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).