By Marcus Leong.
When we talk about Japanese street fashion, Harajuku Style usually comes to mind. Harajuku is an area between Shinjuku and Shibuya and it is known for its eccentric street fashion culture, hence the term Harajuku Style.
Harajuku fashion is a movement against rigid laws of society and the need to fit in with the norm. Harajuku style now stands for many different things, and while many trends are coming and going, the fashion in Harajuku is steadfast. Harajuku style hardly has any rules, so you can wear whatever you want without thinking about fitting in or looking natural. That's what the whole Harajuku look is all about. There are no age limits, and you don't have to weigh whether or not your clothes suit mainstream styles-- if you like your outfit, it's good enough. You don't have to embrace a certain style or imitate some kind of trend. Instead, you can combine it all and even dress totally different every day – this style is all about self-expression.
To the east of Harajuku, Takeshita Street is where independent individuals set up their own fashion boutiques. To experience Harajuku to the fullest, Takeshita Street is a must go. It's a long straight pedestrian only pathway, filled with a variety of shops ranging from fast food restaurants, crêpe and dessert stands, to thrift shops and 100-yen shops.
Here are some of the awe-inspiring fits I've noticed from Harajuku.
There so many accessories and clothes to choose from at Takeshita Street-- that's why it is called the centre of Harajuku Fashion. Some of the eye-catching styles there include cyberpunk, goth, loli, and hipster. Most of the shops are run by small scale indie entrepreneurs. Although the accessories and clothing sold in Takeshita Street tend to be cheaper than those sold in Shibuya or Ginza, the quality is just as refined.
The Harajuku style is not mainstream, with some finding it weird or childish. However, never let that stop you. Fashion is your way to express yourself regardless what other people will say, so always bear your Harajuku look with a smile.
Find Marcus here.
Comments