+   

Harajuku (原宿) in Japan refers to an area around Harajuku train station. Harajuku style is a japanese fashion adopted by the teenagers and young adults in the area and its side streets which have many boutiques, trendy stores and used clothes shops.

Japanese Harajuku Girls and Harajuku Style has been used to describe teens dressed in many fashion styles ranging from Gothic Lolita (also gothic loli) Visual Kei, Ganguro, Gyaru, Kogal, to "cute" Kawaii style clothing.Young adults in Harajuku may also be dressed as anime or manga characters (known as cosplay).

GOTHIC LOLITA

Gothic Lolita or GothLoli is a youth fashion among Japanese teenagers and young women. Elegant Gothic Lolita (EGL) refers to the fashion of frilly, ruffled knee-length dresses and head-bands etc. Elegant Gothic Aristocrat (EGA) refers to a more subtle and refined dressing consisting of longer dresses and coats. Gothic Lolita clothes have a sometimes very dark look or sometimes very kawaii (cute) look - demonstrated by Baby The Stars Shine Bright. There are different kinds of lolitas in Japan, however EGA is rare and the style is usually up to the individual.The most popular Gothic Lolita magazine is a Japanese publication called The Gothic and Lolita Bible. Gothic lolitas flock to Yoyogi park in Harajuku on the weekends to show off their fashion.

VISUAL KEI

Visual Kei refers to a movement among Japanese rock (jrock) musicians and is characterized by the use of elaborate costumes, eccentric, looks and hairstyles. The Visual Kei look usually involves striking make-up, The "kei" in Visual Kei is japanese for style of type, meaning "visual style music" The music ranges from eighties goth rock, to heavy metal to punk and usually some combo of the three. Most bands are indie but a not many make it to major labels such as Malice Mizer, Raphael, & Dir En Grey. Visual Kei has influenced Harajuku style fashion, especially those who gather on Jingu Bashi - a pedestrian bridge connecting the bustling Harajuku district with Meiji Shrine.

On the bridge you could find Visual Kei cosplayers (those dressed as their favorite musicians) and those in the subculture known as Gothic Lolita based on Lolita fashion. Often fans of such bands also will dress up for concerts, meet ups, and other events where they will see other people who enjoy Visual Kei.

KAWAII & DECORA

Kawaii means "cute" or "pretty. has become a major aspect of Japanese culture, entertainment, food, clothing, toys, personal appearance and behavior. Kawaii fashion generally relates to someone wearing clothing that appears to be made for young children or clothes that accentuates the cuteness of the individual wearing the clothing. Ruffles and pastel or bright colors may be worn, and accessories often include oversize toys or bags featuring anime characters.

Decora also known as "Decoration" is a japanese style adopted mainly by young japanese girls. Decora consists of bright colors and hair clips with bows. Lots of layering and colorful accessories are used in Decora. The accessories include plastic and furry toys and jewelry, which stick together and make noise as the wearer moves.
The style is sometimes mistakenly called "Fruits style" by people that are not from Japan.

To be a Harajuku

Harajuku Style varies considerably and there are many different looks ranging from elegant gothic lolita to punky modern looking Visual Kei - which is inspired by japanese rock group (jrock).

Harajuku clothing style involves mixing and (mis) matching different fashions and styles. Harajuku fashion changes and evolves constantly, sometimes mixing traditional Japanese clothing such as kimonos and geta sandals with other styles. Everything from punk, goth to designer clothes can be mixed and mismatched with colorful accessories to create a unique and individual style.

Although more recently brand loyalty has become more prominent, second hand clothing and do it yourself are the basis of harajuku fashion. Maybe a flowered skirt with a pinned ribbon attached with a more angular hemline? If you have some talent then grab your scissors and sewing kit and make your store clothes individually yours..

Look and learn. look at pictures of the harajuku fashion scene and get inspiration from them. steal ideas from here and there to get the look that works for you. You may also want to buy 'fruits' and 'fresh fruits' magazine along with the Gothic Lolita Bible, these are all great sources of inspiration.

Dress in layers. One of the characteristics of Harajuku fashion is layering. Svetre, saká a vesty na košele a tričká. Šaty sa kombinujú s legínami and so on. Layering - or giving the impression of layered clothes by wearing ruffled dresses etc. allows you to get away with more of a variety of styles, and adds an additional dimension to your outfit.

Accessorize. add extravagant accessories including earrings, jewelry, belts, hair clips, handbags. When dressing decora style especially loud and colorful is the key, embellish your outfit from head to toe with pink, yellow, green, purple accessories that stand out.

Go wild with makeup and hairstyle. Harajuku style does not necessarily end with what you wear. Adding a a crazy hairstyle or a cute hairstyle - maybe sporting cute pigtails can complete your image along with using hair dye and making yourself up with theatrical makeup.

Wear whatever looks suits you. unlike punk rock harajuku fashion is not just about rebelling about mainstream fashion, but more a way of wearing what looks good on you. If you have a desire to wear pink and white striped leggings with a green plaid dress then do it!