Harajuku Style

[papa_levante]

- wiki.

Harajuku (原宿 "meadow lodging") is the common name for the area around Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan. The area is known internationally for its youth style and fashion. Harajuku street style is promoted in Japanese and international publications such as Kera, Tune, Gothic & Lolita Bible and Fruits (magazine).

(I hope this doesn't get merged with Japanese street style. I think this style is one of a kind, with so many influences and sub-groups.)

Photos a-comin'!

 

[papa_levante]

- japan forum.

 

[papa_levante]

 

[papa_levante]

How to Dress Harajuku Style

Harajuku style originated among teens on the streets of the Harajuku Shopping District in Tokyo. It may have been brought to many people's attention by American singer Gwen Stefani, but the evolution of the style certainly didn't begin with her and it certainly won't end with her. Like many "street fashions" it is difficult to characterize, both because it is constantly changing and because it has many manifestations. There is no cookie-cutter approach to the style, but if you want to dress in Harajuku style, here are some guidelines to get you started.

1. Mix and (mis)match differentfashions. What is now known as Harajuku (like Halloween in Japan every Sunday) style started as teens in the district began to integrate traditional Japanese attire, especially kimonos and geta sandals, into their dress. Before, they wore primarily clothes that were influenced by the West, but by mixing the traditional with the modern, they created a new style. Other examples of mixing and matching including the punk look with the schoolgirl uniform or a goth look with designer clothes. In Harajuku, mixing different styles and mismatching colors and patterns is encouraged--you can do anything you want, as long as your outfit is a thoughtful expression of your individuality.

2. Become familiar with variations of style in the Harajuku district. It's impossible to pinpoint one "Harajuku style." Many styles have originated or developed on the streets of Harajuku, and many Harajuku girls (and boys) integrate one or more of these somewhat more defined styles into their outfits.

3. Dress in layers. One of the hallmarks of Harajuku is layering. Sweaters, vests, or jackets over blouses over t-shirts, dresses worn with leggings, and so on. Layering clothes (or giving the appearance of layering by wearing ruffled dresses, for example) allows you to mix and match a wider variety of different styles, and adds more dimension to your outfit.

4. Customize your clothes. Secondhand clothing and do-it-yourself styles are popular ingredients in a Harajuku outfit. Like that flowered skirt but think it would look cuter with a ribbon pinned on it or with a more uneven, angular hemline? Get out the scissors and glue and make your store-bought clothes uniquely yours. Or, go even further and make your own skirt. Cutting the fabric to create bold angles and lines can make even a plain black dress appear remarkable and fun.

5. Accessorize. Add any wild accessories you have, such as belts, earrings, hair clips, jewelry, and handbags. Remember, accessories can be colorful and loud, and they don't have to match your clothes. Speaking of loud, in decora, a particular Harajuku style, accessories embellish an outfit from head to toe, and objects such as bells are sometimes used to add an aural dimension to the wardrobe.

6. Go wild with your hair and makeup. The Harajuku style doesn't have to stop with your clothes. Pigtails and other "cute" hairstyles are particularly popular, as is dying your hair. Creative, even theatrical makeup can be a fun addition.

7. Wear whatever looks good to you. It's been said that the Harajuku style is not really a protest against mainstream fashion and commercialism (as punk was), but rather a way of dressing in whatever looks good to you. If you think mismatched rainbow and polka-dot leggings look good with a plaid dress, go for it!

8. Smile and say chiizu! If you dress Harajuku style outside of Harajuku, you'll likely draw attention from people unfamiliar with your international fashion sense. If the attention isn't positive, just smile graciously and keep going about your business. But if people ask questions or want to take pictures, strike a pose! The people in Harajuku are proud of their style, so you should be, too.

 

[papa_levante]

There are sub-groups of Harajuku style. Surprisingly!

Gothic Lolita involves wearing gothic, feminine and elegant clothes, to the extent that you look like a living Victorian doll.
- wiki/wikihow.



Japanese punks, inspired by the punk movement that began in London in the 70s, magnify rebelliousness with over-the-top clothes, accessories, makeup, and piercings.
- wikihow.



Cosplay entails dressing up like your favorite cartoon/anime or computer game character.
- wiki/wikihow.

In ganguro fashion, a deep tan is combined with hair dyed in shades of orange to blonde, or a silver gray known as "high bleached". Black ink is used as eyeliner and white concealer is used as lipstick and eyeshadow. False eyelashes, plastic facial gems, and pearl powder are often added to this.
- wiki.



Kawaii (literally translating from Japanese to "cute") places an emphasis on childlike playfulness--anime characters, ruffles, pastel colors, toys, and so on.
- wikihow.

 

[dior_couture1245]

I've always thought Harajuku was really bizarre. It's obnoxious to me to see teenagers and adults dressing like 3-year-olds/ cartoon characters.

 

[tigerrouge]

I like the way they put so much thought into creating their outfits, and considering how some of these groups get treated by mainstream Japanese press, they're quite brave/rebellious to continue dressing that way.

 

[John_M.]

I love Japan. I'd especially love to go to Japan someday. What I've learned about Japanese femme fashion is that they love vibrant colors. They can layer fashion without looking overdressed. Nothing can be more fun and artistic than to go Harajuku with this style. It is a delicate balance to try to get this style done right. I think the primary keys to this look is to have imagination as well as an eye for creativity, and if it comes into question- a little bit of bravery.

Of course, confidence is needed in trying out ANY style. As someone who loves Japan and has seen a countless number of Cosplay folk, there's a real sense of accomplishment in pulling off looks like these. They aren't chic, they aren't femme, not "fab," but it's a daring style that's very rewarding to pull off if done right. And this goes for femmes and hommes. It's the artistic appeal and the creativity that draws me to this style the most.

 

[Baby_Rube]

You know, I do appreciate the Japanese teens/adults putting so much effort into their outfits. But another point of view, do you guys think that the Harajuku style is too over-the-top to the point where it's too costume-y?

-Rubes

 

[John_M.]

It can be over the top. I don't think you'll see anyone like, say... Kate Moss or anybody trying this out. It's this over-the-top and outrageous thing that gives the Japanese their identity in fashion. It's about the clothes as well as the colors. They can even do black and white quite well. Their style is all about colorful imagination. They do it so well. Nothing chic or ultra-feminine- just creative and fun.

As far as the costume-like aspect goes, not really. These looks are more about imagination than silhouette looks or anything. As long as you're able to put outfits together in your own tasteful way, there's really no need to think you're wearing a costume or anything. The thing I worry about is... how is anyone going to translate these wild designs into a set of fashionable looks? I doubt I'll see any femme dyeing their hair blue for an animé-inspired look. Harajuku Lovers is pretty much the best way to get Japanese style to fit your own style. It's going to be tough to get a few good looks together. But for those who can pull off great looks with this style... more power to you.

By the way, welcome to tFS, Baby_Rube! Nice seeing another Texan on here.

 

[Baby_Rube]

The thing I worry about is... how is anyone going to translate these wild designs into a set of fashionable looks? I doubt I'll see any femme dyeing their hair blue for an animé-inspired look. Harajuku Lovers is pretty much the best way to get Japanese style to fit your own style. It's going to be tough to get a few good looks together. But for those who can pull off great looks with this style... more power to you.

By the way, welcome to tFS, Baby_Rube! Nice seeing another Texan on here.

You know after reading the first paragraph of your reply, I immediately start to wonder, the real challenge, really, is to take the spirit behind Harajuku fashion and put it into high fashion, so that critics will accept it and think it's tasteful. And you went straight to talking about it in your 2nd paragraph lol.

Do you think Gwen Stefani successfully portray Harajuku fashion in her LAMB collection or is it just a gimmick?

Oh and thanks for the welcome. I've been reading tFS for months, I just never got around to sign up for it (my friend invited me, never replied till now). lol.

 

[papa_levante]

Here are some more sub-groups I've found.
- harajukustyle.net

Visual Kei refers to a movement among Japanese rock "jrock" musicians and is characterized by the use of elaborate costumes, eccentric, looks and hairstyles. The Visual Kei look usually involves striking make-up.

Decora also known as "Decoration" is a japanese style adopted mainly by young japanese girls. Decora consists of bright colors and hair clips with bows. Lots of layering and colorful accessories are used in Decora. The accessories include plastic and furry toys and jewelry, which stick together and make noise as the wearer moves. The style is sometimes mistakenly called "Fruits style" by people that are not from Japan. (Also known as kawaii.)

 

[papa_levante]

"Harajuku Girls" yes... this is what some of them look like. Basically every Sunday if you go to Harajuku station just outside of the famous area called Harajuku you'll find kids and teenagers dressed like this and in other fun and outrageous costumes. This place is a hot bed for creative expression and overall a great public space for performance artists and musicians. And yes... they all love to be photographed.

This was a caption from a Flickr photo. I highly doubt that these teenagers dress up like this all day long. I think it's one day of the week where they have time off to dress up and loiter in groups in their outfits.

Does anyone know about this? They can't possibly dress this way to school or work (more or less). Right?

 

[John_M.]

Most hommes in the visual kei sense have a very nice androgynous touch. I've known a few hommes on Myspace who have this sort of visual kei inspiration. Most of them actually look beautiful to me.

I honestly don't know of the brand (except for some lovely ankle boots I saw from that collection once). The Harajuku Lovers thing is a way to enjoy Japanese-inspired fashion with your casual wardrobe. I'd say it's pretty true to Japanese fashion. Maybe not so much authentic, but Japanese-inspired fashion. Key word- inspired. If there's a way to make this style work and be better accepted by the most discriminating fashion critics, it's going to be difficult. The style rewards someone daring and imaginative. At least love this from an artistic standpoint if you're so against this style. Not everyone can pull something like this off.

Look at it this way- nothing says girly or cute like vibrant colors. Add the fact that the Japanese (especially Japanese femmes) can nicely wear these garments and these looks without fail, and there is a chance that this could be the next best style from a foreign culture since the love-or-hate Bohemian style.

Looking at the pictures from Post #5 has a look I think even European types could appreciate. The Gothic Lolita in black (second picture in Post #5) has a tasteful and feminine look of a monochromatic look balanced a bit evently with the lighter color accents. Some might say it's a bit too Goth to go with all-black looks like this, but just look at the outfit and how everything is balanced. I love the puffy-sleeved blouse, the knee-length skirt that's kind of like a hoop skirt from the Victorian era, those lovely stockings or socks with light accents, and the ever-classic mary janes. Only thing I might trade would be those lace gloves.

Now with all of this, the hot spot of fashion that I know of in Tokyo is Shibuya. This even includes the famous Shibuya 109 (Shibuya Tokyu - think of a mall contained in a tall tower). Maybe in a future post, I will share my thoughts as to what kinds of styles can be derived from these looks in this post so far as well as what styles may actually have a chance to be hot in the Harajuku style.

 

[saann]

for me this is the japanese equivalent of scene style
and I find this just as ugly

 

[amore_mio]

these styles are quite... unique

Love the Gothic Lolita look! Not something I'd try though...

Perhaps halloween is an everyday occasion for them haha
I'd say if you can get away with it then why not?

 

[*Jibrielle*]

^ I love the gothic lolita look too

this is just adorable!

from: japan forum

 

[papa_levante]

I dressed up as a Harajuku girl for a project in my communication class about Japan. It was really cute! The secret was to put on ALL of my accessories at the same time. I looked like a walking Claire's store.

One of my favorite types of Harajuku fashion has to be the Decora girls.
japanforum.com

 

[PonyShow]

Love It!

 

[papa_levante]

Seems a bit much sometimes. With all those clips in my hair like I did for class, seeing got hard to see. Only one eye was doing the seeing because my bangs covered my left eye and I wore a mask which I drew a cat mouth on.