Japanese fashion 日本のファツション

Learn about Wafuku, traditional clothes and accessories

Avant-garde Japanese fashion: dress or disguise?

No need for a catwalk or muted lighting, the immaculate cobblestones of the Japanese capital are enough to show the surprising creativity of Japanese fashion. Real laboratories of trends, districts like Daikanyama, Shibuya or Harajaku are open stages for designers of all kinds.

More than an aesthetic marker, clothing can also become a tool to distinguish yourself. As children, the Japanese wear the uniform in the colors of their school. Then later in life, they swap their school clothes for the strict salaryman outfit. For the sake of distinction or originality, some try to distinguish themselves from their day jobs with their clothing. But beware, this is not about dressing up to amuse the crowd. No, purists will tell you that it is indeed an art.

Many of these styles emerged in the 90s, including the famous lolita look. Very regulated, it requires wearing mid-length skirts decorated with petticoats. The neckline is high with no bare shoulders, the socks are worn high and hair accessories or even wigs are worn. The whole gives the lady a Victorian doll look. Besides the clothing, a lolita must be refined, modest and versed in the arts. Lolitas can be Gothic, Sweet or Fruit ... The latter will give much more importance to kawai details and clothing and accessories with patterns of strawberries, bananas or cherries ...

• Read also: Takeshita dori

Fashion trends are born in Japan

Besides the fashion which is difficult for novices to decipher, Japan is particularly appreciated for its endless number of trendy boutiques, especially in Tokyo. Big names in fashion such as Comme des Garçons rub shoulders with young designers and chain stores coexist with the very popular second-hand clothing markets.

Raw Tokyo is a vintage flea market that opened in early 2016 and great to visit if you happen to be in Tokyo. On the first weekends of each month, visitors arrive in the Shibuya district to browse the stalls in search of the rare gem: bags, shoes, clothes and accessories… enough to replenish your wardrobe or that of your friends! After shopping, you can celebrate your finds with some delicious ramen accompanied by a craft beer in the area. 

Another neighborhood that is very popular is Omotesando, this area will delight the most demanding with its high-end brands. Previously known for its workshops and art galleries, it is now home to many by luxury designer brands. A meeting point (a little) less chic but just as surprising: the Laforet department store is where you can find all the trends identified not far from here, near the Yoyogi park.

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