Japanese Street Clothes

Is Modern Japanese Street Clothing More Western?

The Kimono with an Obi or the sash around the waist and the Geta were originated in Japan more than a thousand years ago. The material used to fabricate these varied form the most expensive of silks to the cheapest of linens. The kimono was also an heirloom often passed down from mother to daughter sometimes for several generations. Since the Kimono had one basic pattern, it could fit people with different body types by adjusting the neck and waistline. Modern Japanese clothing brings together the influences of the traditional Kimono with the modern western clothing.

The traditional Kimono however is relegated as a ceremonial dress in modern Japan. The kimono is now worn mostly only during the New Year or a wedding. Fashion shows in Japan bring together both these worlds by showcasing suits, which are draped like kimonos. Geta, which was the traditional footwear in Japan, shows its traces in modern day platform shoes. Fashion streets of Tokyo display brightly colored socks, which are a combination of the traditional tabi with western colors. Tabi is the traditional padded socks worn at home since the Japanese remain bare foot in their houses. Traces of the Sashiko, the traditional quilted coat can also be seen in modern coats. So, if you are in Tokyo, you may see a fine blend of the ancient Japanese and the western in the youth of modern Japan. Kimonos and platform shoes under them with a western hair style - this is what many young Japanese people can be seen attired in. however, modern Japanese clothing can be best described as largely western with elements from Japanese clothing incorporated.




The change Japanese street clothes probably came around after the Second World War. By 1946, a number of fashion magazines began gaining popularity in Japan, like Soen, New style that showed Japanese women how to dress. Not merely a magazine showcasing ready-made dresses and attires, these magazines served the purpose of fashion guides. The magazines showed Japanese women how to sew their Kimonos into dresses and their husband's old coats into suits. This was a complete sewing guide and soon silk Kimonos began transforming into silk dresses at par with New York and Paris designs and Japanese men began adorning suits.

Another reason for the ancient Kimono fading out to modern Japanese clothing is the ever-growing popularity of man-made fabrics. From 1975 to 1988, silk production fell by 39percent and since kimonos are made of silk, the kimono is losing popularity as an everyday wear. A number of stereotypes have also stopped the Kimono from making a comeback. Younger women lack assistance in buying a Kimono; what colors should they buy and even where to buy them is an unanswered question for a large percentage. It is also a common thought that they are hard to wear alone and that a Kimono is only meant for special occasions. The thought that they are expensive also discourages many young potential buyers.

A total westernization will never happen owing to Japan's rich culture but a healthy mix of western and traditional can be seen everyday on the streets of Tokyo and many other cities and towns. A Nike t-shirt over a skirt and a Geta is not an uncommon sight; the only saddening part may perhaps be the downhill journey of the traditional Kimono in the modern Japanese clothing.(http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Schwebius)

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Japanese Fashion Trend

Netsuke - A Fashion Trend

Japanese artists invented the miniature sculptures known as netsuke as early as the 17th Century to serve a very practical function. Traditional Japanese kimonos or robes had no pockets.

The men who wore them needed a place to keep their personal belongings such as pipes, tobacco, money, seals, or medicines. These were placed in small pouches or containers hung by cords from the robes' sash or belt.

Japanese fashion trend.




A popular pouch was the box (inro) held closed by a small sliding bead (ojimi). A toggle secured the container was a toggle called a netsuke. The netsuke were carved of wood, bone or ivory and often reflected Japanese folklore and aspects of Japanese life. Interestingly, the people, professions, animals and designs that netsuke display are reflections of the society and time period in which they were created. The small figures of lucky gods and animals were most popular during the Edo period in Japan (1615-1868).

Today these unusual and intriguing objects are carved in Japan and China and command high prices of up to $100,000 or more and can be found at auctions and museums. Because of the current embargo on elephant ivory, they are carved of mammoth tusk ivory and hippotooth ivory as well as wood and bone. Since mammoth tusk and hippotooth are harder substances the carvings can be much more intricate.

These one-of-a-kind designs are beautiful to wear, making a fashion statement all by themselves. In jewelry, netsuke are understandably collectors' items as well, which explains why they are such sought-after pieces.(http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Barrett)

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Japanese Fasion

Japan Fashion Clothes

Latest Trends in Japanese Fashion

During the middle of the nineteenth century, the Japanese began to move away from their traditional clothing, to adopt the western style of dressing. Two centuries later this trend came to be termed as Street Fashion. Basically this term implies the customization of outfits by adopting a blend of current and traditional trends. Such clothes are usually tailored at home.

Basically, the street fashion is considered to be rather trendy amongst fashion gurus of the world. This is because it is an individualistic genre of dressing. And interestingly, across Japan, various dressing sub-cultures have mushroomed with their own unique way of dressing. Some rather simple and young, typically teenage in its way; while there are the outrageous styles that seem to emulate the punk trends of the eighties.

Whether tourists do shop for the street fashion clothing or not, visiting these shopping destinations are of interest. While almost every country has its own unique style of dressing, in Japan one would find a totally different street trend prevalent in various areas. There is uniqueness and innovation at almost every nook and corner, especially amongst the youngsters.

Tokyo is one of the prime fashion destinations of Japan. Her is a list of some places where one could shop for Japanese street clothing:

Harajuku: This has come to be regarded as the latest fashion center of Tokyo.

Ginza: This fashion area is dotted with a number of clothing shops as well as restaurants, for shoppers to refresh themselves when in the middle of a shopping spree.

Odaiba: This is considered as a tourist hotspot for street fashion shopping, as well as sightseeing.

Shinjuku: A fashion destination, with a brightly lit up nightlife.(http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennie_Gandhi)

Roppongi: This is an ideal shopping hotspot for English speaking tourists, with an entertaining after-shopping-hours life.

Shibuya: One can get the latest and most outrageously fashionable objects from here.


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Trend Latest

The Latest Ongoing Trend of Cufflinks

Keeping yourself up to date and according to the latest fashion can be really difficult because it requires both time and money. But if you have proper information about the latest on going trend of a dress or anything else then you surely don't want to be left behind. The fashion of dress and hair changes after every few weeks. So it is better to try every fashion no matter if you like it or not because every new fashion is usually loved by everyone in this world.

Cufflinks are also one of the accessories of dress which also change in style with time. The latest on going trend of cufflinks is a lot different than it used to be few months ago. People no more are looking to buy fancy and expensive cufflinks for their matching dress because they have realized that if the cufflinks are very fancy then they dominate your overall dressing and people might not note anything about you except those cufflinks. The latest trend of cufflinks these days is to use very simply but beautiful cufflinks.

One thing you should consider about the cufflinks is that make sure when you buy them they are not at all of any particular color. For example never buy cufflinks which are pink or blue in color. This will restrict you a lot while using them with your different dresses. There is no need to waste your money and buy separate cufflinks for your each and every dress. Just buy the plain ones which are also very famous these days and people love them.




Another trend latest cufflinks style which is now commonly available in the market is the one in which there are small curves in the cufflinks just like small waves. These cufflinks are bit stylish but they will look fantastic on any type of dress you are going to wear. Make sure they are not too wavy or curly otherwise they can have the negative impact on your overall dressing.

Cufflinks are not meant to be the major part of your dressing, they are just the replacement to the normal buttons and they must look like buttons. The cufflinks which are available in different colors like bright blue or dark pink never leave a good impact on your personality. So always buy very decent, simple and fancy cufflinks which are reasonably priced. This is the trend which will never get old or die. Once you have bought plain cufflinks, do not worry about that whether the cufflinks you have bought are currently in fashion or not. Now you already know that which type of cufflinks is currently in fashion, then why not go and make a purchase of them and improve your overall personality during a function by using them on your dress.( http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rober_Ron)

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Japanese Street Wear

Japanese Street Wear Fashion

While considered by many as daring, outlandish and provocative, Japanese fashion has come a long way from being just about kimonos and school uniforms. Their eye-popping and flamboyant outfits have largely been influenced by Japan's huge underground club scene. Tokya and Osaka is where Japanese Street Fashion is at its best. By adopting a mixture of current and traditional trends along with foreign and local labels, Japanese youth have created their own unique blend of fashion.

Japanese street fashion has a variety of trends and styles. Youth were more elaborate in their dressing patterns and make-up. Bright colours, eccentric patterns, hand-made garments, heavy jewellery, mixing and matching jeans and tank tops with traditional wear like kimonos, is their way of making statements about their cultural influences and way of life. Lolita, Kogal, Cosplay, Ganguro are some of the most sought after styles that Japanese youth display on the streets.

Lolita is a style with many subcultures, such as Punk Lolita, where chains, beads, lace and wristbands are popular accessories along with pink and peach colour prints. Gothic Lolita focuses on styles emerging from the Victorian age such as dark colours, black make-up, heavy brooches, and ribbons.

The Ganguro art of dressing is similar to North American youth trying to replicate tanned and blonde celebrities and models. The look consists of light or dark tanned bodies, bleached or dyed hair, summer dresses and platforms. Their exaggerated looks and outfits, is their attempt at westernizing themselves dramatically.




The Kogal style is where young Japanese Japanese street wear women display their wealth through various tastes in music and fashion. Wealthy parents often support young girls who are into this style. They keep themselves up-to-date with Japan's ever-growing mobile technology. They adorn themselves with big boots, skirts pinned very high, dramatic make-up and the latest in American fashion brands. Many see the growth of Gothic Lolita to be a reaction to the materialism desire that emerges with the Kogal trend.

Costume Play, shortened to Cosplay is a trend where dressing of characters from manga, anime, fantasy movies and videogames is encouraged. The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and The Matrix series are some Hollywood films which increased the popularity of Cosplay artists. Japanese youth styled in Cosplay attires are often seen at various public gatherings such as amusement parks, nightclubs dedicated to like-minded dressers and many high profile Cosplay parties.(http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennie_Gandhi)

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Photos Of Fashion

Turn Photos Into Fashion With Artisan-Crafted Photo Jewelry

"A picture is worth a thousand words." With the availability of artisan-crafted, customizable photo jewelry, this ancient proverb certainly rings true. Such jewelry is a stylish and unique way to display those precious photo memories.

Photo Pendants

Necklaces are enjoying increased popularity this fashion season, with metallic accent pieces ruling the runways. What better way to express your style and individuality while staying abreast of current trends than by wearing a smart and playful photo pendant?




Photos of fashion pendants are created from a sturdy, but lightweight blend of metals. This lead-free alloy results in a lovely silver-tone, pewter finish. Each hand-fashioned pendant is designed to showcase two photos-one in front, and one in back-creating a "reversible" piece.

Each fashionable pendant comes with an 18" chain crafted of delicate interlocking rings and choice of lobster-claw or toggle style clasps. The lobster-claw clasp allows for the substitution of one's own chain of any desired length.

Photo Bracelets

Metallic accessories are a hot fashion trend, and intertwined loop designs dominate the market. Artisan-crafted photo bracelets allow for the embracing of this trend with an uncommon and customizable twist.

Fashionable silver ovals loop together in this special piece to cradle a dual-sided locket. This 3/4" square locket will display two photographs. The bracelets are skillfully crafted by hand from the same quality materials as the photo pendant. A dainty pearl graces the end of the bracelet's chain, and a lobster clasp allows for size adjustment from 7" to 8.5".

Photo Pins

Photo pins, or brooches, are perhaps the most unique-and versatile- photo jewelry item. Imagine a new mother displaying her precious bundle of joy inside the frame of a photo pin. Or think of a young girl fastening several of the pins to a jacket or backpack for a funky photo showcase. Clipping a pin inside a briefcase or on a car's visor is a great way for dads to enjoy one of these finely crafted pewter delights as well.

Photo pins are rectangular and measure 1" high and 1.5" wide. Dual-sided frames allow for the proud display of two photographic images. Two pin styles are currently available, each with individual charm and appeal.

Photo pins easily attach to a favorite jacket, blazer, or scarf. Create a one-of-a-kind look by placing the pin at the neck of a dressy blouse, or pinning one to a hat or in the center of a hair ribbon.

Though sturdy enough to use on a tote bag or knapsack, photo pins are lightweight and delicate enough to wear on even the finest fabrics. The safety-pin style clasp allows for ease of placement, repositioning, and removal.

Wearing photo jewelry is an interesting, whimsical way to participate in current style trends. Skilled artisans craft each of these artistic treasures by hand within the United States. Because of the hand-made nature of the product, no two pieces are exactly alike. Each photo jewelry item bears subtle, but unique design characteristics, guaranteeing the wearer a one-in-a-million look.(http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Page)

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Clothes Trends

Women's Clothes Trends For Spring 2010

Fashion experts and ramp show trends are suggesting that 2010 will bring back a lot of the older styles that were once popular. Some of these trends might not seem so appealing but in later months you will see them all over the place. Women's clothing trends are always evolving and changing. Some trends in women's clothing last but mere seconds in the fashion world and other trends make monumental history. It is up to you to decipher what trends suit your body and make you look attractive.

One noticeable aspect of t-shirts this year is that shoulder pads are coming back in fashion. Yes they were a big hit for Women's clothing in the 1970's and 80's. This style makes you look taller and well defined. This trend would look proportionate on average and tall women. Short women tend to look butch in this type of women's clothing so it is generally not recommended for them. Chain embellished t-shirts are also going to be trendy in the next couple of months. Even formal wear have started appearing with long dangly punk styled chains. Some chains come attached to the tops and others can be removed and used on other clothing. Black chains look really cool with white colored tees and blouses. The idea is to look punk and feminine at the same time.

This spring expect to see a lot of mint green and coral combinations. This combination will be offered in makeup, women's clothing, shoes and other fashionable accessories. These colors of women's clothing look extremely attractive on olive skinned women. Peaches and pink colored clothing suit women with lighter skin tones. Nude colors are also going to be fashionable for clothing but you have to be careful or you can look washed out and drab.




Another clothes trends blast from the past are fringes. Fringes are being adding to tights, tops, skirts, and other women's clothing. This was last fashionable during the 80's and it seems like it would actually be a hit with certain types of women's clothing. It is a different look and can be horrible on one person and look great on the next. It's important to get a friend's perspective when buying clothing that is so different. They should be able to tell you honestly if it suits you or not. Then based upon your own opinion and theirs you can decide whether you want to invest in this type of clothing for your wardrobe.

Double denim is the latest trend in France and should be a UK fashion trend by the end of this year. You need to wear a denim top and something denim below to pull off a double denim look. You could opt for denim skirts, shorts, pants or overalls to wear below. Above you could wear a t-shirt with a denim jacket unbuttoned or tied in a knot across the stomach. You could experiment with this trend if you have a number of denim Women's clothing in your wardrobe. By mixing and matching you could see which combination looks best for the double denim look. Now that you have had a peek at the women's clothing trends for this year you can manage your wardrobe accordingly.(http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louis_B_Jones)

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Japanese Bath Design

Japanese Bathroom Design

The bath is the main centerpiece for any Japanese home, so much like the fireplace for any American. It provides warmth and a good sense of family bonding aside from the cleanliness it brings. For most people living in Tokyo, especially since floor space is a big commodity, there are those who are privileged enough to have at least a bath in their home while most people go to bathhouses. Japanese bathroom design is an influence of today's trends.




The Japanese bath design is comprised of both modern and simple designs, whether the old houses in Kyoto have large, spacious baths while with slatted floorboards to drain the water and a tub mainly of seasoned wood. Other Japanese bathrooms can be as compact, emphasizing the need to conserve space as everything can be done in a tiny 2 meter-square bathroom space. The main idea of the design is either uniform or diversified, where it can be just stainless steel, tile or wood.

Towel racks and hooks are almost unheard of for many, but often an integral part when it comes to easy access to the nearest towel after dipping in near scalding water. Shelves are more popular as means for storage, even for some clothes like pajamas or robes aside from towels when it comes to contemporary design.

Showers and showerheads are not always introduced, since they use pails to carry water and washing themselves. Though a variety of compact showerheads with heaters have become a major part of the everyday Japanese and to conserve electricity instead of filling up a tub full of water. And the use of faucets is common as well to fill a pail of water.

When using toilets, the traditional type is actually sitting down on the floor while doing their, well, business and most are made with ceramic nowadays. Regular toilets, ranging from various functions like the one introduced in a local company that has everything a woman needs as well as an auto flush feature.

A lack of ambient design is very common with most Japanese bathroom design, as they prefer to have a sense of harmony, the way they need to relax without reminding them of their jobs. Although most designers also introduced some modern hardware like an LCD screen to watch while dipping in hot water or simple pictures, they would use any space to their advantage without being too overbearing.(http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Lee)

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Japanese Streetwear

Japan & Japanese Streetwear and Global Urban Fashions

Japanese urban street wear is defined by a casual, clean look that is often highlighted with flair and sometimes daring experimentation. Whether smart and preppy, or completely mismatched and wreck less, Japan’s streetwear style is only a broad definition for an individual’s unique fashion style on the busy streets of urban centers. User customization and excessive details are the hallmarks of Japanese steetwear. Being unique and starting one’s own trend is a common goal among Japanese youth, yet many also take the exact opposite approach, joining a tribe of cohorts that all assume a shockingly brave style. The Internet has done much to popularize Japanese streetwear. From ganguro, yamamba, punk, goth, and thousands of other styles that are beyond description, streetwear in Japan is thriving.




Japanese Streetwear

From the crowded streets of Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama and Nagoya, Japanese fashion has been synonymous with the explosive popularization of urban streetwear. Blessed with an affluent and educated population, Japanese consumers have showed a wide range of tastes and styles which are boldy displayed, uninhibited, in any one of their urban centers. The Japanese have put their finest fashion designers to work, producing some of the most creative and sought after urban apparel in the world. Selvedge jeans and highly customized footwear are just some of the amazing exports this country produces.(http://www.japanstreetwear.com/japan-streetwear-and-global-urban-fashions)

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