Harajuku

3 Unique Harajuku Fashion Trends That Will Blow Your Mind

Harajuku is well-known for its loud and eclectic fashion trends. It is common to spot fashionable Harajuku youths along the streets donning dramatic head-turning outfits.

Harajuku fashion is best characterized by its originality and theatrics. Some styles take references from movie or anime characters, while some are meant to showcase one's individual style and personality.

Here are 3 unique trends that we have picked out.

Lolita Fashion

Probably the most famous of Harajuku fashion trends, Lolita fashion draws its main inspiration from the Victorian era. Its key characteristics include a conservative cutting, poufy skirts, lots of frills, lace and ribbons, knee high socks and platform shoes.

The main point of the Lolita style is to exude elegance with a touch of cuteness. Make-up is usually done in a doll-like style with pale skin, large eyes and long curled lashes.

Aside from the conventional sweet Lolita look, there are also other variations such as gothic Lolita with darker make-up and black clothing, or punk Lolita where outfits are deliberately tattered and accessorized with chains and pins.

To buy Lolita clothing, head over to Laforet Harajuku. Some popular shops include ALICE and the PIRATES for gothic Lolita outfits. You may even spot a few Lolitas hanging out at the shops.

Visual Kei

Visual Kei in Japanese means "Visual Style" or "Visual System". It is inspired by punk or rock bands and was first made popular in the 1980s by bands like X Japan.

The style is usually androgynous, very flamboyant and gothic. Most Visual Kei dressers sport white skin, heavy eye make-up, piercings and an elaborate anime-style hairdo. Choice of clothes are predominantly black which include tight bottoms, leather jackets and elaborate accessories such as hats and chains.

There is also a subset called Oshare Kei which is more toned down and fashionable. It draws similar elements from Visual Kei but colors are brighter, and make-up is more natural with focus on the eyes. This look is easier for day-to-day wear.

Decora

This style is the most contemporary amongst those introduced and is popularized by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who is considered the queen of Harajuku pop music.

Decora is characterized by bright rainbow colors for both hair and clothing. Hot pink is a popular choice to bring across the child-like and girly vibe. Clothes are often paired in clashing neon colors with a mishmash of prints.

In terms of hair and make-up, bright colorful hair with tons of kiddy accessories is preferred and girls like to add on glitter or crystals to their faces. There is no such thing as over the top when it comes to Decora, and the aim is to achieve an air of innocence and playfulness.

As you can see, Harajuku is a cauldron of diverse cultures and styles. But what is common is that it embraces individuality. There is no age or gender limitation when it comes to Harajuku fashion.

In your next trip to Harajuku, do keep an eye out for some of these interesting styles. Who knows, some may even stop for a photo with you!

For even more things to do in Harajuku, check out this guide.