If this year’s runways seemed to have the running theme of bold colors and prints, its not because of one dominating designer: its because one country has taken over.
For years, designers have taken inspiration from Japan, and 2013 is no different. From the newest hue, diamond blue, to the latest nail art, gems and pearls, Japan has pioneered what designer’s call ‘in style’. Street styles hailing from Tokyo include a mixture of textures that play with denim on cotton and tulle, denim and chiffon, and an air of cool with self-made accessories.
Japanese street style has not only been seen on the runways, but has also taken up London’s very own V&A museum with it’s Lolita fashion. Created from a taste of nostalgic Hello Kitty chic, circa 1990, Lolita fashion is a fashion revolution with its own cult. The Lolita look has four varieties: Sweet Lolita, Gothic Lolita, Classic Lolita, and even punk Lolita. The Sweet and Classic Lolita image was inspired by, Alice in Wonderland, then catapulted to pop culture fame by the 2004 screen adaptation of Novala Takemoto’s novel, Shimotsuma Monogatari, known as “Kamikaze Girls”. Punk and rock music stars of the Visual Kei movement w inspired Gothic and Punk Lolita, reflecting the 1980’s British Rock Scene with David Bowie and Marc Bolan the top idols.
Designer Vivienne Westwood is known as a Punk Lolita grand doyen, with her heavy mix of punk British and tartan. After decades of Japanese youths borrowing from the west, western designers now look to Tokyo for inspiration. With playful sweetness and innocence ruling the Lolita inspired runways and street styles, it is no wonder that Japan has become such an international fashion icon.
By CheRima Manayan
