Overall, Kakyuu’s outfit doesn’t seem to be inspired by any one thing (unlike some earlier characters such as the Ayakashi Sisters) but a combination of modern and historical fashions from East Asian cultures to the West.

The off-the-neck and puff sleeve combination of her top seems more distinctly modern Western fashion often seen on gowns, while her puffed “pants” seem to resemble modern bubble shorts or stylized “bloomers” popular in gothic lolita fashion.

The design of the shoes is more distinctly Indian and Middle Eastern in origin. These curl-toed slippers are referred to as khussa, mojari, or pujabi.

Her long, wide sleeves seem particularly inspired by more traditional Chinese clothing, though the sheer sleeves also seem to be a more modern interpretation (Han couture).

Kakyuu’s hat seems particularly inspired by traditional Mongolian clothing, though the more pointed shape of her hat seems based on a more modern interpretation.

I always thought that Princess Kakyuu had an interesting design, but I could never really pinpoint the inspiration. So I did some diggin and this is what I as able to come up with - keep in mind I am in no way a fashion expert, much less on any historical fashions, so if anyone has any more ideas or input they’re welcome to add them.

Unfound Fashions

So we’ve all seen some of the outfits that Naoko based her works on, but there are definitely more out there if her notes hold true. Translations and images from Manga Style. So if you ever find magazines from 1991-1996, flip through it and see if maybe you can’t pick out one of these. Or don’t. Or draw the girls in modern fashion by the same brands Naoko drew them in in the past. Or something else. Look, fashion!

“I love buying clothes. I read magazine articles on clothing collections and browse catalogs from clothing stores every season. I would decide what to buy while telling myself, for example, "Ok, I will wear white this year.” The clothes on the two characters are from a designer that I wanted to purchase from a little while ago. However, I haven’t had many chances to go out recently and didn’t buy any, so I put the clothes on them.“



"This is the two of them in the style of models from Vogue Bambino (a really cute Italian children’s clothing magazine). The background colors I also used for the cover of Picture Collection I. They’re color spray I love, pearl blue and pearl purple. The color didn’t show up at all on the cover of Picture Collection I (and the grain turned out rough). I was really shocked (damnit!), but I hope it will show well this time.”



“The clothes being worn by the two girls are some designer’s clothes, drawn in consultation with them. They’re very nice, but today when the Nakayosi editor saw it he said "Aaaaa! They look like Pierrots!” I suppose so, Pierrots huh. If he says that, I guess that must be the feeling he gets.“



"In the last installment’s frontispiece I decided to do a wedding ceremony. Everybody is full of happiness in their wedding dresses. I didn’t have much time to draw these so while going through Yamahodo’s wedding dress book I decided to use what everyone there was wearing, and it really was a lot of fun. My dream is also to be a bride ^_^ Hurry up and let me wear a beautiful wedding dress, my future husband.”







“While Sailormoon was on air, the Sailormoon merchandising director Oono-chan betrayed the ranks of unmarried ladies on our staff and left by herself to retire into blissful marriage, wearing the dress that Usagi-chan is wearing here. Since Oono-chan really gave me lots of Sailor Moon goodies, I forgave her betrayal :) Best wishes :)”



“When looking at this picture, one might wonder where Naoko acquired such a penchant for Western style clothing. (Actually it’s Bo-G brand clothes <G>.) As for the page itself, the kids are drawn in various singing scenes.”



“As I look at this drawing right now, it’s apparent how much I liked the Bo- brand at the time. (The Bo-V brand, actually.) But right now I’m more fickle. Right now my favorite western brands are Ann Sui and Vivian Tam."

