Word on the J-street: TokyoFashion - J-fashion 2017 (15 things to know)

TokyoFashion posted an article all about what's happening in 2017 with Japanese street fashion.  You can read their article titled "Japanese Street Fashion 2017 — 15 Things You Need To Know" on Medium (dot com).

When I saw Tokyo Fashion mention an article on trends, shops, magazines, and the condition of Harajuku, I just had to read it.

Some points I wanted to reiterate are: Harajuku is not dead , Harajuku isn't a specific look , although the demand for print is low our beloved magazines aren't really disappearing.

1. Harajuku isn't dead, better yet the styles (most) loved, and were first introduced to, are fading.  So Harajuku is just changing.  Trends fade and change, so the styles seen on the streets are mostly newer styles.  I mean, this is a point that some have already brought up, but it's a good point to keep repeating; it's a point I should remind myself of.  I too am guilty of thinking "Gyaru is dead" at least once.  But I should remind myself that it's not dead, it's just changing; and the sub-styles that I loved are just fading with appearance of new styles.
       cr. x   
2. Harajuku isn't a specific look, it's a place of expression and creativity.  A valid point I've never thought of myself.  It's a spot of creative fashion expression, not one specific look we might have in our minds.
3. Quite a few popular magazines have stopped printing or announced the end of printing.  However it doesn't mean it's gone forever.  Some have returned, rebooted with visuals of the newer styles and trends.  The article even states that Aoki, founder of FRUiTS, has mentioned returning with photo books and new projects.  I'm just using FRUiTS as an example because it was the most recent cease publication I could think of; and while we're sad now, it may return just like Ageha did.  Kera has also stopped printing and switched to online access only.  So they aren't gone forever.  Followers of the styles shown in said magazines are creating new content with its influence over time (plus some scan links are still around right? lol).

Things to know:

• Fanatic Magazine debut - a new print magazine formed by four female students to document Japanese street fashion.  I've spoken about this before in my first "Word on the J-street" post!  Not sure how people overseas will get their hands on a copy though.
• Genderless kei still prevailing? - Although it appeared and gained popularity last year, the trend is still lingering.  The use of skirts in a casual sense is prevalent on the streets.  I spoke about genderless kei in my "trends I wish were here" post! Muyua (pictured below) was featured in the "Genderless kei" video I shared in the "trends I wish were here" post!
  
• Korean street-wear here to stay! - The minimalist style is still popular in Tokyo.  Korean based stores like Style Nanda are around; and there are lots of Harajuku boutiques that carry Korean street-wear.  (It's definitely a go-to look for me when I want to be casual or when I have to choose makeup over a full coordinate) ｡ﾟ(TヮT)ﾟ｡

Rising and shining Stars of Harajuku:

Aiba Runa - 20 year old fashion designer and interior designer!  She gained popularity with her Instagram (@rrrshowroom) (personal: @una_monster) and her bold colorful style.  Her brand is RRR by Sugar Spot Factory.

Coco Princess - 6 year old fashionista! I follow her on Instagram and she's too cute! (@coco_pinkprincess)  Coco's parents own Funktique Tokyo, a vintage boutique; the mother is a stylist while the father is a vintage fashion collector.  Coco has even been featured in magazines and a documentary.

Cool things I learned:

60's, 70's style and Punk are "In" - There's a huge wave of Harajuku boys this year and Punk style is a major look.  I mean studded jackets, bold hair, makeup, safety pins and chains, the whole nine yards!  I didn't think the Punk look was still as popular in 2017.  I remember I first got into Japanese fashion (in 2010?) it was a big look; had no clue so many still rocked the style to this degree.

Can't forget about the girls of Harajuku, right?  1960's fashion is a big trend!  "The vintage style — which has no catchy name yet — looks like super colorful grandma fashion worn by cutely styled young Japanese women."  Even Peco Club's latest collection is 60's "Hairspray" style!  Other vintage and retro looks are on the rise too.  There are boutiques that have a mix of 60's, 70's, and 80's fashion like: The Other, and Starblinc 60s.  With these retro trends, Monaca, a fashion circle has gained popularity. 

(cr. x)

Seedy shop? - "The Four-Eyed" is a shop located in Kabukicho, a red-light district in Shinjuku.  Quite a risqué place to be, huh?  Creator and photographer, Keisuke Fujita chose this location in search of an area with a less "loaded" name like 'Harajuku' or other big name fashion districts.  Fujita has shot snaps for FRUiTS and that style is shown in the pieces found in his boutique.

Phew! That took some time to put together lol

(ꐦ ´͈ ᗨ `͈ )

But I hope it was an interesting read for you!

Tell me what caught your eye, or what other topics that I

didn't cover intrigued you!

~ Love you! x Amiman ~