Though I couldn’t understand the words coming from their mouth, I have always been a fan of Japan. For the sake of understanding their words even a little, I even resigned at my earlier work just to enroll in a Japanese class. Ever since I saw a woman clad in a kimono, I became interested in the Japanese culture, especially in its fashion aspect. I know I’m not the only one who fantasizes wearing a kimono! Who wouldn’t be in love with the delicacies and details of Japanese fashion?
Japanese Fashion
As I make the web my friend in quest for the different fashion statements of Japan, I discovered that the Japanese fashion is very broad in category. I could not blame the women from all around the globe who have come to love the Japanese fashion. When we think of Japan, we mostly think about the sakura or cherry blossom trees and its highly esteemed kimono.
My eyes have been opened at the different avant-garde trends in the Japanese fashion. Aside from the famous traditional outfits like the yukata and kimono, most Japanese, especially the youngsters, are hipping up trendy fashion styles like ganguro, visual kei, lolita, cosplay and gyaru fashion. These fashion trends soon become viral in other nations as well.
Kimono, the Traditional Outfit
Wearing a kimono is one of my dreams. Why can’t I just freely wear it? I live in a different country. Dressing up in a kimono outfit is only acceptable at cosplay events wherein I don’t have that much free time even if I want to.
Kimono is one of the traditional outfits of Japan which is a general term for clothing, meaning “things to wear” before the Meiji era. It is a long robe with wide sleeves and is accompanied with an outer garment, a broad sash, when worn. This Japanese dress can be worn during special occasions like festivals, weddings and even funerals.
If you’re one of the girls who wants to wear a kimono, having some basic knowledge on its accessories will be helpful. Accessorizing your hair with ornaments that ranges from a simple comb up to a Kanzashi which are made from tiny pieces of folded fabrics can add more beauty to your overall look. Other than that, the ladies in a kimono outfit carry purses or bags which are small and are a perfect match to their attire. Large shawls that can be worn over the shoulders can also bring out the elegance.
Gothic Fashion, the Rebel Style
Other than the kimono, I have developed an interest in the Japanese gothic fashion which is obviously louder and rebellious in style. I’m a 23-year-old gal who still possesses that carefree spirit. The Japanese gothic fashion is very extraordinary that anyone who dresses up this way will surely stand out. This puts an emphasis to the Victorian style of dressing in which the Gothic girls are dressing up as the Victorian porcelain dolls.
Aside from that doll look, the gothic lolita’s typical styles are also characterized by dark make up and clothing, neatly defined eyes and red lipstick. It is a modern fashion style worn by the youth, especially the Japanese women. It is considered one of the rebel styles because of its emphasis on the use of dark colors. Women who love this fashion style usually wear tiny top hats, satin ribbons often tied below the chin, bonnets or headbands, parasols, dark fishnet stockings, and chokers with different charms. Some also wear fashion jewellery in the shapes of crosses and coffins.
In the end, whether it may be the kimono or gothic lolita fashion, there is always a right time and a proper place to wear a certain style. Gothic lolita fashion, the rebel style involving black modern fashion and a punk look, is a modern Japanese style that can be worn at day-to-day events, while the kimono, the traditional Japanese style is worn during holidays and special events in Japan.
Author: Lem Enrile is a writer and currently works as an Outreach Coordinator for IndieMode. Read where she blogs.