Print and Illustration in Lolita

Hello all! This isn't a wardrobe post, but it definitely concerns things that are in your wardrobe (if you use one to house your frills at least-!)

I was wondering about the prevalence of Illustration in lolita and the rise of prints on more simply constructed garments in comparison to the 'old school' looks over the past decade it must be by now. Rather than rehash a conversation of print vs nonprint, I'd like to ask about the distinction between the in-house illustrators/designers that the brands may have and independent illustrators/artists that may periodically collaborate with them. One of the most obvious of these is Imai Kira x Angelic Pretty but I'm not so knowledgeable/observant to catch them all so I turn to you, dear community:

• What brands->prints have been done by an 'outside' Illustrator/artist as a collaboration?


• For indie designers/brands outside of Japan (and thus hopefully able to comment directly here?) how have you gone about with your own prints/illustrations for your own releases?


• As a lolita, are you more likely to go for a dress/skirt/etc because it has some connection to an artist/illustrator whose work you admire? (If you own such a garment, how often have you seen yourself wearing it?)

Thank you very much for reading through and if you've got any information! <3