Harajuku Girls
You often hear this word used in fashion talk and in Gwen Stefani’s songs, but does anybody really know what “Harajuku Girls” stands for? Just take a glance at Gwen’s music video “Wind It Up.” One can’t help but notice Gwen’s entourage, which is comprised of three Japanese girls dressed in a style of eclectic attire.
The name “Harajuku Girls” derives from girls in the Harajuku district of Tokyo, Japan. Many consider Harajuku the heart of Tokyo’s pop culture shopping district. Therefore, “Harajuku Girls” stand as fashion iconistas for the hip and trendy. They are notable for their funky hair dos and wigs, 7 in. platforms, wild make-up, and layers of mixed contemporary and Japanese style clothing. Such a style is said to parallel that of anime. For example, “Harajuku Girls” often emulate the “Sailor Moon” (sailor school girl) outfit, or a “Strawberry Shortcake”-like fashion.
In a collectivist society, these “Harajuku Girls” can express their individuality through their own unique style. For these girls, it is a way to be noticed and differentiated. Therefore, don’t expect to see the “Harajuku Girl” Style flourishing through every girl’s closet. “Harajuku Girls” are definitely the exception.
