✝ Brand Info ✝
Atelier Pierrot isn't
afraid to experiment. Many pieces are available in a range of unusual
fabrics and textures that aren’t seen frequently in lolita: iridescent organza,
shiny satin, brocade, and crinkled polyester to name a few. Many of their pieces are in unusual
colours like dark purple, ultramarine, or bright green, but their signature colours are simple black and white. The few prints that
they do release are range from simple, single-colour designs to technicolour
cats. Their
dresses vary in length from ero miniskirts to calf-length dresses better suited
to EGA, making it a very versatile brand.
Even though gothic seems to be experiencing a decline in
populartity, Atelier Pierrot has been going strong for 30-odd years and shows
no signs of stopping. Furthermore, they support the growth of other indie
designers by carrying their lines in their store and webshop. Even if gothic dies out completely someday, I have no doubt that they'll still be around because of the good quality and versatility of their pieces.
Of course, we can't discuss any brand without mentioning their staff. These ladies have amazing taste and coordination skills.
Of course, we can't discuss any brand without mentioning their staff. These ladies have amazing taste and coordination skills.
✝ Signature Style ✝
Atelier Pierrot’s designs are very recognizable – no other
brand makes anything quite like they do. You can almost always tell one of
their pieces by the oversized details, drapey bustles with ruffles, chiffon
underskirts, and heavy layers of lacy ruffles on hems and sleeves. Big, frilly,
and OTT is their trademark style. However, unlike other gothic brands, they
aren’t known for their prints. Most of their pieces are solids or simply patterned
(often with stripes or harlequin diamonds).
The most popular Atelier Pierrot piece is their bustled corset skirt design, which is released every season. The standard design includes a plastic-boned corset, front and back lacing, several adjustable bustles, and a ruffled chiffon underskirt. The variable details are usually ruffles, peplum flounces, and trains. The design is incredibly versatile as you can lift all of the bustles for a poofy OTT look, let them all down for a more classic look, or lift a single one and for an asymmetric look. It’s easy to see why these skirts have been re-released for years and years!
They’re also well-known for their luxurious princess-sleeve
blouses, which are also released every season. They typically feature layers of
ruffles and often rows of shirring up the sleeves for that old-school Michelin
Man kind of look. A nice thing about their blouses is that they’re often
shirred and loose-fitting with elasticated necklines, so they’ll fit both
petite and plus-sized people.
✝ Shopping Info ✝
The Atelier Pierrot store in Laforet carries not only their
own brand, but other smaller indie brands such as Sheglit, Enchantlic
Enchantilly, Pina, and Abilletage. If you can’t get to Japan, the webshop has
fantastic service - they waive taxes on purchases over 5k yen and offer free
EMS shipping for purchases over 20k yen. They have English-speaking staff who
have very kindly created a shopping guide to help you purchase through their
store, and they are prompt and available by email if you need help. It’s wonderful
to see a brand really making an effort to reach out to international fans!
Previously, AtePie was
available through the Lorina Liddell webshop which unfortunately
has been closed indefinitely. It’s a shame because Lorina Liddell also carried
indie brands brands like Excentrique, and offered similar support for
international buyers. Additionally, sometimes they had items that had already sold
out on Atelier Pierrot’s webshop and vice versa. Hopefully we see them open again
soon!
One of my favourite things about this brand is that if you
miss out on buying one of their trademark items like a corset skirt or princess
blouse, never fear – in a few months, they’ll release something very similar. These
staple items are always going to be available.
Secondhand prices for most AtePie pieces are quite reasonable.
Their signature corset skirts frequently auction for under 10k yen (I bought one
for 5k yen) and corset OPs can easily be found under 15-20k yen, depending on
the colour and cut. However, if you’re looking for a specific item they can be
very difficult to find (especially prints) because they are such a small brand
and they don’t manufacture many. If you do see a piece you like, you might as
well jump on it because it may never pop up again.
✝✝✝
That concludes my writeup on Atelier Pierrot. I hope you
enjoyed reading it, and I’ll be back soon with another brand spotlight! Until
then, stay spooky~
