What: The Lolita trend has little, if any, connection with the young, erotic nymph in Vladimir Nabokov's novel. The fashion trend originated in the 1990s in Japan, when famous clothing labels like Milk sold doll-like clothes for adults. Performers and teenagers in Tokyo's Harajuku district then popularised the look, which peaked around 2004. The fashion is meant to be non-sexual. Think porcelain dolls, only walking, talking ones.

You may have seen: Girls such as student Christina Seah, 17 (right), who sports the classic Lolita look. Other varieties include sweet Lolita, white Lolita, gothic Lolita and princess Lolita. The gothic Lolita's trademark look, for example, includes dark eyeliner and black outfits with white lace trim. A male Lolita is called ouji, or prince. Typical Lolita role models include Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and the living dolls of the Rozen Maiden manga and anime. The Lolita trend is in decline these days, but it is still considered a classic.

Get the look: Remember that ribbons and bows and lace-trimmed headdresses are key. The shop Haru Japanese Fashion (14, Scotts Road, #03-42/46, Far East Plaza, tel: 6734-3018) caters to sweeter Lolita wannabes. Two doors away, Haru Goth stocks items for their darker, goth counterparts with outfits that range from $75 for a can-can skirt to $500 for a Moi-meme-Moitie-brand dress. Check out the wigs from the Zephyr brand too, which go for $69.