12.2 Fashion trends and street styles in contemporary Japan

Japanese fashion is a vibrant tapestry of styles, from the eclectic Harajuku scene to the elegant Lolita subculture. These trends reflect Japan's unique blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing the country's cultural creativity and global influence.

Contemporary Japanese fashion continues to evolve, embracing both bold street styles and minimalist aesthetics. This dynamic landscape not only shapes local trends but also inspires fashion movements worldwide, cementing Japan's status as a fashion powerhouse.

Iconic Fashion Styles

Harajuku Street Fashion

Top images from around the web for Harajuku Street Fashion

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  Harajuku Fashion Street Snap (October 08, 2017) | 原宿ファッションスト… | Flickr View original

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  Harajuku Fashion Street Snap (February 03, 2018) | 原宿ファッションス… | Flickr View original

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  Harajuku Fashion Street Snap (October 08, 2017) | 原宿ファッションスト… | Flickr View original

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Top images from around the web for Harajuku Street Fashion

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  Harajuku Fashion Street Snap (October 08, 2017) | 原宿ファッションスト… | Flickr View original

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  Harajuku street fashion | Alf Melin | Flickr View original

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  Harajuku Fashion Street Snap (February 03, 2018) | 原宿ファッションス… | Flickr View original

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  Harajuku Fashion Street Snap (October 08, 2017) | 原宿ファッションスト… | Flickr View original

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  Harajuku street fashion | Alf Melin | Flickr View original

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• Harajuku fashion originated in the Harajuku district of Tokyo, known for its vibrant and eclectic street fashion scene
• Encompasses a wide range of styles, including punk, gothic, and kawaii (cute) aesthetics
• Harajuku fashion often features bold colors, patterns, and unconventional clothing combinations (layering, mixing vintage and modern pieces)
• Iconic Harajuku fashion subcultures include Lolita, Gyaru, and Decora

Lolita Fashion

• Lolita fashion is a subcategory of Harajuku fashion inspired by Victorian and Rococo era clothing
• Characterized by knee-length frilly dresses, petticoats, bonnets, and platform shoes
• Lolita fashion has several substyles, such as Gothic Lolita (darker colors and motifs), Sweet Lolita (pastel colors and cute designs), and Classic Lolita (more traditional and elegant)
• Lolita fashion emphasizes modesty, femininity, and a childlike appearance (porcelain skin, natural makeup, and delicate accessories)

Gyaru and Visual Kei

• Gyaru fashion is a Japanese street style that emerged in the 1970s, characterized by heavily tanned skin, bleached hair, and bold makeup
• Gyaru substyles include Ganguro (dark tan, white lipstick, and colorful makeup), Kogal (school uniform-inspired), and Onee Gyaru (mature and sophisticated)
• Visual Kei is a fashion style associated with a music genre of the same name, known for its elaborate and androgynous aesthetics
• Visual Kei fashion often incorporates elements of punk, gothic, and glam rock styles, with an emphasis on dramatic hairstyles, makeup, and costumes (X Japan, Malice Mizer)

Decora Fashion

• Decora is a Harajuku fashion style that emerged in the late 1990s, characterized by wearing an abundance of colorful accessories and clothing items
• Decora fashion often features layered hair clips, bracelets, necklaces, and badges, creating a vibrant and playful appearance
• Decora enthusiasts mix and match various patterns, colors, and textures, often incorporating elements from other Harajuku fashion styles and pop culture references (Hello Kitty, Pokémon)

Fashion Influences

Kawaii Culture and Cosplay

• Kawaii culture, or the culture of cuteness, has significantly influenced Japanese fashion, particularly in Harajuku
• Kawaii fashion emphasizes childlike, innocent, and adorable aesthetics, often featuring pastel colors, cute characters, and soft materials
• Cosplay, or costume play, is a popular activity in Japan where participants dress up as characters from anime, manga, video games, or other media
• Cosplay has influenced Japanese street fashion, with many incorporating elements of their favorite characters' outfits into their everyday wear

Street Fashion Magazines and Brands

• Japanese street fashion magazines, such as FRUiTS and KERA, have played a crucial role in documenting and promoting Harajuku fashion since the 1990s
• These magazines feature photographs of fashionable people on the streets of Harajuku, showcasing their unique styles and inspiring readers
• Japanese streetwear brands, such as A Bathing Ape (BAPE), Undercover, and Neighborhood, have gained international recognition for their innovative designs and collaborations
• These brands often blend elements of street fashion, high fashion, and pop culture, contributing to the global influence of Japanese fashion

Contemporary Trends

Normcore and Minimalism

• Normcore is a fashion trend that emerged in Japan and globally in the 2010s, emphasizing a nondescript, "normal" appearance
• Normcore fashion often features basic, unbranded clothing items such as plain t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers, prioritizing comfort and simplicity over making a bold statement
• The rise of normcore in Japan can be seen as a reaction to the highly stylized and attention-grabbing fashion styles of previous decades
• Minimalist fashion, characterized by simple, clean lines and a monochromatic color palette, has also gained popularity in contemporary Japanese fashion, often influenced by traditional Japanese aesthetics (wabi-sabi, zen)