Gyaru: La historia de Gal - Moda japonesa

Summary

In the early 1990s, a subculture emerged in Japan as a form of rebellion against traditional societal and beauty standards. Known as 'Gal' or 'Yaru,' this movement was characterized by young women, especially from wealthy backgrounds, embracing a bold, tanned look with dyed hair and designer fashion. The style evolved over time, influencing various subcultures and eventually leading to the rise of different 'Gal' substyles such as 'Canguro' and 'Mamba.' Despite facing societal criticism, the subculture persisted, with its influence spreading internationally, adapting and evolving through social media, and continuing to shape Japanese and global fashion trends today.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Gyaru subculture originated in Japan in the early 1990s as a form of rebellion against traditional societal norms, especially the expectations placed on women to be homemakers with pale skin, black hair, and natural makeup.
• 😀 The word 'Gyaru' comes from the Japanese pronunciation of the English word 'gal,' which was first introduced in the 1970s through American fashion and later popularized by the Japanese singer Sawada Kenji in 1979.
• 😀 In the 1980s, Japanese magazines like 'College Life' and 'Popteen' began targeting young women, reflecting a more realistic and inclusive view of adolescence, though they were accused of promoting bad influence on youth.
• 😀 By the late 1980s, the term 'Gyaru' began to represent a specific group of young women who worked in offices and enjoyed nightlife, with a style influenced by American fashion, especially in Shibuya.
• 😀 The Shibuya style was characterized by casual, basic clothing such as Ralph Lauren blazers, Levi's jeans, and Chanel bags, worn in an informal, relaxed way by middle-class youth and fashion-forward individuals.
• 😀 In the 1990s, the 'Gyaru' look evolved, especially among high school girls, who adopted a rebellious style with tanned skin, brown or blonde hair, and designer accessories like bags and scarves.
• 😀 School uniforms, originally seen as restrictive, were reimagined as a fashionable and versatile item, and girls began to wear them casually, modifying skirts and opting for casual outfits to attend parties or shopping.
• 😀 The subculture 'Gyaru' was not driven by any specific magazine or commercial brand but grew organically, with Shibuya 109 becoming a central hub for Gyaru fashion in the 1990s, popularizing the style.
• 😀 By the 2000s, the Gyaru subculture had become mainstream, with diverse styles emerging, including 'Canguro,' which featured darker tans, extreme makeup, and a playful, experimental look.
• 😀 While the 'Gyaru' trend began to fade in the 2010s, the style has persisted, evolving into new forms and spreading internationally, with influencers on social media playing a key role in its resurgence and adaptation worldwide.

Q & A

What was the origin of the Gyaru subculture in Japan?

The Gyaru subculture originated in Japan in the early 1990s as a form of rebellion and nonconformity against traditional Japanese societal expectations, particularly the expectations that women should focus on homemaking and follow traditional beauty standards, such as pale skin and natural makeup.

What does the term 'Gyaru' mean, and how did it enter Japanese culture?

The term 'Gyaru' is the Japanese pronunciation of the English word 'gal,' which is used to refer to a girl or young woman. It entered Japan when the American brand Wrangler launched a line of jeans for women in 1972 with the term 'gal.' The term was further popularized by a song in 1979 by the Japanese singer Sawada Kenji.

How did the Gyaru style evolve in the 1980s?

In the 1980s, magazines like 'College Live' and 'Pop Teen' began representing young girls with a more realistic and inclusive portrayal of adolescence. However, these magazines were criticized for being a bad influence, and by the late 1980s, the term 'Gyaru' started referring to young women who worked in offices and enjoyed nightlife, especially in areas like Shibuya.

What role did Shibuya play in the development of the Gyaru subculture?

Shibuya became a popular gathering spot for wealthy young people, including university students, who celebrated and socialized. A new style emerged, influenced by American fashion, known as 'Shibuya casual,' which was characterized by items like Ralph Lauren blazers, Levi's jeans, and Chanel accessories, worn casually and nonchalantly.

Why did high school girls in Japan start wearing their school uniforms in public in the 1980s?

In the 1980s, high school girls in Japan began to wear their school uniforms in public as part of a rebellious act. They used their uniforms as a way to hide their identity and avoid being recognized as students while attending parties or going out in the city.

What changes occurred in school uniforms in the late 1980s, and how did it affect the fashion trends?

In the late 1980s, private schools in Tokyo redesigned their uniforms to make them more fashionable, attracting more students due to declining birth rates. The new uniforms were modeled after trendy outfits, including blazers, cardigans, and plaid skirts, which became a base for Gyaru fashion, leading to shorter skirts and rebellious styling.

What were the main characteristics of the Gyaru style by the early 1990s?

By the early 1990s, Gyaru style featured high school girls with bronzed skin, designer accessories, and short skirts. They also adopted hairstyles dyed brown and created a rebellious and carefree fashion aesthetic, which challenged traditional beauty standards in Japan.

How did the Gyaru subculture gain popularity in the 1990s despite societal resistance?

Despite initial resistance and the subculture being viewed negatively by some, the Gyaru style gained popularity through organic growth. It spread among adolescents, particularly in Shibuya, where girls frequented a store called Mary Jane in the Shibuya 109 building, which became a hub for Gyaru fashion.

What were some of the defining features of the Gyaru fashion by the late 1990s?

By the late 1990s, Gyaru fashion had expanded to include darker bronzed skin, colorful eye makeup, and large platform boots. The Gyaru girls also adopted new styles like 'Canguro,' which featured even darker bronzing, extreme makeup, and creative hairstyles, further distinguishing their subculture.

How did Gyaru culture influence fashion and youth trends in Japan in the 2000s?

In the 2000s, Gyaru culture became a dominant fashion trend in Japan, with new substyles emerging, such as 'Hime Gyaru' (princess Gyaru) and 'Gyaru-omi' (Gyaru men). These styles were characterized by voluminous hair, colorful outfits, and bold makeup. The Gyaru subculture had a significant influence on the fashion industry and social media, especially in Shibuya.