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The Japanese really know how to set trends, especially with their bold and vibrant Harajuku style that you can't help but notice. Let's take a quick leap into this eye-catching fashion trend that has taken the world by storm, exploring everything from its origins and key elements to its various sub-styles.
Most importantly, you’ll learn how to nail this look with authentic Japanese clothing and become part of the Harajuku scene in Japan!
How Tokyo's Youth Revolutionized Street Style
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Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Harajuku emerges as the cornerstone of Japan's street fashion culture. It's a vibrant hub of creativity where the traditional and futuristic collide, the East greets the West, and fashion seamlessly merges with art.
But Harajuku style is far more than just clothing—it's a loud proclamation of individualism and freedom.
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This iconic style was born in Tokyo during the early '80s, drawing its name from the bustling Harajuku station in Shibuya.
It skyrocketed in popularity throughout the '90s, weaving together Japanese subcultures with Western fashion influences, and by the early 2000s, Harajuku style had made waves worldwide.
The style's emergence is often linked to Japan's rigid dress codes, which left little room for personal expression, prompting a vibrant, rebellious fashion movement among the youth.
A Style for Everyone
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Harajuku fashion, known for its defiance of norms and celebration of individuality, encompasses a myriad of styles, making it uniquely hard to pin down.
Yet, when scrolling through Harajuku style images, it’s common to see daring and stunning Sailor Moon cosplays, schoolgirl skirts, and pops of pink hair, all adorned with a dazzling array of accessories and adorable kawaii motifs.
Harajuku’s Many Sub-Styles – Pick Your Favorite!
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Harajuku fashion is an umbrella term for various (equally gorgeous) sub-styles, each with its own rules yet bound by the principle of self-expression. Let's dive into a few:
Lolita
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With its roots in Victorian and Edwardian clothing, Lolita fashion emphasizes modesty, with gorgeous Lolita dresses, knee-length skirts, petticoats, and more. It's divided into several subcategories, including Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, and Classic Lolita, each with its distinct palette and motifs.
Visual Kei
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More of a musical movement, Visual Kei has a significant influence on fashion, characterized by flamboyant hairstyles, dramatic makeup, and an eclectic mix of punk and gothic attire.
Kogal
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Also known as ko-gyaru, Kogal is Harajuku's playful spin on the traditional school uniform. Unlike the strict regulations of actual school attire, Kogal style takes creative liberties, featuring mini plaid skirts, and blending classic uniform pieces like neckties and scarves with bold hairdos and scrunched leg warmers for a look that's all about bending the rules.
Cosplay
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Envision Sailor Moon casually strolling through the city. Outside of Harajuku, you might only see cosplay at conventions, themed parties, or Halloween. But here, cosplay is a daily fashion statement.
Whether it's characters from video games, mangas, TV series, or movies, cosplay enthusiasts in Harajuku might replicate their favorite characters' looks exactly or simply hint at them through inspired outfits.
Gyaru
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Influenced by Afro-American culture, Gyaru is known for its glamorous styles, including bleached or dyed hair, dramatic makeup, and both casual and highly styled outfits.
Decora
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True to its name, Decora is all about decoration. Bright colors, multiple layers of clothing, and an abundance of accessories (the more, the merrier) define this playful, child-like style.
Harajuku Style: Where More Is More!
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What makes Harajuku fashion stand out is its unapologetic mixing of different styles, patterns, and historical periods, all for the sake of self-expression.
You'll often spot an eclectic mix of traditional Japanese kimonos with edgy punk leather jackets, or classic vintage dresses alongside cool futuristic boots.
In Harajuku, fashion norms are tossed out the window daily, making room for outfits that are as unique as the people wearing them.
Accessories in Harajuku fashion are not mere additions but essential components that complete an ensemble. From handcrafted jewelry to vintage bags and whimsical hair ornaments, these elements are essential in expressing one's unique style.
As for hairstyles and colors, the sky's the limit—pastel shades, neon streaks, and avant-garde hairdos are all par for the course.
From Tokyo Streets to Your Closet
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The Harajuku style is such a head-turner, and the best part is that literally anyone can pull it off. All you need is the right mix of clothing, accessories, wigs, and makeup to join the Harajuku club.
And no, you don't need to be in Japan to gather your Harajuku style pieces. Japanese retailers are more than willing to bring the heart of their stores to your doorstep, without you moving an inch.
Over 3,000 Japanese local retailers are teaming up with the leading e-commerce platform ZenPlus, giving international shoppers access to over 5 million Japan-made products.
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This means all you have to do for a shopping experience like in Japan is to visit ZenPlus, search for the items you want, fill up your cart, and place your order.
ZenPlus's team quickly takes care of shipping and ensures your order arrives right at your front door. It's incredible how countries are connected now!
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