Influential Precedent Vogues

Some Visual Kei styles have influences rooted in historical European fashions, but there seems to be confusion over where certain trends originated.  Styles and Eras seem to be mistaken for their counter expressions.  The article below may clear some confusion.  I have witnessed styles that utilize elements from several different Eras at once, seemingly defying time much as Steampunk fashions illustrate.

Renaissance all about lace, individuality, and luxury.

Romantic Era consider a new Renaissance focused on a revolt against aristocracy, and enlightenment.  Prominent figures include Lord Byron and Mary Shelley.  Style was all about aesthetics, emotions, and the exotic.

Lord Byron

Mary Shelley

Victorian appearances involved great emphasis, refined detail, pale skin, corsets, top hats, bright colors, sleek skirts, three piece suits, and dark tail coats.  

Rococo of the late Baroque, often expressed thoroughly through Versailles!

Hall of Mirrors

Art by Tannanana

Consider lavish, over the top, detailed, feminine, and pastel appearances.  Note the elaborate sleeves and draping fabrics.

Louis XIV

Marie Antoinette

Spectral Ancestral Succession

Angura Kei

"shiki" by kluste

http://kluste.deviantart.com/gallery/

"Togenkyo" by Kluste

Angura has roots in the concept of "underground" or alternative, and is part of a movement that began in Japanese Theater in the 1960's.  Although, commonly associated with and crossed with another style known as Ero guro, because of some similarities in lyric themes, Angura Kei is certainly its own movement.  Angura Kei focuses on being uniquely Japanese, attempting to break from any Westernization. 

犬神サーカス団 (inugami circus-dan)

Heavily rooted in Japanese traditions, artists wear traditional kimonos, Japanese uniforms, and occasionally Geisha styled make-up or black and white make-up.

Ｍ

Stemming from traditional Japanese stories of ghosts and monsters, there is a sepulchral attitude, a lurid almost horror feel, and a structured formalized quality to Angura Kei.  Music often utilizes sounds of traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen and koto.

http://www.adapter-web.net/

Artists associated with this style include ADAPTER, heidi., Ｍ, 犬神サーカス団 (inugami circus-dan), ANNY’s LTD., and Kagrra.

犬神サーカス団 (inugami circus-dan)

Kagrra

Kagrra - Kotodama Lyrics

http://www.jpopasia.com/lyrics/7830/kagrra/kotodama.html

Romaji

Kami sae nemuru yami yo no shita ni tada hitori mukau negai wo daite

Shiroi koromo ni kono mi wo tsutsumi hitotsu no omoi wa hametsu ni mukau

Anun no shita ushitora no koku surudoi hikari wo tsukitateru

Noroi wo nigiru akai kono te wa sonata no mune wo eguru deshou

Unmei wa ima wa toki wo koete meguru nuku omoi wa shakunetsu no honoo e

Kanawanai koi wa tameiki ni kumoru nagaredasu kono namida wa chi ni kawaru

Shiroi koromo wa shinku ni somari kono inochi mo mata hakanaku chiru

Hitomi wo tojite saigo no toki wo mukaeru sono shunkan semete

Subete wo wasure honno hitotoki sonata no mune ni warawa wo daite

Unmei wa ima wa toki wo koete afuredasu omoi wa tomedonaku nagare

Tamashii wa kiesaru kotonaku raisei wa sonata ni ai sarete mitai

Kanji

神さえ眠る闇夜の下に 唯独り向かう願いを抱いて

白い衣にこの身を包み 一つの想いは破滅に向かう

暗雲の下 丑寅の刻 鋭い光を突き立てる

呪を握る 赤いこの手は 其方の胸をえぐるでしょう

運命は今時を越えて 廻るめく想いは灼熱の炎へ

叶わない恋は溜息に曇る 流れ出すこの涙は血に変わる

白い衣は深紅に染まり この命もまた儚く散る

瞳を閉じて 最期の時を迎えるその瞬間せめて

凡てを忘れ ほんの一時 其方の胸に妾を抱いて

運命は今時を越えて 溢れ出す想いはとめどなく流れ

魂は消え去る事無く 来世は其方に愛されてみたい

English Translation

This darkened night even the gods would sleep, I embrace the desire to face it alone

My only thoughts turn to destruction, with my body enshrouded in white clothes

Ushitora engravings beneath the storm clouds pierce through the sharpened light

I seize the sutra and as I do, bore a hole in your chest with reddened hands

Destiny now crosses over time, and my thrashing thoughts to the scorching flames

My forbidden love becomes dim with sighs, while my flowing tears turn to blood

My white clothes now dyed crimson red, your life still ephemerally floats down

You close your eyes to meet your last hour, and in that instant at least

May you forget everything for just this time, as you press yourself to me

Destiny now crosses over time, and my overflowing thoughts run on

And as your soul vanishes easily from this world, I hope you'll love me in the next one 

Kagrra - "Kotodama"