Explore Japanese Style: Harajuku and Kawaii
Ok, so I have to admit I’ve been dazzled with Harajuku style for a while! Some of my previous makes slightly give a nod to that style. (I have a small cabbage patch and care bear collection…what can I say! I love anything that reminds me of growing up in the eighties!)
Harajuku and kawaii styles originated in Japan! If you search the terms on google, you will see endless photos of teen girls and guys in Tokyo donning the most colorful, inventive frocks imaginable! Harajuku is a shopping and dining destination for teens in Tokyo however the style craze has become more mainstream. Amazon even has harajuku and kawaii clothes, dolls, home decor and more! It is fun to be a maker though because you can infuse your own projects with elements of different styles you love, without having to spend money on each style trend.
Gwen Stefani took on the harajuku craze with her branding of perfumes, and some of her rockin’ styles in videos and performance. She performed at the Grammy’s in the early 2000’s from her album “Love Angel Music Baby”, and the fashion styles in that performance were so memorable to the young impressionable party girl that I was back then!
Kawaii style is a new fashion subculture sweeping Japan! Kawaii is more cutesy with small details like animals, hearts, and stars. Kawaii is typically softer colors like pastel pinks and white. If you research the two styles, there is some overlap. Harajuku has louder rainbow colors, while kawaii is more like doll clothes with lots of lace detail. Kawaii styles will almost always have a stuffed animal theme. Dark kawaii style is a bit more grown up gothic, with lots of black and grey tones and an edgier aesthetic.
Every now and then I see glimpses of harajuku and kawaii style here…in the heart of the Midwest! I live in a sleepy little city in the heart of Iowa. And if you can find harajuku and kawaii styles here, surely they are everywhere by now! The other day I saw a man riding a motorcycle wearing a panda helmet. And every now and then I spot girls and guys wearing incredible colorful looks downtown.
The secret to wearing these styles in the states…especially if you are in your forties…is to tone down a piece with solid colors. Think vivacious tops with solid pants or skirts, or a wild skirt with a black t shirt! You can even get a harajuku or kawaii look by wearing a plaid or fluffy skirt with a colorful top or t shirt.
I mean, if you have play doh colors in your hair or don’t give a shit what people think…then I say rock whatever you feel most confident in! Word of caution though…if you are in your forties or older….you might want to steer slightly clear of some of the more youthful aesthetics of kawaii.
If you are going for sex appeal, lean more toward harajuku styles with white lace accessories, mini skirts or fluffy minis and lace tops or t shirts. Baggy pants in bold colors also look great with a lace top, or puffy top. Deck out an old blazer or jacket with lace and crochet doilies. Florals work for harajuku too…it’s all in how they are used! You can go ultra femme with these looks or tone them down to suit your style. Rainbow colors are also very harajuku, and some of the looks give a nod to Rainbow Brite. If you want to have a colorful look that works, include elements of the color throughout your entire look. That will make it look more cohesive.
If you are going more toward a cute look, go kawaii with purples or pink, sea foam green, sky blue, buttercup yellow and white. Add appliques or use accents of a cute print fabric with animals or cute shapes. You could also get some patches from Amazon or destash patches from Etsy. You can make your own patches too! Use fusible adhesive, and iron it on the back of fabric and then cut shapes out of the fabric. These work great ironed onto jackets or fabric bags. Plaid skirts are always welcome, and take the styles toward a more punk aesthetic…if that is your thing! Add an animal hat or headband with animal ears will level up your look for a party night.
My next project will give a nod to these Japanese styles! I’m going all out to bring you some of my coolest upcycles to date!
