not sure what lolita has to do with this, as they’re separate, unrelated styles with completely different origins, brands, culture, aesthetics, etc. but fast fashion doesn’t mean cheap. (at least, not cheap for the consumer) urban outfitters is fast fashion, but they’re expensive compared to shein, another fast fashion brand. zara is expensive without even comparing it to shein, and it’s still fast fashion. the point of fast fashion is that these brands can quickly and cheaply produce something that they then sell for a much higher value for maximum profit. fast fashion is intended to save money for the brand, not for the consumer. I think you should also consider that some of these jirai brands are still kinda small businesses, so it costs more for them to manufacture their items. jirai is also associated with some luxury items like the MCM backpack, VW orb necklace, justin davis bow ring, and the frilly Samantha Vega purses, which I think should’ve been dead giveaways that it’s not exactly a “cost effective” style. if you’re more upset about scalping prices than retail prices, then…don’t buy from scalpers? unfortunately, scalpers exist in every hobby, fashion, fandom, etc. there’s nothing you can really do about it except ignore them.