Over the last few years, I was vaguely aware that some extreme teen fashions were coming out of Japan, but it took Chelsea Handler to make me realize how huge a trend Harajuku is all over the world. Of course, in true Chelsea fashion, she ruffled quite a few feathers, but I still found the phenomenon interesting, and it made me want to see more. (In a completely non-racist way. Please don’t write me angry letters. Thank you.)
Harajuku fashion is a street style which began in the Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo, Japan. The style typically incorporates bright colors and a wanton mixing and layering of styles, including traditional Japanese clothing, schoolgirl uniforms, kawaii (“cuteness”), cyber, goth, and punk. Childlike or (what looks to me like) clownish clothing is frequently worn, and wild color and pattern combinations are also encouraged. Even the boys get into it. Makeup is often dramatic and doll-like. What Handler missed is that Harajuku style is a very personal form of expression, an art form, really, and the Harajuku girls she interviewed are artists.
I hope you get as big a kick out of their crazy, fun combinations as I did!
January 7, 2017 at 8:28 am
Each person, child, artist is a walking canvas of their own art…really amazing and wonderful. Great post. ~~dru~~
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January 7, 2017 at 9:55 am
Thank you! It started out as an Etsomnia post, but the deeper I got into my research, the clearer it became that I had no business criticizing it. Turned out to be a tribute instead.
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January 7, 2017 at 8:33 am
Anything that makes you laugh like that when you are getting ready to go out (even if it does take two hours) can’t be bad! Thanks for sharing this, Love! xo
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January 7, 2017 at 9:56 am
Ain’t it the truth! I think I already know the answer to this, but I’m going to ask anyway. You’re not, by any chance, going to Nashville, are you? I need to clap eyes on you people!
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January 7, 2017 at 8:55 am
Remember collecting those Harajuku dolls from Gwen’s perfume line? Why, yes I did collect them–they were so darn cute!!
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January 7, 2017 at 9:57 am
I don’t really wear scent, so I had no idea those were a thing. Just looked them up. Fantastic!
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January 7, 2017 at 9:30 am
Fashion is not something I know much about but when I look at this style I think the explosion of colour and pattern must make the wearer very happy. I’m all for self-expression and being confident enough to dress how you want. More power to them!
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January 7, 2017 at 9:58 am
That’s exactly where I came out on this stuff, too. If it’s making the world a brighter, happier place, then have at it!
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January 7, 2017 at 10:35 am
I have followed Harajuku fashion and it’s many derivatives (Little Big Girl, Gothic Lolita, Fruits etc) for over ten years and it never fails to thrill me to see such artistry and attention to detail. Sugarpill Cosmetics, founded by Amy Doan (the very EBay famous Shrinkle, who used to sell handmade clothes to this community before starting her makeup company) supplies some of the best makeup for the genre (as well as the Drag community and theatrical application as well). She used to blog regularly and she is always dressed in amazing style even though now she’s over 30. It’s a wonderful little slice of self expression that I will always deeply appreciate.
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January 7, 2017 at 10:38 am
Wow! That’s so cool. I used to wear their liquid lip color, but I never made the connection.
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January 7, 2017 at 7:01 pm
I love this post and these wild Japanese fashion trends among the young! Goth Lolitas too are terrific!
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January 7, 2017 at 7:55 pm
They look like they’re having so much fun!
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January 8, 2017 at 9:41 am
Love it. Thanks for the information and the video.
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January 8, 2017 at 11:21 am
Glad you enjoyed it!
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