Today, we are going to talk about a style called Cult Party Kei (a.k.a CPK). This is a very unique style, and probably one of my favourites that I have come across. The style is best known for its bright red motifs (like ribbons and crosses), vintage nightgowns/robes (called peignoirs) and bright makeup.
The style started around 2006, in Koenji, Japan. It was in a little shoppe called CULT PARTY. The shoppe sold tons of vintage clothes, accessories and other fun items. Around 2010, the shoppe moved to Shibuya, Japan and changed it’s name to The Virgin Mary. (Sources are from the Japanese Fashion Wiki website section about CPK https://j-fashion.fandom.com/wiki/Cult_Party_Kei)
For how similar the styles look, there are a few details that I will be discussing about, that will help you figured out the difference. (All photos have been found either by Googling the style, or from Pinterest, plus a few of my own for reference).
🌱Vintage Nightgowns and Peignoirs🌱
CPK is probably best known for the peignoir styling. The fashion has a very angelic and airy feel to it, so these vintage robes help give that effect. Most colours come in a pastel form, but bright red has also been a popular colour. Lace, patchwork and crochet have been added to these robes, for a more handmade feel.
Mori Kei uses a lot of outer layering, just like CPK, but nightgowns is not a choice. Mori usually wear more cardigans and caplets
The next way to distinguish CPK from Mori is the bright red motifs and accessories. Religious designs and crosses are among the most popular types of accessories, and usually are in the bright red. The Red Cross is also another popular design and is usually in a more nurse like style for CPK than the dolly look. Ribbons, buttons, Pom poms and pins are pretty popular.
Mori Kei does have red in many coords, but it’s much more muted and darker than the bright red.
CPK LOVES anything teddy bear themed, and you often can see them all over the outfits. From bags, to necklaces, to rings, to headdress’s; they are found everywhere.
Another popular accessory are dolls. The dolls are normally not all in one piece; arms and legs as earrings, heads as necklaces…you get the idea.
Mori Kei loves animal themes (especially bears) as well, and often you see jewelry with little woodland animals, or clothing with specific prints.
🌱Crochet/Lace/Handmade Details🌱
CPK has tons of lace details, crocheted items and handmade jewelry. Quirky bags, fun headdresses and hand sewn patches all of a sense of handmade feel to them (not to mention a vintage touch).
Mori Kei is probably best well known for its handmade like fashion, and lace/crochet is a dead giveaway.
Another thing that tends to confuse people with CPK and Mori, is the layering aspect.
Both styles are based around layering, but what you are layering tells the difference. Synthetics, sheer fabrics and bright colours are CPK, while natural fabrics, crochet and more muted colours are Mori.
Now that we have discussed about the differences with the styles, I think it would be a great way (for the brand new Mori members) to test yourselves by looking up Mori Kei and see if you can spot the real fashion vs CPK. I will be doing other styles that are confused with Mori, to help broaden our knowledge, so hopefully that will be helpful in your research as well.
I highly recommend making Pinterest boards, saving photos and reading other references, to help you learn more about Mori and what isn’t Mori. I have a few blogs linked on here, that are from members of the Mori community. They discuss about the differences in the styles, as well as giving in depth lists of what to look for.
I hope that this was helpful, and wish all a lovely day!
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