Defying Convention: Totally Tokyo Fashion

Forget Paris, say farewell to New York and move on over London. There’s a new fashion capital of the world and that my friends, is the land of the rising sun, Tokyo, Japan!

It would be an understatement to say that it’s been a little bit of dream of mine to visit Japan. Ever since I was a little girl, I was devouring the culture. I lay the blame solely on the shoulders of Hello Kitty and all her cute, or should I say kawaii, Sanrio friends.

Now that I’m a little older and wiser, not by that much of stretch mind you, I’ve developed an appreciation for Japanese Fashion Magazines. I really can’t bear to throw any of my issues away as they’re always jam packed with fresh ideas on style and beauty. It’s a real education in itself.

I don’t know how true this is but I’ve been told that Japanese Fashion is light years ahead of the West. So you can imagine my excitement when I finally took a trip over to Tokyo the other week! As I was walking the streets it was clearly evident that the Japanese really knew their style. I mean it. I’ve never seen so many individual styles before me. From old to young: they were completely flawless, snappy and extremely sharp dressers. Not a slob in sight.

I never got the sense of anyone following any specific sorts of trends, like for instance ‘nautical’ or the ever popular combo that seems to be pervading the UK high streets at the moment - the skinny jeans, the long cardigan and Ugg boots. In Japan, it was more a case of inventive mixing and matching with what you already had. So think vintage with a real twist.

As far as fashion forays go, it would be ridiculous not to mention Harajuku, a district in Tokyo where Japanese teens hang out and frolic in eyebrow raising outfits. If you happen to be in Tokyo: Sunday is the best day to find them!

Below: Takeshita Street, Harajuku.

But don’t be too disheartened if you can’t make it on a Sunday! I spotted some extreme dressers outside of Harajuku, including Pickachu (complete with shoulder handbag) shopping with Jack Skellington from a Nightmare Before Christmas.

One of the main reasons I think Japan really works as a stylish nation; is that they are fearless at breaking fashion rules and conventions: mixing and clashing stripes with florals; white shoes with black tights or even wearing shades in the night. What sounds like a nightmare of an outfit, somehow works and looks stylish on someone with no fear of looking foolish! If I’ve learnt anything at all from my trip to Japan is that: Fashion rules are made to be broken, as long as you have the confidence to pull it off.

So you could wear that milk maid’s outfit on the streets if you really wanted to.

I’m not suggesting I’m going to do that myself - though admittedly I did get caught up in the spirit of all things Japanese and wound up purchasing a Pickachu hat! I’m sure I’ll evenutally find some occasion for wearing it. Perhaps it’s time to pop out and get the groceries now…

Images: Photographs taken by me. Please do no reproduce elsewhere. I shall be adding some more photographs at my own site once I’ve gotten over my jet lag. So please pay a visit soon!