Japanese Fashion Fashion Fashion

[Nelly19]

Hi I really want to know what are the current clothes trends in Japan for young girls? Its for a presentation, so plzz share what you think is in style in Japan:-)

[Alma]

what exactly do u need? i could put my impression of japanese fashion style in one word: unique!
these are my favourite links about japanese fashion:
http://www.style-arena.jp/index_e.htm
http://www.japanesestreets.com
i hope this links helps.. on last one, u'll find lost of link and articles for fashion, i think
:wave:
and welcome to the forum :-)

[kohlrak]

The first link... lol Look how much leg is shown... Resembles that of america... Amazing though the shirt style dosn't match that of america... If that lass was to wear a longer skirt or shorts or something, i would actually be into japanese fashion. lol

[Alma]

The first link... lol Look how much leg is shown... lol

you mean on this week's best shot? yeah.. lol.. good photo...

this link is really my favourite... you can find lots of stuff here :) enjoy

[kohlrak]

I just don't like too much skin showing... Unless it's my girl of course, then i don't mind, but too much in public is just too much...

[Alma]

I just don't like too much skin showing... Unless it's my girl of course, then i don't mind, but too much in public is just too much...

interesting way of thinking.. mostly i heard guys like too see lots of skin, but don't like they girls to show much in public :blush: but i know what you mean, i don't like to see too much either... and even less to show :bluush:

um, but that's not topic... nelly, sorry for chatting on ur topic :wave:

[Kinsao]

I don't know whether anyone else thinks this, but I think that fashion in the UK seems recently influenced by a Japanese style.
I'm not very well-up on fashion so I might just be imagining this. :bluush: It just seems like I see a lot of styles on sites related to Japan and then notice them in UK stores. :?
Thanks for the links, some nice things! :-)

[Dutch Baka]

I just don't like too much skin showing... too much in public is just too much...

agree, with that, girls in here show way to much legs, and because of that I dont find it sexy anymore for girls to wear a skirt... ( well not all girls of course , some stay sexy haha)

[Alma]

Thanks for the links, some nice things! :-)

i'm glad u like it :-) i was sure i have more link like this, but cant find it in my favourites folder... i guess these are the best
:wave:

agree, with that, girls in here show way to much legs, and because of that I dont find it sexy anymore for girls to wear a skirt... ( well not all girls of course , some stay sexy haha)

more clothes on is better, definitely.. we must leave something (a lot) covered for guys imagination, i believe :bluush:

[kohlrak]

agree, with that, girls in here show way to much legs, and because of that I dont find it sexy anymore for girls to wear a skirt... ( well not all girls of course , some stay sexy haha)

They do it to get hot pervs, but when some one like me spots it they complain about all the pervs. =p It gets worse, females *LOVE* to make hand movement, and when they're sitting down it usually goes by their chest. Then they complain about pervs more when in reality most peoples' eyes are attracted to movement. Plus, it gives guys less places to stair without upsetting your gf, giving people insinuations, or being called a perv. Guys eyes like to wander, and when there is a mass color, guys tend to look in that direction, weather it be skin or or a black t-shirt with lots of white showing, or even a blue wall.

WOA: Girls, wear long jeens or skirts, and be sure to have a big shirt.

[Nelly19]

Ok every one got off topic. My question was on fashion, I am trying really hard to find out what ternd are in but for some reason Japanese girls never respond. All I want to know is if Kawii, Gothic Lolita,Harajuku,Ganguro and Kogal are still the fasion trends?? so I really would appreciate if some one responded? Thanks

[yukio_michael]

Have a look at this: http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24528 thread...

Also, I'll tell you what is not in fashion, 'harajuku girls' (whatever interpretation you have of that), visual kei, & gothic lolita... You would get bonus points and still be wrong if you said "adorn style"... It's just that its not very usefull to look at the extremes and say that this is what is popular in Japan...

In Tokyo, you walk down the street and you don't see people wearing far-out neon green sombreros with blinking chest medalions and think, "wow--- they really ARE far ahead of us....", what's popular in Japan is a lot like what is popular any place else--- it fits a certain mainstream appeal.

That's what people don't want to belive and won't really accept when dealing with Japan.

Good luck.

[kohlrak]

I sure as heck hope not... If i saw all that i'd think i was in new york and start looking for the MIB HQ.

[yukio_michael]

Part II If you ask me, once you see knock offs on urban teenagers in America, your "exclusive" Japanese clothing brand (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Bathing_Ape) is officially 'over', sorry pal--- but it may make a resurgence in Japan due to "national pride"...

http://www.hypebeast.com/2006/07/31/latest-bape-items-at-busy-work-shop/

Also, people will point you lately to Hyseric Glamour, which seems to be having a resurgence in the U.S. strictly from star-exposure--- I don't think it's every as popular as it used to be in Japan--- but it's interesting to look at the stores...

http://www.hystericglamour.jp/

...these are always difficult questions to answer. People want you to say, "oh, oversized novelty hats are in" in Japan right now--- and it's never that easy to say this about any country. I don't think it makes that much difference, unless you follow the labels, in which case you probably can't get them (Modern Lovers, Grimegate, et al...), or you should be doing your own homework anyways---

[nice gaijin]

Is it hard to do a search for "trends in japan?"

from the first page of results:
http://web-japan.org/trends/fashion/index.html
http://www.japanesestreets.com/
http://www.morbidoutlook.com/fashion/articles/2000_11_japanese.html

The first link seems to be much more interesting and up-to-date, in terms of keeping track of current trends. The second is mostly just photos of people on the street. The last is about gothic fashion, which I understand is dwindling even in Harajuku (there's no date on the article).

[GothYoko]

I love the japanese gothic lolitas. :-) I think it's a cool and alternative street fashion. In europe you couldn't wear those dresses.

[Kinsao]

But lolita fashion is not so common in Japan as people think. It's only a very small number of girls actually wear it. :souka:
And you can wear it in Europe. At least, last I heard there's no law against it. :relief:

[yukio_michael]

http://web-japan.org/trends/fashion/index.htmlThis one is interesting, especially this (http://web-japan.org/trends/fashion/fas060616.html), and it seems to reflect the style in magazines like Men's Egg & Men's Knuckle...

Onii-kei Essentials
Onii-kei combines the styles known in Japanese as Ame-kaji ("American casual") and Ita-kaji ("Italian casual") with rocker touches to create a glamorous, sexy look. Onii-kei men are designer label fanatics who complete their outfits with belts, waist pouches, watches, sunglasses, and other accessories from world-famous brands. Also essential to the onii-kei look is the teased shag haircut known as "wolf hair," fastidiously groomed and complemented by scented products.

Pretty much what I think I've mentioned before.

Thanks for the links, NG.

[yukio_michael]

http://yaplog.jp/ranchan-love/img/84/img20060511_2.jpg

Even though this style was in the magazines, I don't recall seeing it to much in the streets.

[Damicci]

I have only seen those kinds of styles in Clubs or out in the streets at night.
(btw i though tthat was a woman at first O_O)

[kohlrak]

I think i see a little chest there, but i can't be sure... Maybe i'm just seeing things... I really can't tell. Are you sure that's a dude? lol I've seen some pretty ugly girls that look like that. lol

[yukio_michael]

I have only seen those kinds of styles in Clubs or out in the streets at night.
(btw i though tthat was a woman at first O_O)Oh, yes, I forget--- I did see this style a lot (hair--- etc), at summer matsuri too.

[Talitha_Cumi]

ok, I can help you by posting some links of J-girls mags.
The most popular mag among 20s. especially among a bit too way glittering gals.
http://cancam.shogakukan.co.jp/
Among modest highschool girls
http://www.s-woman.net/non-no/
Among teens
http://www.s-woman.net/st/
Among modest univ. and working women
http://www.s-woman.net/more/
Among career women
http://www.s-woman.net/baila/index.php4
http://www.kobunsha.com/CGI/magazine/hyoji.cgi?sw=index&id=003
http://joseishi.net/style/
http://www.joseishi.net/frau/

[kooo]

The most handsome young men dress kind of feminine, like tight jeans and a dressy shirt. They also have slightly longer hair.

Young women generally wear a lot of layers, earth colors, and designer brands. Everyone in Japan generally dresses up a lot more than Americans in my experience.

[yamada]

I like their golden belt having wide widths, and golden shoes. It's gorgeous.

[dorikura]

Oh...thanks..:cool:
I like man's fashion...since I love japanese guys It's normal!
But their clothes is not classy and usuall...it's so rebelious and jummy!!!!
Oh kawaii japanese boys!:wave:

[AsakuraNeo10]

is there any link just for male?

[yukio_michael]

is there any link just for male?Boon Magazine (http://www.shodensha.co.jp/boon/)

Samurai Magazine (http://samurai-mag.com/pc/)

Mens Non-no (http://mensnonno.shueisha.co.jp/home.html)

Choki Choki (http://www.chokichoki-web.com/)

Cub Magazine (http://books.yahoo.co.jp/book_detail/07118582) (aka "Boy's Cutie" Cutie is the girl equivalent mag) (not home page link).

Street Jack (http://www.fujisan.co.jp/product/1426)

Popeye (http://www.fujisan.co.jp/product/1426) (get it, Pop-eye Popeye... lulz...)

Men's Egg (http://www.fujisan.co.jp/product/1219936)

Men's Knuckle (http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books-jp%26field-keywords=men%27s%20knuckle%26results-process=default%26dispatch=search/ref=pd_sl_ov_tops-5_books-jp_19664146_1&results-process=default?tag2=jp-ja-overtur-22)

[ceejay2005]

Although USA is a great country, others are way more advanced then we are in a lot of ways..fashion is one of them..the styles we have here are like you said very blunt and stereotyped. It is like a whole other demension of the 80's. I will tell you though some people are very brave to wear what they wear these days..its like Anything goes now. But its cool, can wear whatever and not be judged..well in some cases. I deff think that girls are trying to dress too provakative and try to act older than they are there for they need to dress the part which is very dangerous for them in this time of crime and kidnapping. Japan I think might just be the most advanced in fashion..alot of it is weird to you and me but its the like the future of clothing...
hubclothing [.] com

[MadamePapillon]

Although USA is a great country, others are way more advanced then we are in a lot of ways..fashion is one of them..the styles we have here are like you said very blunt and stereotyped. ....... Japan I think might just be the most advanced in fashion..alot of it is weird to you and me but its the like the future of clothing...
hubclothing [.] com

I think you're giving Japan far to much credit in the style department and other countries not enough credit.

You cannot look at one country and say 'this is the future of style' because there is no one set 'style' that everyone follows. Japans style is not the USAs style is not Swedens style etc.....
Japan definitely has more experimental fashions than a lot of other places but a lot of the mainstream fashions I have seen in my own country and elsewhere.

Japan has good ideas (and some not so good ideas :p) when it comes to fashion. However, their style gets severely watered down when you see 20+ Asian girls walking down the street wearing pretty much the exact same thing. I'm not even exaggerating about this. It's a crazy combination of creatively putting the clothes together and the complete lack of originality when it comes to variation.

So, if you're wondering why the Japanese style hasn't caught on in other countries, well, because believe it or not (aside from the super creative experimental styles) they really aren't that original.

[Chipi]

You cannot look at one country and say 'this is the future of style' because there is no one set 'style' that everyone follows. Japans style is not the USAs style is not Swedens style etc.....
Japan definitely has more experimental fashions than a lot of other places but a lot of the mainstream fashions I have seen in my own country and elsewhere.

Trend agencies have their scouts in all the major cities in the world. One of the hotspots being Tokyo. Scouts are picking up interesting ideas, upcoming trends bubbling under etc, draw them, take photos etc. Those memos and photos are shaped into trend forecasts in conferences where agencies throughout the world participate. Fashion houses around the world are then using these forecasts in their design work...so no wonder mainstream fashions are pretty much the same in bigger cities around the world. It's no coincidence.
Japan's remarkable strength is exactly in the creative experimental fashion design, and the allmost philosophical approach into dressing oneself. Design schools are full of talented, dedicated and hardworking students, whose minds aren't restricted with the rules we western people have when it comes to fashion design (i.e. for example pattern making, in europe for example it's pretty much based on basic dress forms, the patterns are changed and made on the base of these basic forms. And also our minds are set to a certain form of what a trouser should look like, what a shirt should look like etc.)


Japan has good ideas (and some not so good ideas :p) when it comes to fashion. However, their style gets severely watered down when you see 20+ Asian girls walking down the street wearing pretty much the exact same thing. I'm not even exaggerating about this. It's a crazy combination of creatively putting the clothes together and the complete lack of originality when it comes to variation.
True, when/if you talk about the mainstream. But it's the same thing in every country, no? I would still say that Japan has more experimental creative types in relation to other countries. Young people who really make their own stuff, and are talented in what they do.

So, if you're wondering why the Japanese style hasn't caught on in other countries, well, because believe it or not (aside from the super creative experimental styles) they really aren't that original.
..or, could it be that western people are just too stuck on their own habits and don't dare to step outside the box? Japanese labels won't come to Europe/US if there aren't any buyers. For some it's also an image question. The reason isn't necessarily lack of originality in the designer, but in the buyer.
I can find tons of interesting labels from Japan, that don't necessarily need to be crazy avantgarde stuff like Comme des Garcons etc. Im sometimes sad when people are actually buying status instead of clothes when they make their decisions. They much rather buy something from a well known (western) brand than try something thats interesting and exciting, but unknown.
And also, like i said in the beginning - every phenomenom, every country, even politics affect on trends in the world. Believe it or not. It's never just one country taking the lead.

[MadamePapillon]

One of the hotspots being Tokyo. Scouts are picking up interesting ideas, upcoming trends bubbling under etc, draw them, take photos etc. Those memos and photos are shaped into trend forecasts in conferences where agencies throughout the world participate.

The same can be said of many different places. For example, trend agencies frequently scout out the Bronx and other such places because a lot of western fashion cues come from the less wealthy black neighborhoods. N. American fashion is heavily influenced by African American and European sources while Japans style is heavily influenced by the West. No place is completely original because we take and borrow from each other.


..or, could it be that western people are just too stuck on their own habits and don't dare to step outside the box? Japanese labels won't come to Europe/US if there aren't any buyers. For some it's also an image question. The reason isn't necessarily lack of originality in the designer, but in the buyer.

Oh man, you must not have traveled far if you think westerners don't step outside the box. I've seen some crazy, over-the-top things just in my little slice of N. America, and there is certainly no shortage of high heel wearing, brand name bag carrying, trendy, would-be fashionistas wandering around. Hell, just today there was a hippie on my bus wearing a poncho with dreadlocks and ferns in his hair. :relief:

But I know for a fact that Japanese labels have tried to set up shop here, some succeed, some fail but you can't blame westerners and say we don't have style or we aren't original just because Japanese brand names don't catch on here. It just comes down to the fact that we have our own style, Japans style works for them but that doesn't mean it would work for us.

Besides, it is well known that people in Japan spend a LOT of money on their clothes, hair and makeup. Most people here choose to spend their money on their home or their car or on computers or entertainment systems ... different countries, different priorities. Fashion isn't quite as important to westerners as it is to the Japanese.

[Chipi]

The same can be said of many different places. For example, trend agencies frequently scout out the Bronx and other such places because a lot of western fashion cues come from the less wealthy black neighborhoods. N. American fashion is heavily influenced by African American and European sources while Japans style is heavily influenced by the West. No place is completely original because we take and borrow from each other. .
Yeap, true. I said Tokyo is"one of the hotspots". And i mentioned the same things you pointed out quite a few times I think..

Oh man, you must not have traveled far if you think westerners don't step outside the box. I've seen some crazy, over-the-top things just in my little slice of N. America, and there is certainly no shortage of high heel wearing, brand name bag carrying, trendy, would-be fashionistas wandering around. Hell, just today there was a hippie on my bus wearing a poncho with dreadlocks and ferns in his hair. :relief: .
And nope, not true, I have travelled. Seen poor people&rich people, eastern ppl, western ppl, nothern, southern. And I still stay with my point of view.
For me high heels, brand name bags and following trends is not (in the _most_ cases) as itself being creative or original. Of course, depends on the combos etc. The poncho and ferns then again, yeah, that's quite unique!

But I know for a fact that Japanese labels have tried to set up shop here, some succeed, some fail but you can't blame westerners and say we don't have style or we aren't original just because Japanese brand names don't catch on here. It just comes down to the fact that we have our own style, Japans style works for them but that doesn't mean it would work for us.

Where is "here"? We also have to keep in mind that "western" people doesn't mean only Americans. It might well be that the Japanese labels who didn't make it, have been too unique, too different to start their business. Maybe more suttle approach would've been better. They might make it somewhere else though.
I feel Japanese are more ready to try on different things, combine features from the east and the west - they are wearing&buying both eastern and western type of clothing, and you can see this in all age categories. In west we stick mainly only to the western type clothing.
(We all have our bores and fashionistas among us, but I just wish people everywhere would be more creative and question 'following the trends' a bit more. Rather a common person than a trend slave for me, even I am working with the trends :D Being enviromentally&historically aware wouldn't hurt anyone..)

[MadamePapillon]

Where is "here"? We also have to keep in mind that "western" people doesn't mean only Americans. It might well be that the Japanese labels who didn't make it, have been too unique, too different to start their business. Maybe more suttle approach would've been better. They might make it somewhere else though.

'Here' is Vancouver. And I can pretty much guarantee that if Japanese shops didn't succeed it wasn't because they were 'too unique'. The Japanese run lolita shop that closed down last year didn't close down because people were scared of pink frilly dresses, it closed down because it was an outrageously priced store that catered only to a very small consumer base.
Other less risque Japanese label probably don't succeed because there is already a built in market, they not only have to compete with the home grown competition but also appeal to the mainstream.

I feel Japanese are more ready to try on different things, combine features from the east and the west - they are wearing&buying both eastern and western type of clothing, and you can see this in all age categories. In west we stick mainly only to the western type clothing.

This is one of those statements that, to me, seems like not only a huge generalization but also is completely false. To say that the island nation of Japan is in itself more ready to go outside of the box with fashion than the whole of American, Canada, Britain, France, Italy etc. is probably the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.
Japan likes to combine different clothes but try not to forget who it was that invented these clothes to begin with.
That is why Japan has yet to make a truly big impact on the fashion world, why their brands don't sell well in the west, why you don't see the world sporting Japanese brand names ... it's because Japan had not truly created their own style. They have been trying to use our style, give it a Japanese flair, repackage it and trying to sell it back to us.
There is creativity and there is originality, Japan has creativity but they are lacking in originality.

[pipokun]

This is merely my nitpicking, but I suppose many Japanese fashion slaves get bored with a story like the above, drawing a quick conclusion from a small story in Vancouver.
Instead, they just prefer an illogical reason, "I love this style because I love it".

I am a little dubious about the Vancouver influence on the Harajuku backstreet, but don't worry nobody knows what will be the next-it trend.

[Chipi]

*Sigh* I could write a lecture here about history, fashion history, fabrics, threads, technology and design, but instead i just give a tip (for anyone interested in fashion from Japan) - recommended reading:

Cutting Edge Fashion from Japan, Powerhouse publishing 2005
JETRO's introduction to Japanese fashion: http://www.jetro.org/trends/fashion_history_japan.php

(..and any fashion history books about Japanese clothing, as well as European clothing, one good combining the both being 'Fashion, the collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute'. So-En magazine & Gap Japan magazine then again are showing nice examples of contemporary Japanese fashion design and introducing new interesting brands. ...and no, I don't count Lolita etc.wear into the 'fashion' category, since I don't count any niche markets to it in the west either..)