Japanese Fashion Part 2

Lolita, or ろりた, is a style that is characterized by its Victorian influence, often including knee-length skirts with petticoats, knee socks, and a blouse with lace or ruffle detailing. A few subtypes include Gothic Lolita, Classic Lolita, Punk Lolita, and Sweet Lolita.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_street_fashion

 <--This is an example of Gothic Lolita.



This would be Classic Lolita. It incorporates traditional Japanese styles. Note the Kimono blouse. -->









Street fashion in Japan is popular in Tokyo, but is also especially popular in Shibuya, a special ward in Tokyo. Shibuya also refers directly to a shopping district in that area. Harajuku is also a popular destination for street fashion. It is actually next to Shibuya, and it refers to the name of the area around Harajuku station.

You may have heard of Harajuku, because of Harajuku Lovers, a brand of clothing and accessories which is actually heard-of in America.

If you are interested in seeing Japan street fashion for yourself, I would recommend "Japanese Streets," a blog that displays many aspects of street fashion.

There is something called the Harajuku Fashion Walk that occurs every two months. According to Tokyofashion.com, the Fashion Walk is an event where, "50-100 colorfully-dressed young people meet up in Harajuku and parade through the streets together, making friends – and lots of smiles – along the way." The participants are encouraged to wear whatever makes them happy.

Personally I think this is a great event It would be so cool to witness one of these events.

Now, none of this is to say that there are too much restricting social norms in America over clothing. Of course, you can find people with venturesome personalities anywhere. However (don't hold me to this), I find that in Japan, diversity in fashion is more common and accepted. I will probably be able to shed more light on that topic when I actually travel to Japan myself. :)