The Cutting-Edge World of Japanese Fashion
In the past century, traditional Japanese garments such as the kimono have given way to the incorporation of Western style with a Japanese twist. When visiting Japan, you’ll see a bright and vibrant mixture of luxury brand names and kooky street style. The Japanese are not afraid to don avant-garde looks and follow fast-moving trends, for an interesting yet classic style that is all their own.
Designer Japanese Fashion
Ranking up there with Milan, Paris, and London, Tokyo has also become a premier destination for fashion lovers. This is due to the rise of famous designers such as Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons, Issey Miyake, and Yohji Yamamoto in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Japanese fashion designs from these brands are known for using high-tech fabrics and monochromatic colour schemes to create a unique, sophisticated, and often minimalist style. Japanese style is synonymous with high quality and modern vision. During the Tokyo Fashion Week, buyers from around the world come to view the latest styles from these high end designers. As as result, you can find Japanese fashion for sale in many of the world’s top boutiques and department stores.
Japanese Street Style
While you can purchase elegant styles from Japan’s’ most famous high fashion designers, the young people of Japan love to try on more eccentric looks. The sky’s the limit when it comes to Japanese street fashion, with trends coming and going rapidly in hotspots like the Shibuya neighbourhood of Tokyo. Many young people in Japan love to experiment with alternative or punk fashion, including colourful dresses, androgynous fashions, and glitter make-up. Some popular looks combine elements that wouldn’t seem to go together at all, such as Gothic make-up with a baby doll dress. This makes walking the streets of Tokyo’s trendiest neighbourhoods an exciting experience
Daily Fashion in Japan
In addition to the flamboyant looks on the streets of Tokyo and the sophisticated designs gracing the catwalk, there is another type of common style that you’ll find in Japan. Most Japanese do not wear eccentric designs to work, but instead prefer classic international luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Burberry. It’s estimated that nearly half of the world’s luxury fashion products are purchased by the Japanese, particularly those living in Tokyo. This national love of fashion extends to accessories, handbags, and shoe styles. Outfits are usually perfectly coordinated and the Japanese take good care of their clothing. Although many Japanese consumers may be willing to spend more money on luxury brands like Gucci or Louis Vuitton, they take proper care of their clothing to ensure that these items last for years.
Share your thoughts with us
Japanese style can be playful and unique. Do you incorporate any of these looks into your own wardrobe? What are some of your favourite Japanese designers or street styles?
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