Harajuku Kids

 

Creative, Unique, Expressive, Vibrant and Cultured, are words that come to mind when harajuku kids are mentioned.

Harajuku style is a Japanese fashion adopted by teens and young adults in that area.

The Harajuku style started with people wearing traditional Japanese outfits with a modern twist.

As Tokyo began to rise as a major fashion city, there was more of a westernised influence on the clothing. People began to combine Victorian, Elizabethan and traditional European military outfits with their Japanese/modern world fusion.

In the 80s, street performers and flamboyantly dressed teens/young adults gathered together to show off their fashions. This usually happened in Omotesando and areas in Yoyogi park, on a Sunday, when the roads where closed to traffic. When the roads re-opened the teens stopped meeting there. Throughout the 00s there was a revival of teens dressing up and hanging out in Harajuku.

Harajuku, is the general name for the many groups and styles of the Japanese youth culture. 

Some of the more popular styles include Gothic Lolita, Visual Kei, Ganguro, Gyaru, Kogal & Kawaii (cute). Another style is Cosplay. Cosplay being a fusion of costume and play. Wearing Cosplay involves dressing up like a anime or manga character.

The Harajuku style has inspired many celebrities. 

Most popularly Gwen Stefani, whos 'Love.Angel.Music.Baby' album was under great influence of the Harajuku culture, to the point where she had a track titled 'Harajuku girl' dedicated to it. 

Another music artist who has had some influence from the subculture is Nicki Minaj, who has introduced 'Harjuku Barbie' as one of her alter egos.