Opposite of Kawaii/Gyaru = Grotesque/clean girl

For my project, my main aesthetic is the kawaii/gyaru style. These aesthetics feature bold fashion, cute characteristics, and, in my approach, will be very maximalist. Research the traits of character design within these aesthetics. You will find a brief explanation of the baby-like features that many designs adopt, especially since my project centers on creating dolls. I plan to have a larger head compared to the body and a detailed yet straightforward face for the dolls. The opposite of kawaii/gyaru would likely be a grotesque minimalist aesthetic. In fashion, specifically, the minimalist aesthetic emphasizes limiting the number of colors and patterns used together.

The idea of minimalism celebrates the notion that less is more, which contrasts with the gyaru fashion culture, where more is often considered more. Given the minimalist aesthetic’s structure, the fashion approach for the dolls would be much more elegant and clean. If I were to adopt this style, the dolls would have more proportionate bodies with softer faces and a straightforward color scheme that is less cute and childlike than what I plan to pursue. The dolls would likely resemble a plush ballerina doll or Raggedy Ann. Another opposite aesthetic I could incorporate if I wanted to change the dolls would be a clean girl aesthetic; while gyaru fashion is undeniably maximalist, it can also appear gaudy.

In contrast, a clean girl aesthetic is quite literally what the phrase suggests: very clean. It features simple clothing and colors with minimal designs, and accessories often consist of basic gold or silver jewelry. In this case, I would probably not create a plush doll but instead make an entirely clay doll that can be more expressive in its form since the design would be simple and require a focal point to distinguish it from other dolls. For this aesthetic, if were to retained the plush doll concept, the faceplates might also have a much simpler design compared to what I have planned for the gyaru dolls. Instead of adding details like eyelashes, highlights, and lips, I would likely limit it to eyes, eyebrows, and a nose. Another approach to an opposing aesthetic could focus on creating grotesque and dark dolls, contrasting with something cute and colorful. A unique way to achieve this could involve using a rougher fabric in a less appealing color, such as green or brown, and then pairing it with darker clay in shades like gray or dark green, aiming for an intentionally imperfect look. If the goal is to provoke disgust in the viewer, the fashion dolls should also wear unattractive clothes that might be ripped or stained. I think a good comparison or starting point for an ugly version of the dolls would be Fugglers. While the basic shape and colors ranges from really disgusting colors to bright colorful ones the facial features and details make the dolls appear very ugly. With their open mouth and rows of teeth if I were to incorporated something like that into the face plates of the doll I would be able to alternate expression while maintaining the cute body and grotesque face. 

Links to pictures:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/402806332252

https://www.toymonster.net/toys/p/budgie-fugglers

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1675153575/clean-girl-core-aesthetic-box-bundle

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/textile-art-doll-fenna-minimalist-primitive-handmade-doll-birthday-gift-doll-with-changeable-clothes–415034921890723726/

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806248396902.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

https://frugalminimalistkitchen.com/minimalist-toy-list-for-toddlers/