Monday, March 30, 2009

Mystifying And Powerful World of Japanese Fashion

harajuku lolita

harajuku lolita
Many would say that fashion is an expression of the culture and soul, hence every nation has a unique reflection of its own history as well as traditions in one way or another.
Japanese fashion is no exception to this sentiment. This article will go into a few details of how it has changed throughout the years while always remaining intact in its traditions.

The Past and the Present

One of the most traditional and common Japanese fashion outfits is the Kimono; it is still worn today in more modern designs, it was also embraced by the Western nations because of its sensuality as well as elegance.

Throughout the years Japanese fashion saw very few changes but throughout the years the Kimono was a dominant part of the classic collection and consistently a part of their lives in one form or another. Another kind of Kimono is the Furisode which is worn by young women in their twenties; in Japan the age to legally drink and smoke is twenty and in order to celebrate the parent frequently offer their daughters a Furisode.

Then the Houmongi takes the stage. This is another kind of Kimono that is worn by married women and similar to the Furisode the parents will give their daughter one when she is married.

The formal Kimono is known as Tomesode and is typically worn by married women to social functions such as marriages. Additional variations include the Mofuku which is the funeral Kimono for Japanese fashion and the Uchikake is the wedding Kimono.

Last but certainly not least the Obi is the oldest form of the Japanese fashion as they are no longer in production today and rarely will you find someone wearing this type even in Japan.

Modern Japanese fashion generally has several categories in addition to some that are not related to clothes. The Japanese fashion known as the Kogal is translated in Japan to people who enjoy displaying their higher income by wearing expensive jewelry or clothes.

The Gangoro Japanese fashion is designed for those people who began changing their hair color and then you have the Lolita as the Gothic Lolita Japanese fashion, which is being represented by the innocent and sweet dressed (Lolita) all the way to the other extreme type referred to as punk fashion, which is known as Gothic Lolitas.

The Eternal Fashion

The world of classic fashion is eternal throughout the world and Japanese fashion has their Kimonos to prove it. The use of colors also plays a large part in the world of Japanese fashion as well as their culture as it is directly correlated to the event. Fashion not only reflects and defines an era and a place in time but also the character and personality of the person who is wearing it.

By Korbin Newlyn

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Modern Bob Hairstyles Fashion







Modern Bob Hairstyles Fashion
Modern Hairstyles: Many fashion trends is dictated by the models and stars of Bollywood and Hollywood and so are trendy hairstyles. The latest trend in modern hairstyles can be searched at the internet, fashion magazines, award functions of the stars, T.V shows, and other Media. Different hair styles is planned specifically to differ face shape, skin tone, age group, hair length as well as lifestyle.
The short trendy hairstyles are again invading the hair fashion trend and many celebrities have rediscovered how attractive these hairstyles can be. All age group of women are inclined towards these trendy hairstyles because they are easy to manage and can give a younger look to them.
Amongst all of the fashionable hair trends in the world, one cut that has made a pretty big benchmark and became spectacular success is the modern inverted bob hairstyle. The hairstyle will be fitting right on the face and they go great with any shape and any color of hair. Modern bob hairstyle suits for any type of lifestyle and also go great with any hair type, hair length, age group and facial structure.
One of the most popular bobs in today’s world are the angled bob and the inverted bob. The inverted bob hairstyles have a stylish and elegant look. The angled bob hairstyle will defiantly add the flair, class and drama to your personality.

Bob Hairstyle Fashion Pictures











Bob Hairstyle Fashion Pictures
This is a fantastic bob hairstyle for fine-to-medium textures of hair that is straight. This bob hairstyle features a center-part and narrow fringe with a clean, horizontal cut along the bangs, and a clean, even weight-line that is softened from the underside using a razor tool. This hairstyle is finished by blow-drying using a firm-hold styling gel and round brush to make things as straight as possible.

While talking about her sassy bob hairstyle, Hayden Panettiere highlighted “With extensions and stuff because my hair is down to here still on the show, it’s like every other day it’s a bob. And then it’s dark, and then it’s blonde and long, so it’s kind of nice not to have to wake up in the morning and have your hair sticking out to one side.

Trends And Styles For Pictures









Trends And Styles For Pictures
You've got legs and this is the season to flaunt them. From skirts and dresses to shorts, hemlines this spring are north of the knee. Look for full tiered and pleated skirts, fluid short shorts and soft, draped minidresses. Here are some of our favorite mini styles for every budget.

It’s almost time to pack away our winter clothes and venture off to the malls, department stores, and boutiques for spring shopping. Fashion changes with each season and each year brings new trends or styles for many to follow. Starting with the stars and trickling down to consumers or street styles - many different people are gaining recognition among the fashion world. Looks that were once frowned upon, such as the punk rock look are now accepted and worn by a wide array of people. Fashion is more about expression. It allows you to freely express your mood, overall image, and character.

Fashion repeats and recycles itself and adds new styles, colors, and features along the way. This spring there are a variety of new looks to choose from. Expect to see lots of bold prints, flowing skirts of different lengths, safari looks, printed bags, wide leg pants, the retro look of color blocking, floral prints, and bright color shoes. You can expect to see new trends such as cocktail shorts and summer jumpsuits from a variety of designers. Also expect new spring-like colors of many shades.

Asian Hairstyle Trends Pictures







Asian Hairstyle Trends Pictures
Experimentation is popular with young Asians who change their hair color and style as many as three times a year. The summer season usually sees an increase in the bob hairstyles while women grow out their hair in the winter. Teenagers and younger women opt for short hair styles while older women prefer longer styles. It is also not unusual to see extreme hairstyles, especially those influenced by hip hop and black American culture. Hair extensions and long braids are popularly used in Asian hairstyles.

Asian Bob Hairstyles Pictures







Asian Bob Hairstyles Pictures
The bob is very much about variations and modifications allowing women styling freedom as never before. The Asian Bob Hairstyle can be worn in many different styles and colors. Many may elect to wear this style in a solid color, or dual colors. There are many that may choose to mix more than two colors when it comes to this particular style.

The secret of this hairstyle is not so much the color that is elected, but the actual cut and how the colors are worn in conjunction with the cut. As you will see in this Asian hairstyle gallery there are many different types of cuts that the Asian Bob can implement. These cuts include the asymmetrical, concave, and stacked cuts in Bob styles.

The asymmetrical Asian Bob is achieved by implementing the use of different angles and shapes. Generally, the hair is cut in a line that may be shorter in the back and ease into a downward, longer slope in the front. These cuts have been found to outline the jaw line and general shape of the face of the Asian woman.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Japanese Fashion - Kogals

KogalsKogals (kogyaru in engrish, lit. "small/child girl" from KoGirl) are a subculture of girls and young women in urban Japan, one of several types of so-called gals. They are characterized by conspicuously displaying their disposable incomes through unique tastes in fashion, music, and social activity. In general, the kogal "look" roughly approximates a sun-tanned California Valley girl, and indeed, the similarities between the two extend to the linguistic, for both subcultures have derived entire sets of slang terms ("ko-gyaru-go").

Kogals are known for wearing platform boots, a miniskirt, copious amounts of makeup, hair coloring (usually blond), artificial suntans, and designer accessories. If in school uniform, the look typically includes skirts pinned very high and loose socks (large baggy socks that go up to the knee). Kogals' busy social lives and desire for new material goods leads them to be among the first consumers of Japanese cell phone technology, and their taste in clothes tends toward names such as Burberry scarves and Louis Vuitton handbags.

Kogals spend much of their free time (and their fathers' income) shopping, and their culture centers around the Shibuya district of Tokyo, in particular the 109 building, although any major Japanese city is sure to have at least a small population. During the summer, kogals may sometimes be seen at the beach. They are generally not seen in high-end department stores.

Critics of the Kogal subculture decry its materialism as reflecting a larger psychological or spiritual emptiness in modern Japanese life. Some kogals support their lifestyle with allowances from wealthy parents, living a "freeter" or "parasite single" existence that grates against traditional principles of duty and industry. A small minority appear in pornography to finance their habits. More may engage in the practice of "compensated dating", or enjo kosai, which may at times border on quasi-legal prostitution.

The kogal phenomenon emerged in the mid-1990s and its effects can still be seen today in its numerous off-shoots of sub-categories, although conservative tastes in dress and hair color seem to be on the upswing. Interestingly enough, the Gothic Lolita aesthetic has been described as a reaction to the kogal look.

Japanese Fashion - Ganguro

ganguro japanese fashionGanguro, literally "black face", is a among Japanese girls which peaked in popularity from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, an outgrowth of chapatsu hair dyeing.


In an interview with Tony Barrell, Creator of FRUiTS magazine, Shoichi Aoki, stated: "Ganguro was a phenomenon that was specific to Shibuya, about 1km away from Harajuku - which we have been talking about - and they were totally different so FRUiTS as a rule didn't really take them up. Only a few times we've covered ganguro in our magazine. Where they came from is actually a mystery, no one really knows but there is some speculation that they were girls who were infatuated or fascinated with Janet Jackson or black American musicians or perhaps Naomi Campbell, the super model, but it's still a mystery what their origins were."


There is often much debating about this in the . Many claim the name itself, "Black face" support this. This also goes against Ganguro itself, because many people are seeing it as racist and comparing it to the "Black Face" of early 1900's culture in america.


The basic look consists of bleached hair, a deep tan, both black and white eyeliners, false eyelashes, platform shoes (usually sandals or boots), and brightly colored outfits. Also typical of the "Ganguro Gal" look are cell phones covered with purikura stickers, tie-dyed sarongs, mini-skirts, hibiscus flower hairpins, and lots of bracelets, rings and necklaces.


Extreme trend followers further bleach their hair up to a platinum blond shade, get even deeper tans, wear white lipstick, multicolored pastel eyeshadows and tiny metallic or glittery adhesives around the bottom rim of the eye sockets. Popular Ganguro magazines include: Egg, Popteen, and Ego System.


The Shibuya and Ikebukuro districts of Tokyo are the center of .




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fashion trend temporary japan

KimonoThe kimono is the traditional Japanese form of dress, and was worn until the Meiji period (1868-1912) during which time a western dress style was adopted. Kimonos are still worn on special occasions such as "coming of age" day in January.

Contemporary Japanese fashion is highly eclectic. It ranges from the ultra-conservative suits and ties worm by businessmen (so-called "salarymen") and uniforms of "office ladies" (female business personnel) and school students through to various outrageous and extravagant street fashion styles. Many Japanese ladies are very brand conscious, favoring clothing and accessories from well-known and expensive design houses.

Fashion Trends in Contemporary Japan
Ganguro
Ganguro (literally "black face"), is a fashion trend among Japanese girls which peaked in popularity from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, an outgrowth of chapatsu hair dyeing.

The basic look consists of bleached hair, a deep tan, both black and white eyeliners, false eyelashes, platform shoes (usually sandals or boots), and brightly colored outfits. Also typical of the "Ganguro Gal" look are cell phones covered with purikura stickers, tie-dyed sarongs, mini-skirts, hibiscus flower hairpins, and lots of bracelets, rings and necklaces.

See Ganguro

Lolita Fashion
Lolita fashion tends to imitate Victorian-style girl's clothing and often aims to imitate the look of Victorian porcelain dolls. Skirts are knee length and may have a crinoline or petticoat to add volume. As in mainstream Japanese fashion, over-knee socks or stockings are extremely popular. Black fishnet stockings and white or black tights are also common. Shoes or boots with high heels - though not usually stiletto heels - such as Mary Janes, complete the look. Frilly, ruffled or lace-trimmed Victorian blouses are also popular especially with "Gothic Lolita" types, who may also favour long skirts and jackets rather than overtly "childish" designs. Apart from the occasional shortness of skirts, designs are usually modest, sometimes with long lace-capped sleeves. Lace headdress and bracelets are usually worn.

See Lolita Style

Gothic Lolita
Gothic Lolita or "GothLoli" (gosurori; sometimes alternatively "Loli-Goth") is a youth fashion among Japanese teenagers and young women. It emphasizes Victorian-style girl's clothing and often aims to imitate the look of Victorian porcelain dolls.

Gothloli's name and origin is a combination of lolita fashion—appearing deliberately cute to the point of looking childish—and certain styles found within gothic fashion. The style started as a youth subculture sometime around 1997/1998 and became a well-established genre available in various boutiques and some major department stores by around 2001. Some observers consider it a reaction to the "Kogal" aesthetic.

See Gothic Lolita

Kogal
Kogals (kogyaru in English, lit. "small/child girl" from KoGirl) are a subculture of girls and young women in urban Japan, one of several types of so-called gals. They are characterized by conspicuously displaying their disposable incomes through unique tastes in fashion, music, and social activity. In general, the kogal "look" roughly approximates a sun-tanned California Valley girl.

Kogals are known for wearing platform boots, a miniskirt, copious amounts of makeup, hair coloring (usually blond), artificial suntans, and designer accessories. If in school uniform, the look typically includes skirts pinned very high and loose socks (large baggy socks that go up to the knee).

See Kogal

Fruits Shoichi Aoki. A collection of Tokyo street fashion portraits from Japan's premier street fanzine of the same name. 'Fruits' was established in 1994, by photographer Shoichi Aoki, initially as a project to document the growing explosion in street fashion within the suburbs of Tokyo. Over the last five years, the magazine has grown to cult status and is now avidly followed by thousands of Japanese teenagers who also use the magazine as an opportunity to check out the latest styles and trends.
Fresh Fruits Shoichi Aoki. A new collection of Tokyo teenage street fashion portraits. The average age of kids featured is between 12 and 18 years old. Most of the clothes that they wear are a combination of high fashion – Vivienne Westwood is a keen favourite – and homemade ensembles which when combined together create a novel if not hysterical combination. This latest edition follows the original by including translations of the various Japanese captions that were originally attached to the photographs that list the name, age and clothing of each person photographed.


School Uniform

Perhaps reflecting the highly conformative nature of Japan, school uniforms are worn in almost every public and private elementary, junior high, and high school, and even in some women's colleges. Junior and senior high school uniform traditionally consists of a military style uniform (gakuran) for boys and a sailor dress (sailor fuku) for girls. The Japanese pronounce this as sera fuku.

Many schools have moved into more western pattern parochial school uniform styles in order to make a departure from the decidedly military appearance of the traditional uniform. These uniforms consist of a white dress shirt, necktie, blazer with school crest and dress trousers (often not of the same color as the blazer) for boys and a white blouse, necktie, blazer with school crest and tartan skirt for girls.

Somewhat surprisingly, school uniform is considered a popular style of fashion, with many teenagers wearing uniform even at weekends and school holidays. Some even continue to wear their school uniform long after graduation.

Punk Fashion New York











Punk Fashion New York
Sally Singer, Vogue magazine's fashion news and features director, says the need for fashion and style don't disappear even in rough economic times. Style can be a place where you can be exuberant, Singer tells Morning Edition's Ari Shapiro. "In tough times, why not express yourself by how you dress whether you're doing it from what's in your closet, what's in a vintage store what you made yourself?
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