Harajuku Styles

The Harajuku section of Shibuya Ward in Tokyo is a hot bed of style and innovation.

Harajuku, which translates as "meadow lodging," doesn't sound much like one of the global hubs of fashion. However, the area around Tokyo's Harajuku station is home to a weekly meeting of countless young people who show off their various styles and has influenced several major designers, as well as musician Gwen Stefani.

Gothic Lolita

Gothic Lolita combines two existing styles, Gothic and Lolita, to create a striking style with an identity all its own. Red lipstick and black eyeliner are favored by Gothic Lolita practitioners. Their clothing tends to be dark, often black and purple, although white can also be used. The clothing tends towards the slightly old-fashioned elements of European Goth culture, with high collars and parasols also on view.

Visual Kei

Visual Kei, or "Visible Style," is one of the more unusual Harajuku styles, as it crosses over from fashion to music. Visual Kei incorporates the large hair and flamboyant costumes of glam rock with androgynous sexuality and the futurist elements of cyberpunks style and science fiction. Pale make up and elaborate hair styles are common, as is lip gloss, militaristic jackets and waist coats. Other Visual Kei practitioners base their look on members of VK bands such as X Japan and D'erlanger.

Cosplay

Cosplay practitioners dress up as their favorite celebrity, musician or fictional character. Cosplay has enjoyed the most success of all the Harajuku styles, becoming part of manga and anime fandom worldwide to the point where official cosplay events are held every year. Cosplay often crosses over with role-playing, with practitioners taking on the mannerisms and body language of the character they're dressing as and interacting with other cosplayers "in character."

Ganguro

Ganguro is one of the most unusual Harajuku styles, as it's designed to mimic the appearance of a typical white American teenager. It literally translates as "Black Face," referring to the deep tan that Ganguro girls opt for. This is combined with hair dyed in a shade ranging from orange to silver and the use of white makeup as concealer and eye shadow. Clothing choices include brightly colored outfits and platform shoes or sandals.

References

• "Tokyo Street Style: Fashion in Harajuku"; Tiffany Godoy and Ivan Vartanian; 2008
• "Japanese Subcultures: Otaku, Ganguro, Cosplay, Lolita Fashion, Omorashi, Freeter, Kogal, Itasha, Dekotora, Japanese Street Fashion, Para Para": 2010
• Japanese Lifestyle: Gothic Lolita
• Harajuku Style: Visual Kei
• SG Cafe: Home
• "Style Deficit Disorder: Harajuku Street Fashion, Tokyo"; Tiffany Godoy and Ivan Vartanian; 2007