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.
Shibuya
People Walking the Streets of Shibuya
Thursday, May 31, 2012
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 8th 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.
Modern Men Clothing
Unlike women, men have more of a sophisticated style. Women are all about standing out and being different. Men are more about the calm looks. Men in Shibuya look for exclusive clothing brands. They like limited edition clothes. Some of the most wanted brands for men are Martin Margiela, Lanvun, Mastermind, and Philip Lim. I find it amusing that fashion in Shibuya is so important that every month magazines and web pages go out on the streets collecting ideas of the latest trends. One of them is the web Fashion in Japan.com (Fashion in Japan). After the loss of Gyaru-o, men became more interested in a look known as Onii-Kei. The Onii-Kei style is a mixture of American and Italian casual clothes. Accessories are quite important in this style. Sunglasses, watches, belts, and waist pouches are popular. Although Onii-Kei men seem like they would be the best dressed, they still have somewhat of a defect. Onii-Kei men are often teased because of their haircuts and call them “wolf hair”. In 2006, Shibuya 109-2 was created. Shibuya 109 remodeled an entire floor dedicated to men’s clothing with the intention to attract Onii-Kei men. This floor is filled with dimmed lights and club music. The stores are filled with Japanese brand boutiques. This makes it irresistible for Onii-Kei men since they are label fanatics. Most of the clothes that are sold in Shibuya 109-2 are pretty affordable. For example, a T-shirt would be sold at about 3,000 yen or 27 U.S dollars. The price of jeans goes up to 10,000 yen or 91 U.S dollars (Fashion in Japan). Throughout the history of fashion, women are the ones who normally are the leaders of trends, but ever since the discovery of the Onii-Kei, I am not so sure this will stay the same.
Children Clothes
Even at a very early age, the Japanese start dressing in style. According to Tokyo Fashion Express, Japanese parents tend to spend more on their children’s clothing then on anything else. Also, TV and magazines show more about children’s clothes and fashion. The children that are in style are not interested in just clothes but hairstyles, make up and accessories that go with the outfit that they are wearing. There are even hair salons just for kids. The younger elementary school kids are more into the “rock” fashion. Black would be the main color they would wear (Kids Web Japan). Most of these kids know that there is an urge to be in style. Wearing something cute like a skirt with some boots is something young girls would wear. It usually just depends on the seasons and honestly, these kids can defiantly keep up.
Brands
There are many brands of clothing in Shibuya 109 but there is some that are more popular. One of the most popular brands is Moohoo. It was opened recently on September 11 2011. The store is originally from Harajuku which is another fashion district in Tokyo. Another type of popular clothing brand is the Gyaru. This type of clothing many teens wear, it is very common that teens wear this type of clothing. Even Though Shibuya has their own brands and stores they also have some that we are familiar with. In the Shibuya District there is an Adidas store across the street from Shibuya 109. H&M Shibuya and a Forever 21 are also located there (Tokyo Fashion News). The brand Hello Kitty is also something big in Shibuya. In Shibuya 109 there is an entire store dedicated to Hello Kitty. If you walk down the streets of Shibuya you will see many girl teens wearing Hello Kitty brand or wearing a bow in their hair representing Hello Kitty. Unlike Shibuya, not every store is very successful. Many other stores have closed in the past days. For example, one of those stores is Faddy Robot. This store was shut down in 4 days from opening day. With all these types of brands it’s hard to decide what to get. It’s also not really about the brands, but what is being worn.
How other Countries view Fashion in Japan
Fashion in Japan is not only a big contribution in Japan, but also in other countries like the U.S and Europe. Famous brands in Japan like Commes de Garconnes and Unigln are also worn in the U.S and Europe and they are gaining popularity fast, not only those brands but also many other labels. Japan is influencing western styles and the people love it! When camouflage was in style, not many knew it had come from Ura-hara. And that is something that is very common in fashion. Whenever a new style comes out, everyone is on a rush to have the latest clothing. But, no one cares where it came from. The Japanese fashion is being accepted by many people especially teens around the world. Although, teens are not the only ones after Japanese fashion, famous celebrities like Gwen Stefani are also on the chase. Gwen Stefani used Harajuku girls as backup dancers in 2004. Designers all over the world are also being inspired by Japanese fashion. World famous designers like John Galliano, Elie Saalo, and Karl Lagerfeld look at Japan for inspiration. For example, John Galliano inspired by Japanese artistic elements, created his Dior handbag collection. Elie Saab was inspired by the traditional Japanese Kimono to create the spring-summer haute culture collection (Rajia). Knowing this, I have realized that Japan is doing a big movement in the fashion industry.
Conclusion
Works Cited
"Interviews About Gyaru History & Culture - Ricoche.net." Shibuya 109 at Ricoche.net. Web. 01 May 2012. <http://www.ricoche.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14066>.
"Is Shibuya Gyaru Culture in Decline? If So, Why?" Tokyo Fashion News. 14 Oct. 2011. Web. 01 May 2012. <http://tokyofashion.com/shibuya-gyaru-culture-in-decline/>.
Janette, Misha. "Where Have All the Gyaru Gone?" The Japan Times Online: News on Japan, Business News, Opinion, Sports, Entertainment and More. 14 Oct. 2011. Web. 01 May 2012. <http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20111014r1.html>.
Japan Echo Inc. 16 June 2006. Web. 15 May 2012. <http://web-japan.org/trends/fashion/fas060616.html>.
"JP NET Kimono Hypertext." : Introduction. Web. 14 May 2012. <http://web.mit.edu/jpnet/kimono/>.
Rajia. "Japanese Fashion’s Influence on Western Style And trends." Liberty N Lux. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://libertynlux.wordpress.com/2011/03/30/japanese-fasions-influence-on-western-style-and-trends/>.
"SHIBUYA MEN CHANGE STYLE." Shibuya Men Change Style | Fashion | Trends in Japan | Web Japan. Ed. Japan Echo Inc. 16 June 2006. Web. 15 May 2012. <http://web-japan.org/trends/fashion/fas060616.html>.
T. Orzada, Belinda. "CNST 213 Japanese Traditional Dress." CNST 213 Japanese Traditional Dress. University of Delaware. Web. 11 May 2012. <http://udel.edu/~orzada/Japan1.htm>.
Walker, Lee Jay. "Tokyo Ladies: Fashion in Ikebukuro and Shibuya." Modern Tokyo Times. 13 May 2011. Web. 8 May 2012.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
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