As I’ve said on this blog many times before, I’m no fashion expert, but I know what I like and I always like the fashion on display at Hyper Japan. For me, Hyper Japan is a great chance to indulge in a world which is different from mundane life, and Japanese street fashion plays a big part of that. Although I don’t wear Japanese street fashion myself, little bits and bobs have been creeping in to my attire of late. Nothing too outrageous – just the odd bow here and there, but there is a part of me which wishes I could dress up with all the Lolitas and join in, if only for one day a year. Teenage-me would definitely have been a punk Lolita if she had known the fashion existed, and adult-me is still quite keen.
At Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas there was a kawaii style fashion show on the Sunday, and on the Saturday there was an exciting opportunity to listen to a street fashion panel discussion.
The Marble Collection presents: Japanese Street Fashion Experts Panel
The Marble Collection is a fashion culture event which was first held in Shibuya, Tokyo in July 2011 and then held in Singapore in November this year. The event is more than just a fashion show, featuring fashion, music, dance and theatre. The first event in Tokyo featured Tenchim (てんちむ), a TV performer and a fashion model, and model/pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ) as the main stars. The story behind the first show was that Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Tenchim had travelled from the year 3011 to 2011 and encountered ‘kawaii’ culture and fashion in Shibuya and Harajuku. It sounds bizarre, but intriguing. Here’s the official video introducing the Marble Collection:
The panel discussion at Hyper Japan featured Executive Creative Director of the Marble Collection, Junya Yamada, and General Producer, Masayuki Fukuyama, talking with three UK-based models: Pixie_late, UK Kawaii Star Scarlett Young, and a third model whose name I think was Kylie (apologies if I’m wrong!). They talked about how a fashion which started in Japan has become popular in the UK and all around the world. Their main focus is the word ‘kawaii’, which they believe has now become a ‘worldwide word’. The Marble Collection asks “What is kawaii for you?“. I liked Pixie’s response to this: “To me, it’s a magical world like Disneyland, where you can be creative”.
I’m very intrigued by the Marble Collection, and would love to see it come to the UK. Japanese street fashion and kawaii culture is becoming so popular here – I think the Marble Collection would be a sell out!
Kawaii Style Japanese Street Fashion Show
I always enjoy the fashion shows at Hyper Japan, but unfortunately my photos this time weren’t that great as I was struggling with a hurt foot and couldn’t get into a good spot. Still, I got a few nice shots…
Whilst wandering around at Hyper Japan I spotted lots of fantastic fashion, and was constantly impressed by the effort people made. It’s inspiring to see such creative outfits and accessories, and I really admire the girls who dress in Japanese street fashion.
Shopping for more…
Kiss Me Kill Me (facebook.com/kissmekillme.ulala)
Tofu Cute (www.tofucute.com)
Just browsing…
Pixie_late (facebook.com/PixieLateOfficial)
Getting into the Christmas spirit…
In the picture above, the girl on the left is wearing a dress made of fabulous Christmas fabric. Here’s a close-up:
Christmas dress
This Christmas dress is made with a really unique fabric – I love it! Seeing clothes like this makes me wish I had paid more attention in textiles class at college – I would love to have a go at making Japanese-inspired clothes and accessories.
☆★☆
I’ll be back soon with one more post to wrap up my reports from Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas!
Haikugirl's Japan 