Fashion Contrast

Everything is weirder in Japan! A cliche but true nevertheless. These weird Japanese fashion subcultures will surely make your jaw drop.

The many fashion subcultures in Japan vary greatly from clothing trends that we see across the United States and in many other countries. Fashion in Japan can be categorized into many popular, vibrant subculture categories. These styles are about more than mere garments; they communicate important messages about identity and social groups. Women in Japan are renowned for spending far more on clothing and cosmetic work each year that the average Western shopper. In the fashion world of Japan’s many subcultures that statement is especially true. Grown women, teenagers, and even young girls participate in elaborate wardrobe rituals for some of the everyday looks we will see below. These fashion trends are beginning to percolate around the world–and far beyond small, underground movements. Designers like Gwen Stefani are translating these trends for a global audience, with a fun and colorful effect. We examine a few of the fashion categories in Japanese subcultures below.

Kigurumin

License: Creative Commons image source

This trend may seem pretty outlandish, but for any girl who has ever gone to college classes in her pajamas (which includes nearly all girls), it may have some sense of familiarity, however small. This trend became popular in the early and middle years of the past decade, emerging around 2003. It is based off of the popular Kigurumini characters in Japan. These are the costumed cartoon characters that we all know from fairs and theme parks. The term Kigurumini combines Japanese words for “to wear” and “stuffed toy.” The female fashion trend that emerged from these characters allows women to do just that. Kigurumin became popular in Shibuya when young women began wearing oversized pajamas made to look like cartoon characters–as part of their everyday dress. Sometimes called “disguise pajamas” this articles of clothing allowed for unique experimentation with fashion. Popular characters include Winnie the Pooh, Hello Kitty, and Pikachu.

Decora

License: Creative Commons image source

This fashion subculture has become so popular in Japan that it is essentially mainstream. Its name implies a lot about the characteristics of this style, in which young women decorate themselves in wild color combinations and textures. The essential element of Decora is kawaii, which means “cuteness.” This look is all about channeling the cute elements of childhood into adult wear. Sometimes confused for the fashion subculture of FRUiTS, which gets its name from a popular Japanese photo magazine, Decora is truly set apart from other trends by its adherence to cute, childlike elements. Girls who wear Decora style are often seen in fuzzy, soft clothing. They wear Mary Jane shoes, miniskirts, and shirts that are often intentionally too small. If this is beginning to sound a little unusual…just wait. One of the most important fashion accessories of the Decora look is the use of toys, often fuzzy, plush stuffed animals with animated movements and talking sounds. Decora girls love the color pink, and they often dye their hair that color. Their childlike take on fashion means that often incorporate whimsical elements, such as handbags shaped like animals or heart-shaped sunglasses. There a lot of different variations within decora.

Lolita Fashion

License: Creative Commons image source

This subculture trend is one that has gained momentum around the world, thanks to the popularity of Anime and the unique stylings associated with this look. Lolita fashion involves dressing in a way that evokes childhood looks, as well as Rococo influences and Edwardian dress. This look emerged in the international fashion capital of Harajuku in Japan (this city from which Gwen Stefani took the name of her fashion line). Girls who wear Lolita dress choose ruffled, knee-length skirts that often have the look of a cupcake because of voluminous petticoats and undergarments. The ruffles of the petticoats are echoed on other parts of the ensemble, with ample lace and other intricate patterns. Childlike Mary Jane shoes are often associated with this look. Although Lolita, like Decora, borrows many elements from girlish or childlike fashion, it is not all about “cuteness.” The Edwardian quality of Lolita adds an element of modesty. Lolita looks can also range from feminine confections, as seen in Sweet Lolita, to hard-edged fashion in Punk Lolita. Gothic Lolita, which features black garments, smoky eyes, and red lips has become outrageously popular. One can find Lolita fashionistas, like the ones seen above, sporting heart-shaped handbags and floral dresses, or you may find Lolitas in full corsets, petticoats, and Goth makeup.

Ganguro

License: Creative Commons image source

Ganguro can be translated as “blackface” and its even more extreme offshoots Yamanba and manba (loosely translated as mountain hag) are one of the really extreme Japanese fashion subcultures. It is a rebellious fashon movement going against the traditional Japanese concepts of beauty of paleness, dark hair and modest neautral makeup. This style features extremely tanned skin (artificial or natural), bleached white hair or aggressive neon colored wigs and dreadlocks.

Simon works for Higherclick.com, a company, which brings awesome writers and cool companies together. This Guest post was written in behalf of their client Macy’s.com.

With the recent explosion in interest that premium children’s fashion has experienced it is hardly surprising that the designer collections which are becoming more and more common should find their way onto the catwalk. The last five years has seen a number of top designers introduce kids’ wear into their collections as junior celebrity fashion freaks like Suri Cruise are frequently pictured wearing expensive couture outfits. The publicity opportunities created by such youngsters have obviously not been lost on the designers and now junior apparel is to have its own fashion week in London.

Launch

The first Global Kids Fashion Week was held at London’s Freemason’s Hall 19 -20 March 2013 and showcased designer fashion labels like Junior Gaultier and Paul Smith alongside premium and emerging brands including Scotch R’Belle, Munster Kids and Diesel. The first day of the show will be a press event which will highlight trends for 2013/2014. On the second day the event will be open to the public with the proceeds from ticket sales being donated to the charity Kids Company who provide practical, emotional and educational support to under privileged children in our inner cities.

Entertainment

Fashion shows are not the only entertainment on offer at Kids Fashion Week. There will also be play activities which are being organised in conjunction with the Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood. There also activities provided by supporting products and brands like Little Bu child friendly nail polish and so the kids can look forward to both fashion inspiration and a liberal dose of dressing up and play. Refreshments will be on hand for worn out parents!

Further Events

It is hoped that Global Kids Fashion week will become a popular annual occasion and partner events are already on course in the Middle East, Australia and the United States. You never know there could be some celebrity visitors in evidence, popping in for a sneak preview of the new collections and no doubt showing off their kids’ latest designer outfits. The big question is whether the likes of Romeo Beckham will make starring appearances on the catwalk? Fresh from his recent engagement modelling for Burberry Beckham Junior would surely be the obvious choice as star of the Fashion Week show.

The Future

The world of children’s fashion looks set for a bright future. Images of celebrity offspring sporting the latest styles are inspiring an interest in kid’s fashion amongst parents and children alike. If you spot a celebrity’s child wearing something you like it only takes a matter of seconds to find out what it is and where you can buy it and so designers will be only too happy to provide clothing for these youngsters in the hope that they get pictured wearing it. Luxury children’s wear is a £500 million business in the UK alone and sales are growing twice as fast as for luxury women’s apparel. Junior designer clothing is most definitely an expanding market and that growth is set to continue for some time to come.

Sally Stacey is an enthusiastic blogger with a keen interest in what is happening in the world of fashion. She is currently writing on behalf of I dream elephants, online retailers of equisite clothing for kids.

Celebrities For Whom Being Spotted Without A Hat Would Be As Rare As A Pig With Wings

Sometimes, our heads need a little extra assistance and that calls for some headgear. Some wear hats or caps for protection; some wear it for style, while some may wear headwear for religious purposes. Whatever the reason is, different types of headwear have been used by mankind since centuries now. Some people love wearing hats, while others don’t. Some look good in hats, while others are better off without them. However, there have been some famous people, who have loved their headgear and have donned them so well that it almost became their trademark, making it extremely rare to spot them without their bonnets. Here is my top 5 list of famous mad hatters!

Charlie Chaplin and his Bowler Hat

Probably the first thing that crosses your mind when you think of this legendary silent artist, is his quintessential bowler hat, his cane and his trademark moustache, which soon became classic symbols of Hollywood’s silent film era. The bowler hat became famous especially after Chaplin’s most memorable on-screen character “The Little Tramp”, also known as The Tramp, appeared in films like “City Lights” and “Modern Times”.

Jawaharlal Nehru and his Gandhi Cap

Getting its name from the iconic leader of the Indian Freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi, the Gandhi cap is a white colored side cap, made out of khadi. The Gandhi cap was popularized by Mahatma Gandhi and later started being worn by his followers and other political activists during the Indian Independence Movement. However, perhaps the most significant advocate of the Gandhi cap, probably more than Mahatma Gandhi himself, was Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, who was never seen sans his Gandhi cap.

Abraham Lincoln and his Stovepipe Hat

Without a doubt, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was the man behind the popularity the stovepipe hat. In contrast to most top-hats, the stovepipe hat is taller and straighter. Legend has it, that the famous president also kept important letters inside his hat! Well we shouldn’t be surprised, since top hats are so tall that even rabbits happen to hide in there!

David Evans (U2 guitarist) and his Skull Cap

The legendary U2 guitarist always tops off his ‘do with a black skull cap. Also famously known as “The Edge”, David Evans has never been seen without a hat or a skull cap since early 80’s. He always dons a black skull cap on all U2’s stage performances, songs and video. Moreover, even in photos from his daily life, the omnipresent black skull cap is always there.

Queen Elizabeth II and her fancy colorful hats

Ever since her accession to the throne more the 60 years ago, the Queen of England has also emerged as the ultimate queen of hats. It is said that the queen has donned more than 5,000 different hats throughout her reign since 1952. From brimless, floral designs to furry winter Cossack hats to bright hats adorned with bows, flowers and feathers, Her Majesty’s head has effortlessly pulled off all these hats as royally and gracefully as her crown.

These are some people whom you just can’t imagine or visualize without their trademark heard wear. There are many more famous celebrities who strut about with their distinctive and famous head pieces. However, these five definitely top the list.

Faith Cummings is the author of this delightful post. She feels that in our society ‘Clothes make the man’ and that is why it is necessary to look great at all times. She believes that wearing stylish hats can change your whole look and add up to your oomph factor.