I was waiting for a train at Shoreditch station and noticed something I hadn’t before. For once I looked around me. Everyone looked dreary. It was just another frustrating moment in the July heatwave rush hour. All looked bored and all were impatiently looking up at the monitor for the next train. Then suddenly I saw her. Standing quite alone.
She was a human dressed as a work of art. she had bright purple hair with paper lollipops in it. and was wearing a bright green mini crinoline dress. I stopped transfixed and watched her as she adjusted her Panda bear’s head handbag. Her perfect make-up stayed in place. This girl was wearing ‘Harajuku kawaii’ which is an extraordinary Japanese fashion that is having an impact on London style.
This immaculate fashion takes a character and illustrates the design of that character right down to the last quirky detail. If you are planning to turn yourself into a rainbow don’t forget the love heart sweet patterned socks and top it off with a mini tutu. Forget colour blocking and forget colour coordination altogether. With ‘Harajuku kawaii’ there are no restrictions on colour or accessories. These Japanese style gurus pile on details until they resemble a walking candy counter. Harajuku style is a playful mix of girly and punk, popular among Japanese teenagers. Young people both in Japan and London are highly influenced by cartoons and gaming. This interest begins from childhood with exposure to Manga cartoons. This is such a strong influence on them they wish to take the idea further and become the embodiment of the cartoons that they idolise. This Japanese street style originated from a postwar combination of American and Japanese culture and formed mainly around the Harajuku district in Shibuya, Japan. Online UK shops specialise in ‘Harajuku kawaii’ and there are annual events such as the MCM London Comic-Con. Pop has naturally embraced the style with Gwen Stafani and her Harajuku Lovers brand.
