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Japan is known for its diverse and innovative fashion scene, where subcultures break into the mainstream. You may be thinking about the traditional kimonos or sailor uniforms but if you have spent any time traveling around Japan, you know it's much more than that. Fashion trends like Jirai Kei, E-Girl and J-Grunge are all common to see on a daily basis in Tokyo. Many of the popular subculture fashion trends all have one thing in common, they borrow aspects from Gothic Lolita and adapt them to the modern era. As the OG subculture fashion go to, Gothic Lolita still remains supreme!

Are you a fan of anime figures and admire subculture fashion? If so, you might be interested in the Bell Fine: R-chan Gothic Lolita version figure! This figure is based on an original illustration by Momoco (ももこ), a popular illustrator who is known for their cute and colorful style. The figure features R-chan, a charming character who wears a Gothic Lolita costume that is impeccable. Whether you are a fan of Momoco, R-chan, or Gothic Lolita fashion, you will surely find something to love about this figure. So, let’s take a closer look! 🎀

R-chan isn’t the only one in gothic lolita wear. She has a cute bear accessory at her side with a matching style. The bear theme is extended to the rest of the costume design in subtle ways and gives R-chan nice continuity in costume design. The knife that the bear is holding is both sinister and charming. The seemingly cute stuffed bear takes on a somewhat different feeling with the knife. Is it actually frowning? Yandere bear can really change how you view the figure.

R-chan’s smile at first glance is rather cute. Her pale complexion, soft features, small mouth and extremely well painted beautiful blue eyes make her seem innocent and harmless. If you give it a second look, there is also something a little ominous and mischievous about it. The bear helps bring that side out. The lace lolita style bonnet with ribbons is a perfect accessory. R-chan is also given cute bear ears poking up behind the bonnet and a small bear hair clip. We also have delicate flowing hair with gradation to purple. This simple design choice was a great addition and highlights how gothic lolita is meshed with modern fashion trends today.

The dress itself has a great balance between lace, frills and ribbons as well as both classic gothic elements with a modern spin. Bell Fine did a killer job with the sculpt capturing all the wrinkles and way the cloth would react to movement. It looks very realistic. The detached sleeves, open shoulder and back design helps pull the viewer in to allow some of the subtle design choices to be appreciated. The black and pink lace and ribbon shoulder straps look cute and the heart shaped buttons are kawaii. We also have the R in the center of the ribbon on her left and while difficult to see, they even recreated the pendant on the ribbon below her chin.

The only thing I don’t love about this figure is the pearl strap attached to the bear. On the figure it looks a bit cheap and does not have the same impact as in the illustration. I do think it helps add contrast and balance to the dark color scheme but pearls are something that just don’t look good recreated in plastic.

From behind, Momoco adds some more bear elements with a cute little fluff ball tail. Thanks to the pose of R-chan holding her skirt, we are also given a glimpse of R-chan's profile and body shape.

To finish things off we have white stockings and superb shoes. The ribbons keep the gothic lolita design consistent and the purple matches her hair. The level of thought that Momoco put into the design of R-chan is truly amazing. So many elements of this figure are blended together. Even the choice of using blue accents on the bear matches R-chan’s eyes.

If you can’t get enough of Momoco’s art and happen to be in the Tokyo area, Animate is currently holding a pop-up event until February 4th to celebrate Momoco’s birthday! You can see some of their work up in person!

Not in Japan? Then you might want to see some other figures they have been the illustrator for. They are mostly of the NSFW cast-off variety... Take a look at Bunny-chan...

...Arietta Dancer...

...and Yukari-chan (including the kimono figure from earlier).