Talk about kawaii! The latest J-rock sensation has taken the world by storm, by way of three charming ladies who formed a group called “Babymetal”. They’ve definitely got a unique sense of style. The three girls look ultra kawaii and cute, but don’t expect any love ballads from these schoolgirls, because they’re all about heavy metal.
The group is comprised of Moa “Moametal” Kikuchi and Yui “Yuimetal” Mizuno, both 16 years old, and Suzuka “Sumetal” Nakamoto, 18, who love fashion just as much as headbanging. “You haven’t seen any other artists who sing metal while wearing such cute dresses!” Nakamoto told Vogue magazine earlier this month.
The group has been seen wearing super sweet lolita-inspired dresses, complete with leather peplum detailing at the waist and chiffon bishop style sleeves. Other costumes include folkloric references, like silky kimonos with a kitsune (fox) mask in reference to a mythological fox demon.
Fans of the Japanese street style subculture known as Gothic Lolita will appreciate the voluminous tulle skirts and Victorian inspired fashion from their costuming choices. The group has amassed a wide range of followers all over the world with their loud and distinct style. “That’s what makes Babymetal special- not only the music, but the fashion.” Nakamoto told Vogue magazine.
In May, the trio performed to a sold out show held at the Times Square Theater in New York City, and is currently performing on tour in Europe. We can’t wait to see what’s next in store for Babymetal! Feeling inspired? Check out our unique vegan leather fabrics!
Written by Jade Nicolette
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I appreciate how the article focuses equally on fashion and music, since Babymetal’s appeal really does come from that unexpected combination.
That Times Square Theater show must have been wild, especially seeing those sweet dresses contrasted with headbanging and loud metal in person.
The leather peplum detail paired with soft chiffon sleeves sounds like such a cool design contrast, it mirrors the whole cute-meets-metal identity perfectly.
The Gothic Lolita influence makes so much sense now that you pointed it out, especially with the voluminous skirts and Victorian touches paired with such aggressive music.
The idea that they love fashion just as much as headbanging really comes through in these outfit descriptions, especially the mix of kimono influences and structured dresses.
The mention of kitsune masks and folkloric kimono looks stood out to me, it adds a cultural layer beyond just the kawaii aesthetic and makes their stage presence feel more theatrical.
I didn’t realize Moa and Yui were only 16 when this was written, which makes their global reach and sold-out New York show even more impressive.
It’s fascinating how they’ve built such a worldwide fanbase while leaning so heavily into Japanese street style like Gothic Lolita and folkloric elements.
It’s interesting that Suzuka mentioned in Vogue that no one else mixes metal with such cute fashion, and honestly the chiffon bishop sleeves and tulle skirts really prove that point.
I like how the article highlights the contrast between their heavy metal sound and those ultra cute lolita-inspired dresses with leather peplum details, it really explains why Babymetal feels so different from other bands.