| Metamorphose temps de fille | |
| Industry: | Apparel |
| Foundation: | Japan[1] [2] |
| Founded: | 1997 in Kyoto, Japan |
| Founder: | Kuniko Kato |
| Area Served: | Japan |
| Products: | Apparel |
Metamorphose temps de fille is a Japanese apparel brand specializing in lolita fashion. It was created in 1997 by 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."
The brand is known for its "retro" and "sweet" designs. The brand is also known for offering larger size options, which found popularity with a North American audience.[3] In addition to their main line, Metamorphose temps de fille also has a sub-label, Crown Label, that offers lower-priced apparel.
Kuniko Kato decided to become a fashion designer in her final year of high school and had graduated from Osaka Mode Gakuin.[4] She created Metamorphose temps de fille in 1997,[5] while she was attending vocational school.[4] Kato first launched a store in Kyoto, Japan.[5] Since August 2002, Metamorphose temps de fille had an English version of their website and allowed people outside of Japan to purchase their clothing.[4] [6]