| Metamorphose temps de fille | |
| Industry: | Fashion |
| Foundation: | Japan [1] [2] |
| Founder: | Kuniko Kato |
| Area Served: | Japanese subcultural group, such as Lolita fashion and the Sweet Lolita |
| Key People: | Kuniko Kato, designer |
Metamorphose temps de fille is a Japanese apparel brand specializing in lolita fashion. It was created in 1997 by the current president of Metamorphose and its designer, Kuniko Kato.
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.'"
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 temps de fille" in French would literally translate to "Transforms time of the little girl". In Japanese, the expression "Chisai toki" means "in 'little' time", and is used in place of the English expression "When I was young". Metamorphose remarked on the name, "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."
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."
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 camouflage.
Metamorphose is one of the more accessible Japanese Lolita brands 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.
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.