Harajuku style originated among teens on the streets of the Harajuku Shopping District in Tokyo.
Gwen Stefani introduced Harajuku street fashion to America.
However, the Harajuku style did not start with Gwen, and it will not end with her either. The shopping district can be found in the area by the Harajuku train station in Tokyo, Japan.
One girl asked me: "How do you dress Harajuku style?"
And that is a tough question to answer. The reason being, street styles evolve and change 24/7. Thats what makes them so facinating.
But the first step to dressing Harajuku, is to understand that there are FIVE different TYPES of Harajuku dress. Yes, there are sub-divisions within the Harajuku culture.
Type 1: Gothic Lolita
Gothic Lolita Harajuku style consists of wearing a mix of gothic, feminine and elegant clothes, to the emulate the look of living Victorian doll.
Type 2: Punk
Punk Harajuku style consists of 70's London over the top accesories and make-up.
Type 3: Cosplay
Cosplay Harajuku style is dressing up like your favorite cartoon/anime or game character.
Type 4: Decora
Decora Harajuku style is very bright and over accesorized. Sometimes even decorated with toys and jewelry.
Type 5: Kawaii (sometimes called Super Kawaii)
Kawaii means "cute" in Japanese. The Kawaii Harajuku style of dress is very playful and childlike. It emphasizes toys, ruffles, cartoon characters, and pastel colors.
Now that you understand the different divisions under Harajuku street style, its easier for me to give advice on how to emulate it.
Mix and match different fashion genres, dress in layers, get expressive and customize your clothes, over accesorize, and get crazy with your hair and make-up!!
Don't think that throwing on a bunch of different items thoughtlessly is Harajuku. A lot of intricate thought goes into their outfits.
For futher reading check out the Fused publication: http://www.fusedmagazine.com/Past_Issues/Issue_24/Fresh_Fruits.aspx or click here
You've just been schooled on Harajuku fashion!!!
Send me YOUR pics of you dressing up in Harajuku and you just might be featured in a future article. You can send your pics as an attachment to: OhMissIcy@aim.com
Kisses and couture
-Icy
