Almost two years ago, I wrote something about fashion in Japan. I blogged about it because I have to. Haha! A picture of mine was included in one of the fashion magazines here before. Maybe I looked like an anime then. Or clothed like one. I’m still keeping that magazine though!
Anyway, Japan’s street fashion in Tokyo is very popular not only to foreigners, but also to the locals. Harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara are just few of the places in Tokyo District that’s worth visiting. Street fashion as well as candid photography is very popular to amateur and professional photographers.
I am not really familiar with some of the technical terms in fashion world, but one of the most popular statements in Japan Fashion World is the Lolita Fashion.
Lolita (ロリータ・ファッション, roriita fasshon) is a fashion subculture in Japan that is primarily influenced by Victorian children’s clothing as well as costumes from the Rococo period. Lolita has made this into a unique fashion by adding gothic and original design elements to the look. From this, Lolita fashion has evolved into several different sub styles and has created a devoted subculture in Japan. The Lolita look consists primarily of a knee length skirt or dress, headdress, blouse, petticoat, knee length socks or stockings and rocking horse or high heel/platform shoes. Teddy bears and dolls such as Super Dollfies are often carried to emphasize the childlike look.
Sometimes I called them maidservants. Because the clothes they wear are very similar to maids of royal families. Throughout the year, they are wearing these costumes and it made me wonder, how can they survive during the summer season? Its too hot!
But of course in taking photos, you have to be professional too. If needed, try asking their permission. Or flash a smile to them. Its not that difficult, respect is very important to them, and very well-appreciated too.
Otaku is another popular J-fashion too. So, if you are into street photography, and you are in Japan, Tokyo MUST be included in your itinerary. Whether you like it or not.
/totomai
10/13/08
ayan akala ko kng sino c lolita... yan pala ang tawag dyan, ano ba yan. akala ko tuloy may nag apply na sa wanted mo.. hihi
ReplyDeletehaha wala pa ngang may nagsumbmit ng resume nila e. bad trip. malapit na pasko haha
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos! I love cosplayers, this is one of the reasons why I wanted to travel to Japan.
ReplyDeleteBtw, you might want to check out my humble travel articles. If you like it, do buzz me if you’re interested in exchanging links. Thanks. :)
thanks. i will try to visit your site soon.
ReplyDeleteThis is an informative post about a trend in the fashion world of Japan and is also an interesting glimpse into the world of fashion photography.
ReplyDeleteThanks GS, Japan is indeed a photographer's haven
ReplyDeleteGreat post - always very interesting to see and hear of places others have been.
ReplyDeletewow, cool portraits! i have a compilation of japanese fashion postcards called FRUITS and it reminds me so much of this... you've captured them perfectly!
ReplyDeleteThanks Stan :-)
ReplyDeleteTSA, thank you very much. Japan is really inspiring me to stay longer here. hehe.
You make me want to visit Japan
ReplyDeleteoh Linda, Japan is a beautiful country. you should visit it :-)
ReplyDeletewow... how totally amazing.. i had no clue.. closest thing i have ever seen were the "club kids" in the eighties,,, before that trend got way outlandish... very informative,, and the photos are excellent......
ReplyDeletethanks paisley :-)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could go to Tokyo and I wish I had the courage to ask strangers if I might take their picture.
ReplyDelete@sarala, you should go to tokyo. they're friendly actually. just ask permission first before taking their photos
ReplyDelete