2NE1's style embraces the Japanese street fashion wave and will go a long way in endearing our girls to Japanese young people. So what exactly is Street Fashion and why is it and Japan in general such an impressive fashion hub?
A Brief History
The trendsetter for Japanese street fashion is none other than Tokyo. Tokyo street fashion is influenced from many styles and subcultures from around the world. In the 80s street performers and extravagantly dressed teenagers gathered around Omotesando and the street that goes through Yoyogi Park on Sundays when the roads were closed off to traffic. However they were again reopened to traffic in the 1990s, and teens stopped meeting there.
Japanese style, mainly involves the customization of clothing. By dressing up with exquisite attention to every detail, the Japanese youths believe they are embracing a form of freedom and are able to express their individualism. We will take a look at the locations, styles, and icons of Japan's Fashion scene.
Japanese fashion is fast-evolving, with many styles, trends and sub-cultures which Young people display and market prominently throughout the streets of Tokyo. The four most main gathering place for Tokyo's fashionistas: Odaiba, Ginza, Shibuya, and Harajuku.
ODAIBA -- An island off the coast of Tokyo Bay originally used for military purposes, it has now become a major tourist and leisure zone. Here you will find tons of cosplaying Japanese youth roaming the streets.
By far, the three major fashion locations are Ginza, Shibuya, and the infamous Harajuku.
GINZA is one of Tokyo's famous sightseeing spots. The clock tower of the Wako Building is a symbol of the Ginza district. The nearby area is home to many department stores, such as Matsuya, Matsuzakaya, and Mitsukoshi. In the 1990s, top designer brands from overseas like Chanel, Fendi, and Salvatore Ferragamo opened boutiques in Ginza. Namiki Street is lined with boutiques including Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. Ginza therefore has the image of a center for haute-couture afficonados.
Teenagers tend to go to Shibuya and Harajuku to shop, while career women in their twenties, thirties, and forties and middle-aged women prefer the more sophisticated atmosphere of Ginza for shopping and dining out.
In SHIBUYA, it is the young hype fast-fashion area, for teens to early 20’s Japanese fashionistas. Shibuya Station is one of the busiest railway stations where you can find all kinds of fashion. Casual fashion in Japan originated here! In Shibuya trends come and go quickly. You have to learn how to keep up with the young and live in the fast lane as the diverse styles are constantly changing. Trends are very fast, and tastes are diverse, but mainly focused on the “Gals” and university students
Speaking of Harajuku: Harajuku comes from the area that surrounds Harajuku train station.
Harajuku Girls are known worldwide as 'fashion aficionados' or beauty stars of Japan. They are known worldwide for cosplay. Their style is a mixture of dark and conventional Japanese clothing. Some outrageous costumes can consist of fake bandages and blood. The Harajuku girls love to compete amongst each other to see who can look more iconic than human! The fashion statement behind their style is escape. They usually have a ceremony every week to express their individuality as a woman, and it is their way of expressing themselves in a male dominated society. Their style captured lots of attention internationally.