"Words of a Revolution!"
In this part of the website, you can find out about everything you need to know about Harajuku Fashion. We have it all.
Harajuku - is the common name for the area around Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan.
Lolita - is a fashion subculture originating in Japan that is based on Victorian clothing as well as costumes from the Rococo period.
Gothic Lolita - is a combination of the Gothic and Lolita fashion. Gothic Lolita usually uses dark color schemes including black, dark blues and purples, although black and white remains popular.
Sweet Lolita - in Japanese, is heavily influenced by Rococo styles as well as Victorian and Edwardian clothing. Focusing on the child and fantasy aspects of Lolita, the Sweet Lolita style adopts the basic Lolita format and uses lighter colors and childlike motifs in its design.
Classic Lolita - is a more mature style of Lolita that focuses on Baroque, Regency, and Rococo styles. Colors and patterns used in classic Lolita can be seen as somewhere between the Gothic and sweet styles; it is not as dark as Gothic Lolita, but not as cutesy as sweet Lolita. This look can be seen as the more sophisticated, mature Lolita style because of its use of small, intricate patterns, as well more muted colors on the fabric and in the overall design.
Punk Lolita - adds punk fashion elements to Lolita fashion. Motifs that are usually found in punk clothing, such as tattered fabric, ties, safety pins and chains, screen-printed fabrics, plaids, and short, androgynous hairstyles are incorporated into the Lolita look. The most popular garments are blouses or cutsews and skirts, although dresses and jumper skirts are also worn.
Shiro & Kuro Lolita - Shiro Lolita, or 'White Lolita,' is a Lolita outfit made entirely of white/cream/off-white co-ordinates. Shiro Lolitas often pair themselves with Kuro Lolitas in twin outfits to create an interesting contrast. Kuro Lolita, or 'Black Lolita,' is an outfit made-up of entirely black co-ordinates. Shiro and Kuro Lolita can be taken from any style of Lolita, whether it be Gothic, Sweet, or Classic. If the co-ordination is completely white, then it is accepted as Shiro Lolita while if it is entirely black it is accepted as Kuro.
Ōji Lolita - meaning "prince", is a Japanese fashion that is considered the male version of Lolita fashion. It does not follow the typical lolita silhouette but instead takes its influence from the Victorian era of young boys. Though it is considered a "boy style", it may be worn by both genders.Ōji Includes blouses and shirts, knickerbockers and other styles of short trousers, knee high socks, top hats, and newsboy caps. The colors usually used are black, white, blue and burgundy, though there are feminine versions of the fashion with a broader palette. Good examples would be some of the outfits sold through Baby, the Stars Shine Bright's line Alice and the Pirates.
Guro Lolita - is the portrayal of a 'broken doll' or "Innocent Gore" by using items such as fake blood, make-up, and bandages to give the appearance of injury. It is suggested that Guro Lolitas wear white to "emphasize the contrast between purity and their wounds" or because blood contrasts better with white.
Sailor Lolita - Lolita fashion that incorporates the look of a Sailor. This can include sailor collars and ties, sailor hats, and stripes.
Country Lolita - is derived from the Sweet Lolita style, and is often a little hard to distinguish due to the use of the same sweet patterns and motifs that the Sweet Lolita style uses. However the Country Lolita style can be recognised by straw baskets, hats, fruit, and gingham patterns.
Wa Lolita - combines traditional Japanese clothing styles with the Lolita fashion. Wa Lolita usually consists of kimono or hakama modified to fit with common Lolita garments. The bottom half of the garment is altered to accommodate a petticoat, or a kimono-style blouse is used as a top to accompany a plain Lolita skirt.
Qi Lolita - is a similar style but uses Chinese clothing and accessories in place of Japanese. Usually this includes qipao dresses modified to accommodate a petticoat. Accessories include platform-slippers for footwear and bun-covers as hair accessories.
Casual Lolita - is less of a style in and of itself but is used to describe a 'toned down' approach to the lolita fashion.While the basic lolita elements and still adhered to, the key element in the casual lolita co-ordination is simplicity. An example being a a simple cut-sew with a motif of some sort paired with a lolita skirt and hair accessory. Casual Lolita styles can be compiled out of any colors, so long as one remembers to match styles, colors and prints appropriately. Casual Lolita can best be described as what a Lolita would wear when not 'dressing up': Still modest and elegant, but not to the degree of most other Lolita styles.
Gyaru - is a Japanese transliteration of the English word gal. A large influence in Japan's fashion economy with Gal brands branching out and becoming more accessible in rural areas. In Tokyo, more often than not, a shopping center at each main train station dedicated to offering the newest and trendiest items from popular Gal brands. The term gradually drifted to apply to a younger group, whose seeming lack of interest in work or marriage gained the word a "childish" image.
Ganguro - is an alternative fashion trend of blonde or orange hair and tanned skin among young Japanese women that peaked in popularity around the year 2000. The Shibuya and Ikebukuro districts of Tokyo were the centers of ganguro fashion
Kogal - The kogal fashion involves wearing an outfit based on a Japanese school uniform, but with a shortened skirt, loose socks, and often dyed hair and a scarf as well.
Mago Gyaruo - a middle school gal.
Oyajigyaru - from oyaji and gyaru. A gyaru who behaves in a masculine way, who drinks beer and uses rough language.
Oneegyaru - a gyaru who has graduated from high school, and thus become a more mature onee-san (literally "elder sister" but, here, "young lady"). The style is more sophisticated.Onii / Oniikei - is the male equivalent (older brother).
Ogyaru - a dirty or disheveled gyaru who may forsake daily baths or takes little care in her behaviour and dress, even by gyaru standards.
Gyaruo - the gyaru's male counterpart.
Manba - deep tan and contrasting white make-up. Their hair is usually pastel-coloured or blonde, and very long and back-combed. Their clothes are neon and layered.
Kigurumin - wear kigurumi, a type of pajama-suit that resembles an animal and sometimes cartoon characters.
Bibinba - this look usually includes a lot of gold and jewellery. Similar to b-gal.
Banba - barbie-gal, with differences such as their wearing of slippers and stilettos. They also use more glitter, and have a neon touch to their hair. They use more extreme-looking types of false eyelashes and coloured contact lenses.
Kyoba bo-i - the male banba.
Hime Gyaru - girls who dress as princesses. Hair colours vary from blonde to brown and is usually very big and teased. They wear expensive clothing from brands such as Liz Lisa and Jesus Diamante.
Panba - Similar to manba, but without any white, and the lips are changed to black. It has bright colors. It is called Panba because of it's similarity to pandas and Manba.
Kogyaru - generally a high school student.
Gyaru-kei - Is the modern general gyaru style. It has many substyles such as Amekaji(American Casual), Saike(Psyche), Bohemian, Rokku(Rock), and Haady, which a creation of Egg magazine that includes bright, wild prints tied in with a punk style fashion.
Gaijin Gyaru - foreign girls who follow gyaru fashion.
Yamanba - style that developed from Ganguro. Yamanba is now more extreme, and hair is often multicoloured and usually synthetic. Yamanba has white make-up only above the eye.
Bōsōzoku - is a Japanese subculture associated with motorcycle clubs and gangs.
Visual Kei - is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. However other sources state that Visual Kei's unique clothing, make-up, fashions, and participation in the related sub-culture is equally as important as the sound of the music itself in the use of the term.
Dolly Kei - is a newly-emerging style based on Japan's view of the Middle Ages and European fairy tales, especially the Brothers Grimm. It includes a lot of vintage skirts, dresses, etc., and sometimes has religious symbols.
Cosplay - is a hobby where people dress like their favourite manga, anime, or video-game character. Short for "costume play",is a type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. Characters are often drawn from popular fiction in Japan, but recent trends have included American cartoons and Sci-Fi.
Aristocrat - is a Japanese street fashion that is inspired by what is thought to have been worn by Middle Class and higher social status Europeans in the Middle Ages, as well as the upper class in the 19th century. The fashion includes long sleeve blouses and shirts, long skirts, corsetry, and pants and dresses that are styled similarly for men and women, since it is centered on androgyny and elegance. Makeup, when worn with the fashion, is on the darker side, may be heavy, and can be worn by both genders.
Sweet Aristocrat - Usually features pastels, light colors and a lighter feel.
Elegant Gothic Aristocrat - The style imitates the mature decadence of the late Victorian era, with emphasis on simplicity and elegance. It is an androgynous style consisting of black and white, dark colours and natural tones with delicate detailing such as ruffles or lace trimmings, and completed with black, clunky boots and heavy makeup. A pale complexion is preferred and wearing white makeup is common. Accessories are also essential items in achieving the EGA look. They include corsets, gloves, waistcoats, conspicuous pocket books, stockings, bows and top hats. Unlike the Lolita fashions, Elegant Gothic Aristocrats wear long skirts or wide-legged trousers, tailored and streamlined jackets, and tight-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and blouses.
Erotic (Ero) Aristocrat - A more revealing version including lace and lower necklines.
Decora - also known as "Decoration" is a japanese style adopted mainly by young japanese girls. Decora consists of bright colors and hair clips with bows. Lots of layering and colorful accessories are used in Decora. The accessories include plastic and furry toys and jewelry, which stick together and make noise as the wearer moves. The style is sometimes mistakenly called "Fruits style" by people that are not from Japan.
Kawaii - means "cute" or "pretty. has become a major aspect of Japanese culture, entertainment, food, clothing, toys, personal appearance and behavior. Kawaii fashion generally relates to someone wearing clothing that appears to be made for young children or clothes that accentuates the cuteness of the individual wearing the clothing. Ruffles and pastel or bright colors may be worn, and accessories often include oversize toys or bags featuring anime characters.
Fairy Kei - is a street fashion from Japan. It can be described as kawaii style meets 80s pop.
Fruits - is a Japanese fashion magazine covering the fashions of the Harajuku district of Tokyo, established in 1997 by photographer Shoichi Aoki. The photographs document the individualistic styles young people wear around the Harajuku district of Tokyo.
Egg - is a style magazine for gyaru fashion, distributed in Japan. It features photos of ganguro girls and synopses about what they like or a popular trend. Egg also usually has photos of the newest fashions, where to buy them, latest hairstyles, cell phones, and make up tips. It also has candid photos of ganguro girls on the streets of Japan, similar to Fruits magazine. Egg has its own models which star in every magazine.
MensEGG - is a style magazine distributed in Japan aimed at young men. It is a counterpart of Egg magazine, which focuses on Gyaru-oh (male Gyaru) fashions – it is the gyaru-oh bible.
Gyaru-moji - is a style of obfuscated (cant) Japanese writing popluar amongst Japanese young people. It is also called Heta-moji (heta means poor (in hand writing)). Like the English phenomenon of SMS language, it is most often used for sending cell phone text messages, but while text is used as a form of informal shorthand, a message typed in gyaru-moji usually requires more characters and effort than the same message typed in plain Japanese.
Gal Circle - is a group of gals that meet up and hold events promoting gal style, music, and para para dancing. There are two main types of Gal Circles, Nago-cir (comfort circles) and Ive-cir (event circles).
Center Guy - The male equivalent of Yamanba.
Para Para - is a synchronised group dance originated in Japan. Unlike most club dancing and rave dancing, there are specific, preset movements for each song, and everyone does the same moves at once, much like line dancing.
Anime - is commonly defined as animation originating in Japan.
Manga - consist of comics and print cartoons in Japan.
Lolita - is a fashion subculture originating in Japan that is based on Victorian clothing as well as costumes from the Rococo period.
Gothic Lolita - is a combination of the Gothic and Lolita fashion. Gothic Lolita usually uses dark color schemes including black, dark blues and purples, although black and white remains popular.
Sweet Lolita - in Japanese, is heavily influenced by Rococo styles as well as Victorian and Edwardian clothing. Focusing on the child and fantasy aspects of Lolita, the Sweet Lolita style adopts the basic Lolita format and uses lighter colors and childlike motifs in its design.
Classic Lolita - is a more mature style of Lolita that focuses on Baroque, Regency, and Rococo styles. Colors and patterns used in classic Lolita can be seen as somewhere between the Gothic and sweet styles; it is not as dark as Gothic Lolita, but not as cutesy as sweet Lolita. This look can be seen as the more sophisticated, mature Lolita style because of its use of small, intricate patterns, as well more muted colors on the fabric and in the overall design.
Punk Lolita - adds punk fashion elements to Lolita fashion. Motifs that are usually found in punk clothing, such as tattered fabric, ties, safety pins and chains, screen-printed fabrics, plaids, and short, androgynous hairstyles are incorporated into the Lolita look. The most popular garments are blouses or cutsews and skirts, although dresses and jumper skirts are also worn.
Shiro & Kuro Lolita - Shiro Lolita, or 'White Lolita,' is a Lolita outfit made entirely of white/cream/off-white co-ordinates. Shiro Lolitas often pair themselves with Kuro Lolitas in twin outfits to create an interesting contrast. Kuro Lolita, or 'Black Lolita,' is an outfit made-up of entirely black co-ordinates. Shiro and Kuro Lolita can be taken from any style of Lolita, whether it be Gothic, Sweet, or Classic. If the co-ordination is completely white, then it is accepted as Shiro Lolita while if it is entirely black it is accepted as Kuro.
Ōji Lolita - meaning "prince", is a Japanese fashion that is considered the male version of Lolita fashion. It does not follow the typical lolita silhouette but instead takes its influence from the Victorian era of young boys. Though it is considered a "boy style", it may be worn by both genders.Ōji Includes blouses and shirts, knickerbockers and other styles of short trousers, knee high socks, top hats, and newsboy caps. The colors usually used are black, white, blue and burgundy, though there are feminine versions of the fashion with a broader palette. Good examples would be some of the outfits sold through Baby, the Stars Shine Bright's line Alice and the Pirates.
Guro Lolita - is the portrayal of a 'broken doll' or "Innocent Gore" by using items such as fake blood, make-up, and bandages to give the appearance of injury. It is suggested that Guro Lolitas wear white to "emphasize the contrast between purity and their wounds" or because blood contrasts better with white.
Sailor Lolita - Lolita fashion that incorporates the look of a Sailor. This can include sailor collars and ties, sailor hats, and stripes.
Country Lolita - is derived from the Sweet Lolita style, and is often a little hard to distinguish due to the use of the same sweet patterns and motifs that the Sweet Lolita style uses. However the Country Lolita style can be recognised by straw baskets, hats, fruit, and gingham patterns.
Wa Lolita - combines traditional Japanese clothing styles with the Lolita fashion. Wa Lolita usually consists of kimono or hakama modified to fit with common Lolita garments. The bottom half of the garment is altered to accommodate a petticoat, or a kimono-style blouse is used as a top to accompany a plain Lolita skirt.
Qi Lolita - is a similar style but uses Chinese clothing and accessories in place of Japanese. Usually this includes qipao dresses modified to accommodate a petticoat. Accessories include platform-slippers for footwear and bun-covers as hair accessories.
Casual Lolita - is less of a style in and of itself but is used to describe a 'toned down' approach to the lolita fashion.While the basic lolita elements and still adhered to, the key element in the casual lolita co-ordination is simplicity. An example being a a simple cut-sew with a motif of some sort paired with a lolita skirt and hair accessory. Casual Lolita styles can be compiled out of any colors, so long as one remembers to match styles, colors and prints appropriately. Casual Lolita can best be described as what a Lolita would wear when not 'dressing up': Still modest and elegant, but not to the degree of most other Lolita styles.
Gyaru - is a Japanese transliteration of the English word gal. A large influence in Japan's fashion economy with Gal brands branching out and becoming more accessible in rural areas. In Tokyo, more often than not, a shopping center at each main train station dedicated to offering the newest and trendiest items from popular Gal brands. The term gradually drifted to apply to a younger group, whose seeming lack of interest in work or marriage gained the word a "childish" image.
Ganguro - is an alternative fashion trend of blonde or orange hair and tanned skin among young Japanese women that peaked in popularity around the year 2000. The Shibuya and Ikebukuro districts of Tokyo were the centers of ganguro fashion
Kogal - The kogal fashion involves wearing an outfit based on a Japanese school uniform, but with a shortened skirt, loose socks, and often dyed hair and a scarf as well.
Mago Gyaruo - a middle school gal.
Oyajigyaru - from oyaji and gyaru. A gyaru who behaves in a masculine way, who drinks beer and uses rough language.
Oneegyaru - a gyaru who has graduated from high school, and thus become a more mature onee-san (literally "elder sister" but, here, "young lady"). The style is more sophisticated.Onii / Oniikei - is the male equivalent (older brother).
Ogyaru - a dirty or disheveled gyaru who may forsake daily baths or takes little care in her behaviour and dress, even by gyaru standards.
Gyaruo - the gyaru's male counterpart.
Manba - deep tan and contrasting white make-up. Their hair is usually pastel-coloured or blonde, and very long and back-combed. Their clothes are neon and layered.
Kigurumin - wear kigurumi, a type of pajama-suit that resembles an animal and sometimes cartoon characters.
Bibinba - this look usually includes a lot of gold and jewellery. Similar to b-gal.
Banba - barbie-gal, with differences such as their wearing of slippers and stilettos. They also use more glitter, and have a neon touch to their hair. They use more extreme-looking types of false eyelashes and coloured contact lenses.
Kyoba bo-i - the male banba.
Hime Gyaru - girls who dress as princesses. Hair colours vary from blonde to brown and is usually very big and teased. They wear expensive clothing from brands such as Liz Lisa and Jesus Diamante.
Panba - Similar to manba, but without any white, and the lips are changed to black. It has bright colors. It is called Panba because of it's similarity to pandas and Manba.
Kogyaru - generally a high school student.
Gyaru-kei - Is the modern general gyaru style. It has many substyles such as Amekaji(American Casual), Saike(Psyche), Bohemian, Rokku(Rock), and Haady, which a creation of Egg magazine that includes bright, wild prints tied in with a punk style fashion.
Gaijin Gyaru - foreign girls who follow gyaru fashion.
Yamanba - style that developed from Ganguro. Yamanba is now more extreme, and hair is often multicoloured and usually synthetic. Yamanba has white make-up only above the eye.
Bōsōzoku - is a Japanese subculture associated with motorcycle clubs and gangs.
Visual Kei - is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. However other sources state that Visual Kei's unique clothing, make-up, fashions, and participation in the related sub-culture is equally as important as the sound of the music itself in the use of the term.
Dolly Kei - is a newly-emerging style based on Japan's view of the Middle Ages and European fairy tales, especially the Brothers Grimm. It includes a lot of vintage skirts, dresses, etc., and sometimes has religious symbols.
Cosplay - is a hobby where people dress like their favourite manga, anime, or video-game character. Short for "costume play",is a type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. Characters are often drawn from popular fiction in Japan, but recent trends have included American cartoons and Sci-Fi.
Aristocrat - is a Japanese street fashion that is inspired by what is thought to have been worn by Middle Class and higher social status Europeans in the Middle Ages, as well as the upper class in the 19th century. The fashion includes long sleeve blouses and shirts, long skirts, corsetry, and pants and dresses that are styled similarly for men and women, since it is centered on androgyny and elegance. Makeup, when worn with the fashion, is on the darker side, may be heavy, and can be worn by both genders.
Sweet Aristocrat - Usually features pastels, light colors and a lighter feel.
Elegant Gothic Aristocrat - The style imitates the mature decadence of the late Victorian era, with emphasis on simplicity and elegance. It is an androgynous style consisting of black and white, dark colours and natural tones with delicate detailing such as ruffles or lace trimmings, and completed with black, clunky boots and heavy makeup. A pale complexion is preferred and wearing white makeup is common. Accessories are also essential items in achieving the EGA look. They include corsets, gloves, waistcoats, conspicuous pocket books, stockings, bows and top hats. Unlike the Lolita fashions, Elegant Gothic Aristocrats wear long skirts or wide-legged trousers, tailored and streamlined jackets, and tight-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and blouses.
Erotic (Ero) Aristocrat - A more revealing version including lace and lower necklines.
Decora - also known as "Decoration" is a japanese style adopted mainly by young japanese girls. Decora consists of bright colors and hair clips with bows. Lots of layering and colorful accessories are used in Decora. The accessories include plastic and furry toys and jewelry, which stick together and make noise as the wearer moves. The style is sometimes mistakenly called "Fruits style" by people that are not from Japan.
Kawaii - means "cute" or "pretty. has become a major aspect of Japanese culture, entertainment, food, clothing, toys, personal appearance and behavior. Kawaii fashion generally relates to someone wearing clothing that appears to be made for young children or clothes that accentuates the cuteness of the individual wearing the clothing. Ruffles and pastel or bright colors may be worn, and accessories often include oversize toys or bags featuring anime characters.
Fairy Kei - is a street fashion from Japan. It can be described as kawaii style meets 80s pop.
Fruits - is a Japanese fashion magazine covering the fashions of the Harajuku district of Tokyo, established in 1997 by photographer Shoichi Aoki. The photographs document the individualistic styles young people wear around the Harajuku district of Tokyo.
Egg - is a style magazine for gyaru fashion, distributed in Japan. It features photos of ganguro girls and synopses about what they like or a popular trend. Egg also usually has photos of the newest fashions, where to buy them, latest hairstyles, cell phones, and make up tips. It also has candid photos of ganguro girls on the streets of Japan, similar to Fruits magazine. Egg has its own models which star in every magazine.
MensEGG - is a style magazine distributed in Japan aimed at young men. It is a counterpart of Egg magazine, which focuses on Gyaru-oh (male Gyaru) fashions – it is the gyaru-oh bible.
Gyaru-moji - is a style of obfuscated (cant) Japanese writing popluar amongst Japanese young people. It is also called Heta-moji (heta means poor (in hand writing)). Like the English phenomenon of SMS language, it is most often used for sending cell phone text messages, but while text is used as a form of informal shorthand, a message typed in gyaru-moji usually requires more characters and effort than the same message typed in plain Japanese.
Gal Circle - is a group of gals that meet up and hold events promoting gal style, music, and para para dancing. There are two main types of Gal Circles, Nago-cir (comfort circles) and Ive-cir (event circles).
Center Guy - The male equivalent of Yamanba.
Para Para - is a synchronised group dance originated in Japan. Unlike most club dancing and rave dancing, there are specific, preset movements for each song, and everyone does the same moves at once, much like line dancing.
Anime - is commonly defined as animation originating in Japan.
Manga - consist of comics and print cartoons in Japan.