モダン流行

Once considered a country that largely kept its styles sedate, conservative and simple, a new trend and young designers are capturing the interest of young people wishing to stand out and express themselves through fashion. Japan is now producing some cutting-edge fashion designers and the world is taking notice. In many ways Tokyo seems happy with the niche it has carved out for itself a showcase for young, relatively unknown and edgy designers. Although many of Japans most well-known designers choose to show their collections at fashion weeks in New York, Paris, London and Milan, Tokyo’s fashion week has become the stage for less well-known designers, the vast majority whom are Japanese.

After centuries of what might be considered standardized dressing, many young Japanese have now taken up a loud and unique voice by wearing what is known as Street Style. If traditional Japanese wish to avoid being the nail that stands out and is hit with the hammer, many young Japanese are clamoring to be that proverbial nail. One of the most popular and famous places to see Street Style in Japan is in the Harajuku area. Part of the Shibuya district of Tokyo it is the meca for Japanese Street Style.

Japan has long been known for its looks inspired by manga or Hello Kitty and clothes that range from the traditional to the avant-garde, Tokyo prides itself on its creativity, its street style. Street Style has become so popular that there are currently several international publications such as Kera, Tune, Gothic & Lolita Bible and Fruits that are devoted solely to the topic.