What Harajuku Girls Really Look Like | Style Out There | Refinery29

Summary

The transcript offers an insightful glimpse into the vibrant fashion culture of Harajuku, Tokyo, focusing on the decora style. The interview explores how individuals embrace bold, colorful fashion as a form of self-expression and empowerment. The decora movement, initially shocking to some, has grown over the years to become a symbol of joy and confidence. The discussion highlights how accessories, makeup, and personal style allow people to create a fun, engaging identity, while also reflecting the broader fashion trends in Japan. The sense of community among fashion enthusiasts in Harajuku is also emphasized.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker enjoys living in a way that feels personally fulfilling, choosing a lifestyle that brings them joy.
• 😀 Initially, the speaker felt that their style was shocking, but later found it to be a way of expressing their uniqueness.
• 😀 Fashion is seen as a form of fun and self-expression, with a focus on going against mainstream trends.
• 😀 Harajuku is highlighted as a place where like-minded individuals can gather and share their fashion ideas, making it a fun and communal experience.
• 😀 The speaker enjoys the process of dressing up, where the addition of accessories and makeup can take hours based on their mood.
• 😀 There’s no effort to disguise or hide oneself; instead, the speaker enjoys adding elements like accessories to enhance their look.
• 😀 The style known as 'Decora' has been reborn over the last 10 years, with younger people embracing it and spreading its influence across Japan.
• 😀 Fashion trends within the Decora subculture became more extravagant as it grew, often pushing the limits of accessorizing.
• 😀 The speaker began experimenting with colorful wigs, accessories, and makeup in high school, leading to a distinct and playful style.
• 😀 The speaker believes that fashion is about having fun and making friends, and that personal enjoyment is key.
• 😀 Over the years, the fashion movement in Harajuku has remained influential, and despite its cycles, the speaker values the simplicity and joy that comes with the trend.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind the lifestyle described in the transcript?

The speaker describes a lifestyle centered around expressing individuality and enjoying life through fashion and personal style, believing it is more enjoyable than conforming to societal norms.

How does the speaker feel about their appearance and the attention they receive?

Initially, the speaker was shocked by how cute they looked, but later they came to embrace the attention they receive, particularly due to their bold and unique fashion choices.

What role does fashion play in the speaker's life?

Fashion is a means of self-expression and fun. The speaker enjoys breaking away from mainstream trends and embraces bold, eye-catching fashion choices.

What is the significance of Harajuku in the context of the speaker's fashion?

Harajuku is depicted as a hub for people who share a love for unique and alternative fashion, where the speaker and their friends can gather and enjoy their styles together.

How does the speaker describe the evolution of the 'Decora' fashion style?

The 'Decora' fashion, which started around ten years ago, has evolved but continues to thrive in Japan. The speaker notes its influence on many people and how the trend has spread across the country.

What impact has the 'Decora' fashion had on its followers?

The 'Decora' fashion has led to an increase in the use of accessories, becoming more extravagant and pushing the boundaries of personal style within the group, while the fashion outside of the group remains irrelevant to them.

How long does it take the speaker to prepare their look?

The speaker mentions that it takes about two hours to prepare their look, starting with makeup and accessorizing according to their mood for the day.

What motivates the speaker to add new accessories to their look?

The speaker enjoys experimenting with different accessories, adding them based on their mood and the available options, often challenging themselves to find new ways to incorporate more items into their outfit.

What is the speaker's attitude towards their fashion style and the people they meet?

The speaker is confident in their unique style and believes that, while they may stand out, they enjoy it because it helps them meet new friends and have fun expressing themselves.

What does the speaker think about the trend of minimalism in fashion?

The speaker expresses a fear that the fashion world might shift toward simpler, more minimalist trends, which they see as less exciting compared to the bold, expressive fashion styles they embrace.