Hello cuties! I've been thinking a lot about Japanese street fashion, lately. I've been in and out of J-fashion for the last year or so and since I'm so in and out I'm noticing some changes with Japanese street fashion. I know I have sort of neglected this blog since I started doing YouTube but, I wanted to get my thoughts out. This is all of course, open to interpretation. The way I view a certain fashion may not be how you view it and so on which is okay! All I ask is that you please keep an open mind.
[src: TokyoFashion.com]
I didn't really get into Japanese street fashion until 2012 but of course it's been around way longer than that, I'll be talking about the changes I've noticed from 2012 to now. When I first got into J-fashion there were quite a few styles that were popular at the time (and some still are.)
[src. pastelcubes]
[src. pixielocks]
[src. Kawaii.i]
[src. TokyoFashion.com]
When I first got into Japanese street fashion, quite a few sub-styles were popular. There was (from what I remember) Fairy Kei, Spank! Kei, Casual Lolita, Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, Gyaru, Himekaji, Hime Gyaru, Decora etc. Some of these styles aren't worn as often as others these days. Fashion evolves and with new sub-styles popping up everyday, there's constant changes.
One style that has stuck out to me recently is Larme Kei. Larme Kei is a very new sub-style in Japanese fashion and when I think about how J-fashion was in 2012 it's very different. Maybe that's why I'm so into it? Larme Kei is a sub-style you'll see being sold by popular brands like Swankiss, BonBon21 and Honey Salon etc. Larme Kei is a very soft style. The makeup is not heavy and browns are used as opposed to black, and it's meant to look very natural. Larme Kei is a very tame sub-style as opposed to Fairy Kei or Decora for example. I think what stands out to me the most is how natural looking it is because in 2012 the bigger, the bolder, the most colorful, the better!
I feel like although Larme Kei is very tame, there's a few different ways someone can wear Larme Kei. For example, some may want a mature look, and some a more soft and playful look. It really just depends on the individual /or the brand,
As I said before, makeup styles in 2012 were very different. The goal was to leave a lasting impression, whether it was your alternative fashions or eye-catching makeup. Compared to Larme Kei makeup, it's very different right? I've been thinking about this so much! New sub-styles are constantly popping up everyday and popular, existing sub-styles are evolving. Which is fine! But it leads people within the community to 1.) Stay classic or 2.) Evolve as the fashion does. Both are fine! Completely. It just makes me question literally everything since I've been in the fashion for a while.
[src. Odango Hair Tutorial]
Some styles are still very much around and haven't evolved too much. I feel like Decora is one of those styles that is still very much worn and it hasn't really changed in the last ..(5yrs? woo!) and some have either died down or evolved.
Lolita fashion is constantly changing... in 2012 I feel like the vibe of Lolita was very different. Personally, I feel like people more experimental with the fashion. They'd play around with different color schemes and the biggest difference that I find is the kind of shoes they would wear. Some people would actually wear lace up /or combat boots with the fashion and I LOVED that! I loved how fun and different it was depending on the person's individual style.
With more recent Lolita fashion I've noticed a couple different trends. One being long sleeves, which I love. I think it looks very cute! I've also noticed that a lot of dresses are made from chiffon or chiffon-like material which is nice as long as it's good quality. The issue I personally have with these long sleeved, chiffon OP's (one pieces) is that there isn't a whole lot of give. Meaning, there's rarely shirring (elastic) on these dresses which makes wearing this style impossible for some. I'm really sad because I need shirring to be able to fit into most J-fashion brands. Another trend I've noticed is... lace. Lots and lots of lace. It looks really elegant and I like the appearance but I'm personally not a fan. These are just a few differences I've noticed within this fashion.
Fashion is constantly changing and there's new sub-styles popping up each day. Personally I find it hard to keep up but, I like that I can be away from J-fashion for short periods of time and come back to something new each time. I want you all to take in this information with an open mind. You may agree, or disagree and that's fine! How I view J-fashion may not be how you view J-fashion and that's perfectly okay! It's open to interpretation. But, if you are to take anything away from this, I want you to wear what makes YOU happy! If you prefer a sub-style from a specific era, don't feel you have to change to keep up. As long as it makes you happy, that's all that matters. ♡
The question I have for all of you is, do you feel like J-fashion has changed? And do you prefer an older era or a new era of your favorite sub-style? (Please specify)
As always, thank you so much for reading. I know I don't update too much anymore but, I update my Youtube Channel more frequently. I whole heartedly welcome you to subscribe! Thanks so much for the support. ♡
a lot of these trends are actually trends that peaked 15 or so years ago, by 2012 these were just leftovers of a much larger trend.
ReplyDeletefor example gyaru had died out almost completely by 2012, the style was originally heavily tanned girls in flashy outfits/makeup rebelling against the "pale skinned quiet girl" trend. after 2010 the gyaru were going for pale skin and lighter makeup again to fit in, going against the original idea.
the most prominent japanese trend overseas after 2011 was definitely aomoji kei thanks to kyary pamyu pamyu, but that died out by 2014.
in the last 3 years there has been more styles described as natural, healthy, romantic, popular girl, twins or feminine. standing out is no longer the trend, fitting in is the flavor of the month.