Title

Paradise Kiss

Also known as: パラダイス・キス, ParaKiss

by Ai Yazawa, Éric Montésinos

Score from AniList: 82/100finished5 volumes48 chapters

Drama Romance More like Paradise Kiss

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Yukari wants nothing more than to make her parents happy by studying hard and getting into a good college. One afternoon, however, she is kidnapped by a group of self-styled fashionistas calling themselves "Paradise Kiss." Yukari suddenly finds herself flung into the roller-coaster life of the fashion world, guided by George, art-snob extraordinaire. In a glamorous makeover of body, mind and soul, she is turned from a hapless bookworm into her friends 22 own exclusive clothing model. (Source: TOKYOPOP)

Chapters available: 48
Type: Manga

Hoard Verdict

The StoryHoard editorial verdict

★ 4.5/5

A stylish, sincere coming-of-age story about a bookish student pulled into the fashion world, with a glamorous surface and an honest heart beneath.

Pros

Stylish, glamorous art and fashion detail
A sincere portrait of ambition and self-discovery
Memorable, complicated characters

Cons

The melodrama can feel heavy at times
The romance is messy and not always satisfying

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Read the full take

Paradise Kiss is a stylish, sincere coming-of-age story with a premise that feels like a dream. A bookish student who wants nothing more than to please her parents is kidnapped by a group of fashion-obsessed friends, and she is pulled into a glamorous world of design and self-invention. The art is stylish, with fashion detail that makes every outfit a statement. The characters are complicated and memorable, and the story treats their ambitions with real seriousness. The honest cons: the melodrama can feel heavy at times, and the romance is messy and not always satisfying. Some plot points are resolved quickly. Still, it is a warm, honest story about becoming yourself. If you enjoy fashion stories with real emotional stakes, this one is well worth the trip.