Harajuku Style

[paulinaf]

i loooove this, it's not something i'd wear myself but it's great for inspiration.

 

[GingaSquid]

I think it looks fun and I love the more punk/goth sub-styles.

I just read an interesting article in the November edition of Marie Claire Australia about Cosplay ("Costume Play") and one of the biggest and most surreal event in Japan - The World Cosplay Summit.

The article (written by Danielle Demetriou) says that 'Cosplayers' can spend a year and thousands of dollars creating their costumes. Apparently, its not just about dressing up - Cosplayers live and breathe their adopted personas (from Japanese comics (manga) and Japanese animation (anime).

 

[Couturette]

This trend is so refreshing and funny
I'd never wear it myself either but I like looking at all those styles and their unique way of dressing!

 

[papa_levante]

Thread deserves a nice bump!




japanforum

 

[papa_levante]

japanforum

 

[lordevan]

extra halloweens

 

[Aradia-Renee]

I wish I could be a Japanese teenager girl for a Sunday... I think a few are a bit clownish, but the marority are adorable.

 

[Aradia-Renee]

Although it does remind me of a few haloweens when I was younger.

 

[FashionablyVivid]

I have always thought Japan was full of amazing clothing styles. My favorite is Gothic Lolita and just Lolita in general! These are so fun:

http://mocoloco.com/art/upload/2009/02/books_gothic_lolita.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08jL2SYgVmbZV/610x.jpg

 

[SleepyHed]

Is there less of a distinction between Fashion and Costume in Japan?

 

[papa_levante]

I love Lolita the most! Decora is a close second.

Is there less of a distinction between Fashion and Costume in Japan?

I think this is just for fun. If I researched it correctly since I did a project on Harajuku style for my Intercultural Communication class, it is only something they do after school or on the weekends when they get a chance to socialize. Most kids in Japan wear a uniform to school. Dressing this way is in now way allowed during school hours, so it is only when they have extra time. Hope that was of some help.

 

[RubyJewelStone]

This is certainly more costume, but fun nonetheless.

However, a majority of them have to remove the thick make up and costumes eventually in order to go to work or school or function in society. Especially, for a traditionally monogenous society with the famous old proverb of "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down."

So this certainly doesn't represent the mainstream or majority in Japan. However it's quite a popular and growing subculture with many facets to consider.

Although, I think the ganguro gals might be more Shibuya if I'm not mistaken. I can be wrong, I haven't studied this culture in quite a while.

 

[papa_levante]

Although, I think the ganguro gals might be more Shibuya if I'm not mistaken. I can be wrong, I haven't studied this culture in quite a while.

Ganguro are the girls with the fake tans. What is Shibuya?

 

[pash4fash]

Wow, it must take these girls FOREVER to get ready in the morning!

 

[sqekcx]

Ganguro are the girls with the fake tans. What is Shibuya?

The Shibuya station is the station next to Harajuku station. However the whole are is actually under the Shibuya ward. I don't know if there is a Shibuya under the Shibuya ward though. According to wiki the Shibuya and Ikebukuro districts are the centre of ganguro, so I guess it still belongs to Harajuku style.

 

[beyrownvalentine]

Shibuya 109

The Shibuya girls (amazingly caked-on fake tan. toffee coloured hair) tend to hang around the Shibuya 109 mall, just off the main crossing - it's teen girl mecca - loads of cheap (for Tokyo) fast fashion and Hard House blaring. Mental. Gave me a massive headache.

I think the Harajuku look is all a little contrived now - it's quite a self-conscious scene - lots of people dress up in hope of getting spotted....

 

[Elise1986]

Is there less of a distinction between Fashion and Costume in Japan?

well, i guess the answer is no

 

[Petit Lucille]

although i find myself saying more often than not "oh dear god" while looking at the pictures, i appreciate the idea of wearing whatever you like no matter what others may think. that being said, i'm surprised to find there are categories.. meaning, if the style expresses oneself's individuality, how is it possible to establish a pattern?

 

[*Jibrielle*]

I love lolita style the most <3

Source: Takura's Blog http://takulu.blog79.fc2.com/

 

[papa_levante]

Lolita style is quite cute, but the blond is just too much for me. Especially since close to zero Asians can actually pull off blond hair.