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Harajuku Fashion Craze
Roshika R Chand
Care for an open air Fashion show, where no bookings, tickets or V.I.P status is required? Prepare yourself to be astonished Japanese vogue has become one of the top world phenomenon's that we all have come to admire. It's causing a craze in the fashion industry especially in the famous Harajuku. It's renowned as the youth fashion vicinity of Tokyo, and also distinguished for Cos-play, Gothic, Lolita and Goth-Lolita's trendsetters branded as 'Harajuku Fashion'. In Harajuku youngsters usually of high school age expose and flaunt some cute, some impressive and others plain scary outfits. Here in the land of choc block crowds the fashion mass is barely dried up, instead it leaks richly deliciously and juicily.
The world caught a glimpse of Goth Harajuku in Gwen Stefani's video clip "Harajuku Girls". Though her music only exposed Harajuku girls it must be added that members of the opposite sex are involved too but the major mass revolves around females.
What are the rules of the game? Absolutely none but a taste for adventure!
Hair coloring is styled and kept in various sorts, blonde is popular.
Face make up ? Lolita's opt for simple, cleaner looks while other sub-cultures like Gothic's play it hard with black eye and face make-up. Cos-play make-up depends on the character the individual is playing.
Time and preparation ? most likely hours!
Popular dress codes - stockings, tights, leather, piercings, lace, frilled / ruffled blouses and skirts, platform shoes (mainly boots), umbrellas, hats or head pieces, flowers and endless more.
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Harajuku Fashion is not just a particular niche of fashion but an occasion of 'Free Expression' ? individuals take up roles of Gothic's, Lolita's or as their favorite characters from manga, anime, video games, J rock or pop bands and movies. This genre of apparel is a distinct group of styles that cannot be advertised and sold by stores or brands. The concepts put together, are created by the dressers who model them with their own likes and tastes in mind, either spending months to collaborate pieces together or either visiting talented artists to create ideal characters.
Conclusively it is not just about dressing as your Idol but liberty for these youngsters to articulate themselves. Like-minded friends sometimes go as far to reenact scenes inspired. The enthusiasm shown by these individuals proves they are not only physically but also emotional, intellectually, morally in the shoes of their portrayed roles.
Cos-play is a popular genre and hype of this trendy culture. The term is derived from 'costume play'. This sub-culture is themed as individuals dressing up as their favorite manga, movie or anime characters. This explicitly eccentric crowd in the hot spot of Tokyo, have famously played their part well over the years to acclaim the prize for the; most bizarre and queerest peeps.
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Lolita's are palpably the prettiest of the lot choosing to dress in pinks, white and paler hues. The classic Lolita's focus on more traditional Victorian looks and generally opt for a mature look. Sweet Lolita image is more childish, lace ribbons are dominant in their costumes. Girls mimic themselves as porcelain dolls and dress in Victorian style dresses or outfits; this look strongly portrays a cute flair. Black is dominant in Gothic Lolita's and is strongly influenced by punk.
When and exactly where can you spot this breed of trendsetters? Weekends, preferably Sundays at the Harajuku Bridge (towards Yoyogi Park at the entrance of Meji Shrine). Though Cos-play, Goth and Lolita attire is not appropriate for everyday wear we can acknowledge that it takes guts to leave home in this kind of attire. And then to display oneself to huge crowds to be stared at judged and hopefully admired upon; one can approve their creativity and respect that it takes patience and time; hours spent to re-create the characters to the core details. Just shows what lengths some enthusiasts will go to get some attention to show off and parade? Well if flaunting and being center of attention that these Harajuku huddle are seeking then they can be applauded because they certainly are the talk of the town. I wonder when these trendsetters began their expeditions years and years ago if their minds even considered just how far their stardom would spread across the globe. They are widely known in other nations and have set a niche that is a must see hot spot in Japan.
The topic of Cos-play, Lolita's and Gothic cannot concluded without mentioning themed restaurants that provide waiters and waitresses dressed as maids or butlers catering to your special individual needs! Beginning sometime in 2000 Akihabara began booming with these themed restaurants providing exclusive services for patrons, just as if they were the master or mistresses sitting in their own home and being waited upon. These maids and butlers are not there for sexual favors or intimations but only there to spoil, pamper, enliven and gladden their customers. If you do resolve to visit Cos-play maid cafe then prepare yourself for some role play! Take 1, 2, 3, 4 and action!
© Japan-Fashion.com 2009
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