes takes the form of a conversational blog
and occasionally contains recommended reading and advice on coordinating the fashion.
"Pictures of You & Us" contains galleries of modelled co-ordinates and a world map that shows the location and pictures of their worldwide customers.
"Metamorphose Lovely Characters" contains pictures and information on Metamorphose's mascots: Punky Bear (Punkma) the bear and Rabbie-chan (Ra-bitch-chang) the rabbit.
Lolita fashion
is a fashion subculture originating in Japan that is based on Victorian-era clothing as well as costumes from the Rococo period, but the style has expanded greatly beyond these two. The Lolita look began primarily as one of modesty with a focus on quality in both material and manufacture of garments...
and like Baby, The Stars Shine Bright
Baby, The Stars Shine Bright
is the name of a Japanese clothing boutique chain created in 1988 by Akinori Isobe and his wife, Fumiyo. The original fashion house is located in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. Baby, The Stars Shine Bright specializes in Lolita fashion, and like Manifesteange Metamorphose temps de fille, their main focus...
, their main focus is the subcategory Sweet Lolita.
Name origin
Metamorphose's website wrote that: "'Manifesteange' means the advent of an angel. 'Metamorphose temps de fille' means the time of transformation into a little girl." http://www.metamorphose.gr.jp/english/_aboutus/index.htmThe fictitious word "manifesteange" is thought to be taken from the word manifestation or to manifest, and metamorphose from "metamorphosis", which means "to go through a drastic change".
Metamorphose state they have used the French language to coin the phrase "Manifesteange Metamorphose temps de fille"; however, the French is worded with grammatical errors. "Metamorphose temps de fille" in French would literally translate to "Transforms time of the little girl". This is due to being translated directly from Japanese grammar. In Japanese, the expression "Chisai toki" means "in 'little' time", and is used in place of the English expression "When I was young".
Metamorphose defend the mistranslation by saying that "because we invented the name ourselves, we feel there are so many different nuances and connotations that can be read into it, and we invite you to create your own." http://www.metamorphose.gr.jp/english/_aboutus/index.htm
Brand concept
Metamorphose's website states, "Almost everyone has the desire to “transform” one’s self, be it into an angel, someone who is more elegant, or even back to the time they were a little girl. With this concept in mind, we created the Metamorphose brand. In order to assist you in your “transformation”, while not being a slave to the current fashion, we continue to conceive cute EGL fashion."http://www.metamorphose.gr.jp/english/_aboutus/index.htmMetamorphose are possibly the most imaginative of all the Japanese Lolita brands; they have developed a label within western lolita circles as being creative by having untraditional (in lolita fashion terms) cuts and prints of clothes; these include retro
Retro
Retro is a culturally outdated or aged style, trend, mode, or fashion, from the overall postmodern past, that has since that time become functionally or superficially the norm once again. The use of "retro" style iconography and imagery interjected into post-modern art, advertising, mass media, etc...
style prints, circle skirts and the Punkma camouflage.
Metamorphose also seems to be the most accessible Japanese Lolita website to foreign customers. They have a translation of their website in English, ship abroad and accept Paypal
PayPal
PayPal is an American-based global e-commerce business allowing payments and money transfers to be made through the Internet. Online money transfers serve as electronic alternatives to paying with traditional paper methods, such as checks and money orders....
, unlike other Lolita brands, which usually are not available overseas without the use of a shopping service. They also have a 'point' loyalty scheme.
Because Kuniko Kato herself may be considered 'plus sized' in Japan, many Western girls find Metamorphose brand clothes an easier fit than other brands whose clothes tend to run a lot smaller. Many 'plus sized' Lolitas have found that Metamorphose clothes, which are made in one size only, can fit quite comfortably.
Go! Go! Lolita-chan
"Go! Go! Lolita-chan" is Metamorphose's news and information page in the English version of their site. It is divided between "News & Tidbits", "Pictures of You & Us" and "Metamorphose's Lovely Characters"."News & Tidbits" relates to upcoming collections and their pre-orders, shop holidays, sales and lucky packs. It sometimes takes the form of a conversational blog
Blog
A blog is a type of website or part of a website supposed to be updated with new content from time to time. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in...
and occasionally contains recommended reading and advice on coordinating the fashion.
"Pictures of You & Us" contains galleries of modelled co-ordinates and a world map that shows the location and pictures of their worldwide customers.
"Metamorphose Lovely Characters" contains pictures and information on Metamorphose's mascots: Punky Bear (Punkma) the bear and Rabbie-chan (Ra-bitch-chang) the rabbit.