Deepdive into The Coquette/Soft Black Girl Aesthetic // Black Girl Magic Minute

[@taylorcassidyj]

IT'S OUTTTTT!!!! Girl. Commentary, sketch comedy, a music video, and 2 sets of interviews in one video?? This was so much fun to make. It was CHALLENGING, but I ended up learning a lot myself and I hope you enjoy watching it!! And thank you to @jazzmengrissom2444 for sharing your thoughts and inspiring this video!

[@miyakiwilson8305]

Wow! You did the damn thang! You go girl!

[@DapperGoth]

Whenever i see non white people wearing the ultra feminine ascetics i feel such joy for them 🖤🖤🖤

[@SpookyJ13]

I love seeing black women in different aesthetics. As a goth black girl, it’s definitely been an experience when it comes to how other people view me. But I wouldn’t change myself for anything in the world. I absolutely love the coquette aesthetic

[@sasielb8922]

Im so sorry black goth ppl have to go through this monthly issue of defending themselves in the goth community. Im not goth myself but my goth friends i have seem to be fighting for their lives and I thought the point of this aesthetic was to be accepting

[@nonbinary_pirate]

I love Black goths SO much, y’all are always rocking killer outfits and I wish more people could see the beauty of Black goths. But I will always been your number one supporter as a Black person with an ever evolving alt look

[@AmbientofLight]

It definitely suits her but she definitely should lose weight, it will enhance her confidence if shes already confident now.

[@AmbientofLight]

@ViBambi-kb9sk a smaller body means shes healthier inside and out, plus more variety of coquette she will be able to wear. When u are big u feel like crap - from experience and no matter how confident you are, you know you would look betrer, be happier and at peace a healthy weight. Cos that confidence is for a moment.

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you for sharing your experience, and your feelings are valid. It's a struggle finding your confidence in beauty standards (especially Western ones) that don't look always cater to non-skinny/Black bodies. However, I encourage you to be more careful about how you define and talk about "healthy". A small body does not always mean healthy (people may have EDs, struggle with malnutrition, simply have trouble keeping weight, going through mental health issues) And a bigger body does not always mean unfit (People may have genes that gift them with curvier fatter bodies, people may have health conditions that require more weight on their bodies, people may have built muscles that make their bodies bigger, people may simply be growing into their size/ going through puberty, or people may simply love the way they naturally look) Please be mindful about talking about how good certain fashion/styles look on different bodies (especially when it is about one of my guests who has taken the time to share her story vulnerably) The problem does not lie in people's inability to dress well in an aesthetic, but the brands, communities, and companies' inability to make it accessible for them. I'm very grateful for you watching the video and sharing your opinion, I hope this provides some thinking points.

[@sharondafigueroa2427]

I love seeing plus size women in this aesthetic. I always thought they fit the lolita style because their curves.

[@peachesncharlotte]

Oh but this isn't lolita. Both coquette and lolita are similar in being hyper feminine, but Lolita is a jp style inspired by rococo/victorian fashion. It's sprang up around the 1980s and 1990's and has a very particular, poofy silhouette from petticoats (along with other key fashion items like blouses, Bonnets, patterned tights or socks with ruffles, arm cuffs, etc). Coquette and soft girl fashion is MUCH moe recent in comparison, and arose in the west as opposed to Japan

[@Aesos3429]

@@peachesncharlotte The video also explains that this fashion aesthetic is based on the same rocco and Victorian fashion despite being newer, lol. Wish you would have also mentioned that their are different styles and subcategories of lolita fashion as well: this more recent aesthetic is very similar to the hime lolita subgenre especially. I’ve seen a few hime lolitas kind of incorporate both into their wardrobe though, and really hope to see that more because it’s so cute.

[@PriDekoDan]

@@Aesos3429sometimes hime lolita get confused with Hime Gyaru which are different but have similar style

[@fairyfarms]

encouraging me, thank you

[@Lexi-is7qp]

👏🏾 Coquette 👏🏾is👏🏾not👏🏾lolita👏🏾

[@Luxebarbie]

the plus size girlies slay this look

[@sarahthomas8670]

Yes we do fr🩵🩵

[@stygiomedusae]

I find it interesting that we are so often ridiculed for our aesthetics when they dont conform with a typical "black" aesthetic, and are told we're trying to act white, it wasn't made for us, and that delicate colours and clothing don't compliment our features. This also ironically applies to subcultures and aesthetics that have taken inspiration from Black cultures (including African American, Caribbean, Afro-latina, and African styles); as well as us already existing in these spaces yet never shown throughout history or given recognition. With that being said, I'm greatful to live in a time where so many black women are able to freely express themselves through fashion. Despite all the backlash that we get even to this day, I am proud to know that we have built a community which supports one another in our own individuality. Reminder to all of you, if you took the time to read my little comment, that you are incredibly beautiful and you more than deserve to be who you are. You don't own your identity to anyone, and continue to be unapologetically yourself. 💖🎀

[@KMABTCH]

If you dress like a stereotypical black person you get called ghetto. If you don’t dress like a stereotypical black person you get called white washed. Damned if you do damned if you don’t 😭

[@virginiamontaldo440]

Regarding color palettes and combinations, I was watching a video on a brand of old style sundresses and they had a variety of models of different races. It's true that the classic palette did suit white models (especially spring/summer color season models) better and I could see that in the video. However there were some instances where this was not true (a deep yellow sunflower dress for example), and it's true that anyone can dress with the colors they like...still if you want to be a perfectionist and use a palette that goes with your colors you can find for examples shades of pink, white, yellow etc that work. I like blue but it doesn't go well with my color palette (deep autumn), so I tweak the blue to specific shades and pair them with colors that 'work'.

[@stygiomedusae]

@@virginiamontaldo440 I completely agree!!! I find that people forget colours aren't set it stone and can have an array of different undertones and shades. As well as we ourselves have different undertones (regardless of our complexion) that should be taken into consideration. It's important we find what works for us! 💕

[@livingdollnextdoor]

yessss

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you so much for sharing!!🎀

[@xiletelo]

Tangentially related: I remember telling a black guy friend that I had a daydream of wearing flowers in my hair and frolicking through a magic meadow. Then he laughed and said “In this dream, were you still black?” That obviously hurt my feelings and I think it’s worth exploring why people seem to think you’re betraying your blackness if you embrace certain aspects of femininity that are usually associated with white womanhood.

[@spicyheather9001]

I'm so sorry to hear that. People need to learn that black don't only just mean African or getto, hood. Not all black people grow up to be like that

[@taylorcassidyj]

And also feeling free and joyful! I'm sorry this person could not imagine you feeling these things. This is something I try to convey with this channel: To be Black and free must include joy and expression.

[@undercoverfangirl5491]

@@spicyheather9001And even if you did grow up like that and still do, it’s ok to explore other fashion styles if it makes you happy.

[@CinemaDoll137]

yet they cry about how they're victims and should be the ones frolicking a la black boy joy lmao

[@britneybij3997]

Please make "certain aesthetics and black women" a series of vids. I need more video essays like this. Whats some other aesthetics y'all think she should deep dive into?

[@kirbyhandsanitizer]

i would absolutely love to see punk/metal and how it relates to the black community!!

[@Ms.Divine2024]

Yes yes yes

[@BlueMidnightpies]

Goth and Academia

[@dojasalieninthebasement3231]

Gothic and punk

[@kendallandbaxter8982]

Cottagecore

[@Chromaticcelestial]

Black girl coquette aesthetic contradicts & challenges a few assumptions/racial prejudices: 1. A “strong Black woman” stereotype suffering because of the lack of support from social, political, and economical systems. 2. Racially-focused social mobility in class systems and leisure that comes with it. 3. An aesthetic’s origins that predates a time where a large population of freed people of color. 4. An aesthetic that predates Industrial Revolution. People of color’s relationship with outdoor spaces prior to this was for work not for pleasure (another leisure point). Overall it’s a movement challenges the modern and older framework of American capitalism, colonialism, and race. Also, soft femininity only exists when women or those who identity as female feel safe. Without safety, the strong woman emerges as a coping mechanism to survive.

[@taylorcassidyj]

ATE! A+!!!

[@salinavita2287]

people have written essays trying to explain what you said in a youtube comment

[@aijun8031]

i love pink on darker skins!!!! I don't know why. It's just aesthetically pleasing. I'm no dark skin person or anything. I just like seeing people dressing up in pink. I like pink.

[@xLadyRaine]

While I am not a fan of the aesthetic for myself (although I think dark coquette is pretty), I love seeing other black women and girls dress like this. They look cute. It feels like a reclaiming of the girlhood that many of us have been denied

[@taylorcassidyj]

Love that!!

[@lydiaemile9836]

I'd like to add on to your perspective on the important of this aesthetic with something I have observed with black women and performing femininity, is that it is tied to our freedom and reclaiming our identity from misogynoir. Like for example to be seen as weak, to be a damsel in distress, to wear pink and practice "classical feminine hobbies" and other aspects of feminity that non black people see as "sending us back to the past". This is the direct opposite to white women who in attempting to dismantle misogynistic conceptions based on their appearance, go in the direct opposite direction which is how we got the whole "girl boss, not like the other girls" brand of ww feminism that many of them still lean into. It's like what is regressive for ww is a privilege and liberation for black women. Obviously nuance may need to be applied. But intersectionality is why stuff like this is important

[@taylorcassidyj]

TEA!!! "It's like what is regressive for ww is a privilege and liberation for black women" 💗💗

[@kilimanjaro5537]

Something that I’ve come to realize as I’ve gotten older is that I think even sometimes as Black people we fall victim into viewing our own selves through the lens of whiteness. Like even the way Black proms are talked about as being ghetto and over the top in a negative way points to a lack of understanding about who we are. When I see over the top proms, I just see a bunch of preppy and campy Black people but to someone white or even some black people, it’s ghetto and it’s like, no it’s not. It’s legit just people being maximalists. Even the way certain aesthetics within Blackness get placed under the hip hop umbrella or even music. Even when it’s clear that the aesthetic is clean girl or academia. Black people, we should be the default in our OWN existence. Stop othering yourself!

[@luuluumystics]

You're absolutely right because as an earthy black woman, I love chunky jewelry and dainty jewelry, I love long acrylic nails but also my short natural nails, I love modest, preppy clothes and biker shorts with an oversized graphic T-shirt. Let black women be WOMEN !!

[@jadasalaa]

for me the coquette aesthetic is me becoming the princess I wanted to be as an child!

[@taylorcassidyj]

yesssss!!!!

[@keex8833]

I miss this type of youtube vid, where someone does a thoughtful vid essay on an interest!

[@jaidenirving4738]

Please you nailed queen charlotte 😭😭😭

[@isthatachicken]

especially the little smirk she did

[@nahlakeepsyappin]

​@@isthatachicken "y'all dont wanna hear me y'all just wanna dance" type smirk 😭😭

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you HEHE

[@jasminerosewater3891]

I've been an alt Black girl since I was 10 and I'm 34 now. My style bangs, I live in a Black city and everyone embraces me, never had any hate or discomfort being who I am. I am in my 30s and wear bows and tiny skirts and people love it lol. Love to see this representation, this video was both fun and informed! Great points and energy.

[@taylorcassidyj]

I love that, thank you for sharing!!

[@jacklyneverage3881]

Black women in America only need to Google the style of Black women from the 1800's and 1900s to discover that middle and upper class Black women always dressed very feminine. Even the working class and poor on special occasions when they had the material to dress this way. So, we aren't dressing out of place or counter from our historical past.

[@stygiomedusae]

11:42 i love how both of them immediately reassured her once she second guessed herself

[@fluxusjpg]

you ate this, especially when it came to making clear that feminine is NOT a one size fits all description ❤ as a nonbinary femme, thanks for acknowledging that

[@taylorcassidyj]

Im glad you enjoyed!! And also glad that came across okay 😅💛

[@fae3821]

I don't think it's a reach, that's a great point! I loved watching BAPS for their fashion & friendship (& the fact that the movie had a happy ending!) and I noticed that's an aesthetic that's often referred to as "masculine & ghetto" Long nails, nail art, colorful accessories, intricate hairstyles, gold, big hoops...I've seen people call all of that ugly just to praise it when it's finally taken & put on a high fashion runway. I remember seeing an Instagram reel where a coquette aesthetic girlie was responding to people saying "Black girls can't be coquette" & unfortunately a lot of other Black coquette girlies in the comments were accusing Black women of being jealous of her because "They're just masculine & ugly!" It showed me that some Black people think Black women should *only* be coquette because it's the acceptable femininity. They were hating on other aesthetics and just using "masculine" as an insult. I had to avoid anything coquette for a bit because they were getting toxic. Even though the video was basically "We're allowed to wear pastels & bows", most of the comments were "These Black masculine women are just jealous" "They're mad they're ugly" So, yeah 🙄*sigh* This was a great video💗

[@taylorcassidyj]

Now THATS crazy omg. Thank you for sharing this. I feel like that video’s comments is a great reminder to be careful of how we use yt supremacy’s stereotypes against ourselves. Thank you for sharing.

[@jojoone1099]

The college girl's aesthetic is so cute. I'm glad to see her happy.

[@erikaarnold4780]

SUBSCRIBED, GIRL! Love my woke girlies! Loved the “Black Joy Break”. This whole setup made me happy. Amen! We don’t have to “rage” to have good content. Thank you, good Sis! Power To The People💅🏾

[@taylorcassidyj]

My goal exactly!!! I want to have these important conversations yes, but I also want you to feel empowered instead of drained 💗💗

[@Alicatnoscaredycat]

I’m happy to see my sisters expressing themselves freely no matter the push back we get from society, yall really give me the confidence I need🥰

[@InvisibleRen]

I’ve tried so many aesthetics since 2010 when I started being able to buy my own clothes with my own money. Casual lolita, Hong Kong/Taiwanese fashion, Harajuku Street Style, Mori Girl… this was all before “aesthetics” became popularized in the west. Once “cores” and “aesthetics” became mainstream in the west, I happened to be trying to find a style to fit when I was done with those youthful, innocent, ultra-feminine styles and had realized androgynous style also wasn’t for me. Then after accumulating a hodgepodge wardrobe, I realized trying to fit into an aesthetic was the opposite of what I’d always done. Before, I wore what I liked and that 90% fit into one thing. But now I like several types of aesthetics and just buy what I find cute (that won’t get me labeled even younger than I already look bc while I still am attracted to some doll-like and childishly whimsical things, something especially sucks about being infantalized in your 30s). It’s cool to see black women expressing themselves in these ways but I hope we can all remember to confine ourselves to what we enjoy and makes us feel confident not to what a Pinterest board tells you you can and cannot wear. If your style 99% fits into a certain aesthetic, go for it! If it doesn’t, don’t force it.

[@taylorcassidyj]

Love what you said here!! Thank you for sharing!

[@cheesychi8317]

I'm sorry I can't focus on anything else except for how you glammed up a bonnet. Hair clip, matching colors, the whole shebang. I kinda love it

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you so much!!🎀🎀

[@888bjxjs888]

I was a lolita in the early 2010s; these styles are more wearable everyday than that but have some of the same considerations. It's a style that derives from an internal experience but also uses visual codes of color and shape that affect people who view the style.

[@lequeenvicky]

You should do a deep dive on black women and kawaii, gothic or e-girl fashion!

[@chenillesagoe6348]

Yes I totally agree ✅

[@taylorcassidyj]

That would be fun!!

[@donyahanna8502]

YASSSSS🎉

[@jadedream6238]

Omg you so have to do the black girl alternative aesthetic next

[@zevscozyplace]

you're so right AND you made a video essay musical and it was phenomenal!!!! this made me recall a bunch of memories of how my girly-girl friends dressed. my neighbor who wore her hair in puffs and pretty little braids with the baubles on the ends who I thought was so beautiful.

[@taylorcassidyj]

YES!!

[@Guruaisha24]

I have had a hard time being more feminine and really go deep with it. I love wearing dresses and pink, but have been hesitant and falling into other 'aesthetics/lifestyles' because they seemed more accepted (for me), This video made it clear why, like everything just made sense. Thank you so much for making this video!!☺

[@taylorcassidyj]

I struggle with it too still! So many things and words from our childhoods affect what we believe we're allowed to be. We gon change the narrative together sista.

[@sarahthomas8670]

I love seeing black women in this aesthetic. Bw are always denied their feminity and feel like this taking it back. I love dressing up girly and pink is my favourite colour

[@indigostreaks5522]

THANK YOU FOR THE LAST PART. If we can only define femininity through a eurocentric gaze. we are bound to perpetuate white supremacy. as a brown fashion girlie i feel like this has been something i grew up having to learn. when your race defines you as the inverse of purity you try to play into what is desired to be accepted. but as ive grown into adulthood and into my queerness i strive to wear what makes me feel good rather than trying to overcompensate for acceptance.

[@taylorcassidyj]

Preach!!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@indigostreaks5522]

@@taylorcassidyj thank YOU. your videos are always so insightful. as an aspiring costume designer who wishes to not only be inclusive but celebratory, your channel is a gem. ty for your work

[@jacklyneverage3881]

Younger Black women need to do more research. Despite slavery and stereotypes, Black women dressed this way back in the 1600s, 1700s and 1800s. Wearing dresses was the norm. Now, how nice the attire was depended on what a person could afford. It's a Google search ladies. Really. Black women in our community were always viewed as ladies and expected to act that way. We didn't give credence to members in the outside community who practiced racism against us to determine how to carry ourselves within our own ethnic racial community. It's only been in modern times post the Civil Rights era that there was this internalization or acceptance of this strong Black woman trope and even men from our ethnic group referring to us as acting too masculine. This way of dressing is simply a return to the way we dressed in the past.

[@nonbinary_pirate]

I am a black nonbinary person who is transmasc but my outfits are anywhere from femme to masc to more neutral but it’s taken me a bit to get more comfortable and empowered wearing feminine clothing. Both from a gender standpoint and also from a race standpoint. Femininity and softness is just not associated with Black femmes often, stemming from sexism and transphobia of Black women and woman of color not being “real women” and not being seen in the same light as white women. If we think stereotypes surrounding Black women, it’s the angry Black woman trope or the fierce woman, or the confident I don’t need a man Black lady. And all of these focus on more traditionally masculine traits. Soft and Black people (especially femmes) are not often seen together at least without a festishy mindset involved. So when I see Black women in pinks, and whites, and flowers, and lace, I feel so empowered. Even if it’s not a style or look I want to wear. Because Black femmes hyping each other up and wearing what makes you feel good makes me feel empowered in what I wear to. It makes me feel like I can do the same thing to with confidence too. I never saw pictures of Black people in softer colors and outfits growing up. So seeing so many images like this just makes me happy and like we can truly wear anything you know? Shoutout to all the Black fashion creators who have inspired me, especially plus sized creators who should always be at the forefront of really any fashion movement 🫶🏽

[@taylorcassidyj]

What a wonderful viewpoint. Thank you for your openness here! 💛

[@StarpoBerry]

The way you described the PDF file issues in this movement reminds me of the issue with Lolita Fashion. I remember when a friend of a friend thought that another friend and I were Littles 😩😩😩 our friend corrected him so quick! But omg that's just 🫠🫠

[@virginiamontaldo440]

Lolita has THAT drawback. It's in the name 😅

[@StarpoBerry]

@virginiamontaldo440 if we can separate things like Bimbo, Slűt, Bîtch, and the most egregious word, nigʻga from us origins and refrain it then I personally believe that this can be done for the fashion movement as well. Lolita fashion isn't related to the book and it is a shame that there is that unfortunate connection

[@virginiamontaldo440]

@@StarpoBerry The thing is, a late teens girl or a grown woman wearing lolita, which is a stylized take on Victorian girly doll fashion, can either look like one of these two things: silly, because she looks too 'old' for the style or too much of a porcelain doll, or sexualizing girlhood when there is a sexy angle (many examples...some 'littles' being one). In the first case she can brush it off as nonsense and keep being her eccentric self. But in the second case there is no easy way out, and it does have a negative impact on non-sexy lolitas. Personally I find lolita too dolly on anyone over 12, but you do you. I don't assume lolitas to be pedo-adjacent unless proven otherwise, just women who like the fashion/subculture.

[@lucyandecember2843]

Littles?

[@blyndeaf8503]

Ruth is so beautiful! The style really suits her and her beauty really shines through because you can tell she loves the style and it really helps her radiates her joy. To me, that’s what fashion has always been about, self expression and fun.

[@taylorcassidyj]

I totally agree!! I've been stalking her page lol I need to know where she shops.

[@AmbientofLight]

😂oh i was doing coquette without even knowing in 2017-18 when i was done being strong, i wanted to feel like a cute girl...not sexy or pretty. Now, i am past that. I dont need to be cute or anything to feel lije a woman..i am 😂that feeling came from embracing a male energy thus becoming "strong" i was really masculine then. At my softest my voice turns into a childs and tbh ? Everyone freak out cos they begin sexualising the innocence so ive stayed away from me by blaming myself for "tempting " them....no more.

[@beegonzales7513]

Would love to see alternative / goth / Afro-Punk because it’s a style I see a lot IRL but never in media (other than Hobbie and a few exceptions.)

[@nicolem4riee]

i feel so confident when im wearing my pink and girly clothing. this was madeee for me

[@lalac7207]

Um, imma need that song on my spotify list. Str8 bop. 🔥🔥🔥

[@DapperGoth]

I love the heart glasses the expert wears

[@Ms.Divine2024]

Countless Melanin talks about some of these topics.

[@christinea.a.a]

18:18 the FIT ON THE LEFT IS SO PRETTY🫶🏾🥹

[@katlafae9487]

Lol girl I did expect the music video the song gonna hit and the name tenacity. Plus you also real and also I always like girly stuff ever since was little girl yes we need to break barriers.

[@periodt87]

That song break was SOO GOOD!! 💗

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you!!

[@BiancaLonesse]

Ahh it me at 3:51! 🎀 Love to see so many familiar faces in this community represented. 🥰💕

[@jessicasledge1743]

Ooooo!! First of all, I adore this video, I love deep dives! You've got a new subscriber! I especially appreciate you for the "hoochie mama" segment!! A lot of the inspiration for those looks can be traced back to various tribes in Africa. The hair, the nails, the jewelry, the colorful clothing... I absolutely agree that it counts under the coquette umbrella, but rather than call it hoochie mama (though we all kno what you mean 😂), I'd even reclaim the title "BAPS" - because in the case of those born in the US, it's a mix and match of aesthetics we kept and borrowed from our ancestry, plus hip-hop culture which originated here anyway. "Afro-coquette" would also work overall since it would be encompassing all of the ways that black women across the diaspora embrace and express their femininity. And it's very different from the Eurocentric style that defines traditional Coquette aesthetics. I was born in the late 80's and grew up seeing Queen Latifah, Aaliyah, Lauren Hill, Erykah Badu, TLC, EVE, Missy Elliot, Lil Kim, Nia Long, and so many other black female artists and actresses. I thought they were all gorgeous and feminine! There was always backlash towards young feminine black girls growing up to temper our femininity, or else we were considered "fast" or "trying to be grown" or the aforementioned "hoochie mamas". I feel like for the longest time, we were never allowed to truly embrace that side of ourselves, so I'm glad it's becoming more accepted. Sorry for the long comment, but this was such a great video, I had to say something. I can't wait to see more 😊

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you for this!!! I also LOVE the reclamation of B.A.P.S. This perspective is awesome.

[@spicyheather9001]

Afro Latino here, I was going to do my bedroom room lolita coquette, and East Indian theme. Its good to be red,white,and pink though. I was going for a princess Jasmine Jafar, Heather Chandler and Jem & the holograms theme too when I move into my own place

[@sheilaajjie]

Love this so much!!!! I got educated and entertained by the music break lollll

[@lovelove-55s]

This is one part of my my aesthetic & I love my fellow coquette girlies

[@jadasalaa]

absolutely love this videooo🤍🤍🤍

[@MyPreciousPeace]

THIS IS GLORIOUS CONTENT!! The topics, the video production, the Bridgerton type educational reenactment, the joy break, the wisdom and inspiration !!!! THIS IS IMPECCABLE, EMPRESSIVE, and a standard of excellence for the future of content creation. It’s energy and informative!! You’ve unlocked all the aspects of yourself and made some art. Glad I came across your video/ART! 💖✨💖✨

[@taylorcassidyj]

How wonderful it is to receive words like this. I put my all into this and it feels really good to be seen. Thank you 💛

[@trendy4tmrw]

The intro hits every time

[@taylorcassidyj]

YASSS

[@babiegirl526]

this channel is so cool i never seen a black girl channel before i love this. the songs remind me of the pbs kids commercial songs theyd have inbetween shows. it is so cool seeing people of color do coquette. i remember the og coquette in 2021 when itwas like brandy melville and the amazon floral bedsheets and id only see like 2 black girls and most of it was white girls. im into vintage stuff and coquette takes alot from that too. im embarassed of liking it because im black and sometimes people say like you know "why do you like that old stuff i mean they were racist back then" and sometimes i do think when i watch old things or look at it most of the girls wearing it are white and it can make you feel like it wouldnt look right on you because it just reminds you of the suffering they went through. this was a marvellous video

[@taylorcassidyj]

First, thank you so much for the compliment!! PBS vibe is literally my inspo lol. Second, i want to tell you a story if you have time!! When I was in my junior year, I was in my AP history class. At the time, I thought I was going to grow up to be a fashion designer, and my teacher knew this. It was nearing prom and the teacher was talking to the class about what prom might be like if it had an 1800s theme. It was a fun, light conversation, making jokes about old timey music and what-not. Then he said, "And Taylor can design the dresses!" Immediately I became defensive and kind brought the vibe down. After class, my teacher pulled me aside and gently asked why I was so thwarted by the idea. When I revealed my thoughts that I would have been a slave during those times and I probably wouldn't have been able to attend prom, he said (I don't remember the exact words it's been years lol) something along the lines, "Don't let the negative things about the past take the fun out of imagination." And that REALLY changed my mindset. I learned that day that if we define eras like the 1800s only by slavery and suffering, we also forget that our ancestors had joy, laughter, and probably imagined going to balls, concerts, and adventures like us. To being that reality to life through clothing in my opinion honors what they may have desired.

[@babiegirl526]

@@taylorcassidyj thank you, im in my junior year too. that is a beautiful story i never thought of it that way. they did have joy as well. there was even black debutante balls to help fight against stereotypes and uplift and show that black people can be elegant. even though they had suffering that isnt their only traits, wow thank you so much i use to be so embarassed, this means very much to me 💐💗

[@SzerynityStevens]

This video is to good it was funn and entertaining and shared good views in a positive way love it !😍

[@rheadreid]

BAPS is one of my favoriteeee movies!

[@taylorcassidyj]

Same girl you don’t even know. BOO YOW

[@TiffanyDArtist]

This is THE BEST. My style represented quite well through the art of video. You are fantastic as usual!

[@taylorcassidyj]

I appreciate that thank you!!

[@Creamy_moonx90]

Wake up Taylor is BACK!❤

[@biancanaishe]

Someone actually said to me "why do you dress like a white girl" this comment came from someone I knew and I know it wasn't to be hurtful but actually from a place of curiosity/ignorance and just worded wrong but I just think about from time to time. I live in a majority white country but the place I work at we're all Africans. So I know to Africans my style is really unique/odd and not so common. The aesthetic which most people expect black girls to have is like ig baddie, uk baddie, street style, earth girl etc. Freedom for all the soft/ feminine black girlies and also the black girls with weird or unique style(kawaii, goth, anime inspired and just other cute or soft styles that are trending rn (east Asian feminine fashion)) which is NOT earth girl aesthetic because I feel like that style is pushed out alot and more accepted for people who want to dress out of the box kinda.

[@KC-d9t]

Thank you for making this video and for the black joy moment!!!! 💜🙏🏾✨

[@taylorcassidyj]

Im glad you enjoyed!!

[@ziannotzion]

another great video!! the queen charlotte face has me screaming though

[@taylorcassidyj]

The ✨smirk✨

[@javencummins1426]

I love your songs in this video.

[@nii9334]

I really love this series, thank you for educating us fashion girlies you are amazing🫵🏽🫶🏽

[@taylorcassidyj]

Im so glad you enjoyed!!

[@sayhaje]

You talented Af 💃🏾🤯💅🏾

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you!!

[@christiannacohen3503]

i love the way this video is structured it gives electric company

[@taylorcassidyj]

literally my inspiration

[@TheFairytaleLifestyle]

Ran to the comments to say your queen charlotte impression is SO spot on. The eye squint had me.

[@taylorcassidyj]

LOL Thank you!! The amount of eye squinting takes on my camera are abundant lol

[@NotUrLov3r]

I love your hair and makeup 😊🩷

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you!!

[@DapperGoth]

Your british accent is quite good 👍

[@taylorcassidyj]

you know i been watching love island and what nawt

[@dazaipetals]

the way i was gagged in how you correlated coquette to ghetto fabulous

[@taylorcassidyj]

LMFAOO I love KZbin cause I can give Ted talks on literally whatever I want

[@mariellinda8624]

This was good.

[@sabrinathewitchh]

You ate this whole video up!!👏👏 the skit, the facts, the EVERYTHING!!! #NewSubscriber 🧁💛

[@tranesethehairstylist]

Girl, you’re so creative!

[@thebakingvet]

17:36 Sorry if I sound like the fashion police but as someone who has liked coquette for 4 years, coquette ultimately isn’t just feminine. It’s a specific type of feminine that generally reminisces of old timey things or things that are found to be elegant. As sourced from Aesthetics Wiki “ Coquette is a Girly aesthetic that includes similar feminine sub-aesthetics generally associated with Lana Del Rey and mostly enjoyed by teenage girls. The aesthetic evolved since the mid-2010s on Tumblr, where the term originated from a community based on pursuing the persona of the Nymphet-a sexually precocious young girl who seduces older men, created in the mind of the unreliable narrator of Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov.[1] Then, the name changed to coquette in order to circumvent the ban on the term Nymphet on many social media sites. Coquette is a French word referring to an attractive, flirtatious young woman (not 'little girl' which is why the term is preferred). Coquette could also be considered ‘western Lolita’ since it derives from Nymphet, however, 'western Lolita' shouldn't be confused with Lolita fashion since both aesthetics share names but have different roots and motivation. However, it is important to note that the majority of Nymphets don’t support the sexualization of little girls, instead it focuses more on age gaps and daddy issues. But because of mass-tagging and the ubiquity of the Nymphet community on that site, many photos unrelated to the aesthetic of the novel and film were tagged under Coquette. Now, Coquette is a broad search term for a hyper-feminine aesthetic that incorporate elements of youth and teenage girlhood. The visual elements of the different aesthetics vary, but they generally involve an emphasis on girly fashion and share an appreciation for Lana del Rey's music and aesthetic, due to her songs focusing on girlhood and flirtation/seduction. The aesthetic is also contrary to the visuals favored by most teenaged girls, as all variations involve things that are "frillier" and more vintage in appearance compared to mainstream trends. Sometimes, there are mentions of promiscuity, mental illness, and drugs, but this is not unusual in the culture of high school-aged girls. The imagery of coquette is considered in line with conventional attractiveness in Western society, with a large part of the community focusing on appearing attractive such as in fashion, makeup, and sometimes body type.” Hope this helps. I’m actually Black and Puerto Rican so I’m not saying this to hate, I’m just saying coquette is more nuanced than what people think and not everything that is feminine ultimately is coquette.

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you for your perspective and sharing! Interesting how different fashion/styles are interpreted differently as cultures and history change.

[@asamabry]

did you ever want to be a singer because these songs you be making are so good! i love quirky KZbinrs like you where creativity shows 😊😊❤️👍🏾love the essay and all the pink

[@taylorcassidyj]

LOL, I’ve never dreamed of it as a career, but I think it’s fun!!

[@holliebrown101]

I really enjoyed this video. It's giving E/I tv❤❤❤

[@hariann.n515]

I love your take on the subject 👏🏾 Also your earrings look amazing on you ❤

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you so much!

[@cakecleveland9438]

I love this you did an amazing job with this video! Also made me show this to my mother and send her flowers my mother had me in bows and ribbons and dresses and gowns ,bubble baths manicures and pedicures and I've always felt like a princess because of her .

[@taylorcassidyj]

Shoutout to your mom that’s awesome 🥹💛

[@cakecleveland9438]

@@taylorcassidyj ,Ahh, Thank you !

[@STIR-FRIED-SUBWAY-RAT]

That break was well needed

[@Jaden_williams]

Hey, can u make a full video about the history of the term hoochie mama plzz 🙏 😢 love girl

[@trendy4tmrw]

Keep following your heart w these topics ❤

[@tyeprettygirl5591]

Now this has captivated my absolute attention ❤, I totally just subscribed 🎉

[@generaldiego]

dope

[@Wintersno]

love your videos!!!

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you!!

[@jahmilah5892]

Love the song !

[@justwannabeme5388]

Let's stop rejecting the image of Nisee and Mickey. It is so many "hood" girls that were the sweetest, most encouraging, feminine and realest girls/women I've ever met. I will never let people put them in a box too. I also think that the 80's-00's were appreciated the hood girlies and even the men were obsessed with them. What happened was many men got rejected by those women who were once considered "it girls" of the time. So they based their hate for those girls with reject and the self hate they have for themselves. I learned femininity from the hood girlies growing up. While my family were country girl feminine. That naivety that comes with it, can make you a doormat if you meet the wrong man. Hood girlies embody "Dark femininity." While Corquette girls embody "Soft femininity."

[@taylorcassidyj]

Interesting take, thank you for sharing!

[@moonbaby222]

ayeee the second picture on the thumbnail is from my pinterest! love ur videos i love ur tiktoks

[@taylorcassidyj]

Omg that’s amazing!! 💗🎀🎀

[@momoe.4075]

Yoooo you are TALENTED

[@taylorcassidyj]

💛💛💛

[@taylorcassidyj]

Thank you!!

[@EyeanaJade]

Omggggeee can you please drop Tenaciti’s song, that was actually so amazing. I’d stream it💚

[@incantations446]

Idk how you be coming up with these black girl aesthetics for these videos. I ain’t never heard of none of them but I am definitely all ears👂

[@taylorcassidyj]

it's me being chronically online LMAO

[@Ms.Divine2024]

58th like. Tysm I love this and PINK.

[@fashionmfsworstnightmare]

lolita is literally all abt preadatory activites around coquetterie.

[@nantenin123]

I know I might be late on commenting but can you cover the “dark girl” aesthetic (emo, grunge, scene, gothic etc)

[@taylorcassidyj]

It’s my next video :)

[@isthatachicken]

Aaw just in time babes I was about to rewatch your last video because I miss your shooting, editing and writing style? 😂 anyway let me watch

[@taylorcassidyj]

Girl whaAttttt, you made me smile thank you 💛💛

[@aesthetix_K]

I thought she was Jenny Park😂

[@STIR-FRIED-SUBWAY-RAT]

How do i do this but as a really big and intimidating looking dude with dreads, piercings and tattoos cause... 😢

[@taylorcassidyj]

One of the people whose interview audio I lost taught us about "bloquette"! You might like it!

[@shanequagreen8409]

Thanks for creating this video bringing so many perspectives to the table! Can you share where you found this interview timed at 11:30 because these two where dropping big knowledge on us! 💯💯💯

[@taylorcassidyj]

I filmed it with my friend 💗 you can keep up to date with more of their perspective on my TikTok!

[@estherironkwe25]

What’s the intro song/instrumental?

[@taylorcassidyj]

The producer is in the end credits!

[@traceymallard]

I like the femininity of it all...but why does it have to be pink? That alone says to me this is short lived, because just the colour alone states that this may not last long if it can't offer more individuality under its feminine lacy umbrella.

[@taylorcassidyj]

Not all pink! I just liked the color for branding in this video. But coquette is def not all pink :D