Introduction

Tokyo Japan is known for many things, like being over populated. But in this over populated city, grow some of the best fashionable people in the world, mainly in Shibuya.  Shibuya is known for being one of the most fashionable places in Tokyo. Tokyo’s fashion trends are ordinary and rare, especially in Shibuya’s Center-Gai. This is one of the best places for tourist to stop by. It is filled with streets full of stores and shops with the latest fashion trends. Being one of the most fashionable places, Tokyo finds its way to keep those traditions close. As weird as it may seem, Kimonos are still worn in Japan. They are worn by the elderly as well as the young teens. Tokyo as crammed as it may seem, is home to unique people who know just how to combine the traditional and lattes trends.

History of Traditional Clothing

Throughout the periods the Japanese fashion has been changing starting from the Jomon period ending with the Edo period. The most famous period for fashion change was in the Heian period. During that period was when the styles and colors started to change. The most valuable one is the Junihito. That kimono has twelve layers and is very hard to move in. As times passes the kimonos have gotten more elegant and more comfortable.

Types of Japanese Traditional Clothing

During the 8^th century Japanese fashion began to change. During Japans Heian period the kimono turned very stylish at that time. Over the years, their fashion has been changing a lot. The clothing has been changed depending on the season. It could either they wear bright colors during the spring or just simply elegant during the winter. The Japanese culture has various types clothing one of them is the most common known Kimonos. Kimonos still remain as the nation’s costume of Japan. Some of the earliest designs of the kimonos were hugely influenced by the Hanfu. The Hanfu is a type of Chinese clothing that the Japanese made there own style. This form of Japanese clothing is mostly worn by woman and they only wear it on special occasions. Like the unmarried woman have a specific type of kimono called furisode. For the married woman they also wear a specific type of kimono called Kurotomesode.

Traditional Accessories

 To wear a certain type of clothing you also have to have the specific types of accessories to wear with it. Starting at the feet, Japanese wear a special type of sock called Tabi. They are also worn by men as well as woman. One of the most important accessories is the Zori. The Zori are open sandals. Today, the Zori is being used with modern fashion. There are two other types of footwear the Geta and Waragi. The Geta is described as our regular flip-flops. They are different because theses have a high wooden base and are worn with either the kimono or the Yukata. The Waragi is worn with different styles and by different people. Today it is mostly worn by Buddhist monks. The last important accessory that the Japanese wear with the Kimonos is the Obi. The Obi is a type of sash that you wear around your waist over your Kimono (JP NET Kimono Hypertext).

The Changes of Clothes over Time (1970’s-2012)

As we all know by now people in Japan have a very ordinary style. The question is where did this come from? During the 1970’s Kenzo Takada, a Japanese designer opened a boutique in Paris called Jangle Jap.  His famous collection was Paris Pret-a-porter. Pret-a-porter was a colorful and dynamic folklore look. It was a much layered look and quickly became popular. Throughout the years, many other designers like Rei Kawakubo and Hanae Mori followed Kenzo’s footsteps. In 1977, a bob hairstyle also became popular because it fit just right with the Pret-a-porter. This look came from the very famous model Sayoko Yamagochi who worked with Hanae Mori a Japanese designer. Rei Kawakubo inspired buy Kenzo, made his own version of the Pere-a-porter in the 1980’s and called it Boro look. The Boro was also loose baggy clothes but, the difference was that the Boro was dark, ripped and frayed. As soon as this look was introduced in Paris, everyone loved it. Several years after, The Council of Fashion Designers (CDF) in Tokyo was created by 32 designers. Who would have thought that the Pret-a-porter would have been accepted by so many different people throughout the world. The CDF was supported by The Designer Character, a label brand in Tokyo. Character brands became more affordable than they were back in the 70’s. From this grew a new fashion movement, the Bubble. Bubble burst out began in the 90’s in Shibuya. The Japanese loved it and ever since then they have mixed there looks and made Japan as it is today. Basically what was once casual fashion in Shibuya turned into high school girls and boys with long socks, very tanned skin and light brown or bleached blonde hair. Shibuya and Harajuku became extremely popular and are known for being trendy fashion areas. In 2003, Jun Takahashi and Tokyo Collection finally made a spring summer collection after joining in mid-90. This collaboration leads to the grand opening of Shibuya 109. That is still one of the best shopping centers in Tokyo (Fashion History of Japan).     

Loss of the Gyaru

In Shibuya, everyone has their own style. These styles are made up of crazy trends. Although, before this crazy fashion revolution came to life, there was a very popular style. In the 1900’s one the most popular styles in Japan and especially Shibuya was Gyaru. The 1900’s was known as “the lost decade” in Japan. Gyaru or in English translation meaning “gal”, originated from a brand of jeans called “gals” in the 1970’s. Gyaru consists of bleached hair, decorated nails, and dramatic makeup. It is described as a girly-glam style. For the Gyaru-o (guys) it was dyed blonde or light brown hair. They dressed in surfer and casual sports clothing (Shibuya Men Change Style). This was a sign of youth rebellion against the government. Other types of Gyaru styles are Bibinba, Banba, and Ganguro. Gyaru was popular up till the 2000’s. In 2007, it was declined in many fashion magazines, stores, and shows. When this happened, it gained popularity in China. Before this, Gyaru used to own Shibuya 109 in the center of Tokyo. You could see Gyaru girls and Gyaru-o guys coming in and out of clubs, arcades and roaming Center-Gai. "Compared to 10 years ago, there isn't a strong gal culture anymore," says Junko Suzuki, a blogger for the more conservative, but highest-selling youth female fashion magazine, Sweet (Janette). A fast fashion invasion began a few years ago in Shibuya. Fast fashion outlets like H&M, Forever21, Zara, and Bershka took over the streets of Tokyo. The modern fashion is incredibly amazing. Although in my eyes, Japan could be losing its traditions, but the Japanese see it as simply a new era with new styles.

Modern Woman Clothing

According to a survey by Kanebo Cosmetics, Tokyo ladies use more make-up than any other major city in Asia. In Tokyo, image, style, and dressing are simply a way of life. Shibuya Tokyo is known for its energy to find the youth inside of you. Women are always on the hunt for new distinctive and creative looks. Shibuya 109 is an attraction for many women native to Tokyo as well as tourist. Shibuya women are very caring when it comes to choosing colors. Blonde, red brown, and other browns, are some of the popular colors. Although, if you are a daring type of person there are boutiques like Candy and Smack Glam that give Shibuya a fresh outlook(Walker). I myself have never visited Tokyo Japan, so I cannot see with my own eyes how women dress.  You don’t have to go to Shibuya to see that it’s a very unique place. Women also like to mix new trends with old traditional trends. For example, Kimonos, believe it or not people still wear them.