question for long term lolitas.

[coolscaryguy.livejournal.com]

I'm trying to narrow down when lolita stared to catch on in the US. so that I can have the cartoon set in that year.

This question is mostly for older lolitas, What year do you remember seeing people at a con in a loltia dresses ? I'm talking about people "doing" lolita for the con not people who are into the fashion.