I have been an avid (albeit silent) fan of the Japanese Harayuku culture all along ... being who you want to be on a particular day without constraints has always been something that I have admired. Wouldn't it be wild to walk through your hometown with everyone dressed up as an imaginary manga or cartoon character. Think of trying to digest so much creativity at once!
The Japanese Harayuku culture traces its root to the end of WWII when US soldiers and their families began to occupy an area of Tokyo known as Harayuku, an area where curious young people flocked to experience a different culture. Its apartments were quickly occupied by young fashion designers, models and photographers. A fashion culture so distinct began to develop that people frequently referred to it as the Harajuku-zoku or the "Harayuku Tribe", developing the region further into today's fashion mecca of Tokyo.
Whilst the fashion itself might not appeal to everyone, it is the attention to each intrinsic detail with which each and every piece of the costume, makeup and hair is created that is so beautiful to me.
Harayuku style varies considerably and there are many different looks ranging from elegant gothic to modern punk. To see the Japanese teen culture at its most intense, go to the Harayuku station on a Sunday.
Take just one distinct feature of the Harayuku culture and add it to one of your outfits or integrate it into one of your makeup designs. Maybe try one of these funky bottom lashes ...
I will definitely sneak a little Tokyo style into my next photoshoot, "Carnival" is the theme and I have been hired as the hair stylist for this shoot.
If you have a chance then grab yourself the latest copy of "Desert Fish" and have a look at what the ever so talented Shindesu and highly creative Lorna Butler dreamt up in their wonderful contributions. I am sure you will recognize a little Harayuku here and there.
Be brave, be proud, be different! And don't take yourself too serious.
Lashes available at: Takuya Angel webshop directly from the mecca of Japanese fashion
