Fashion

Mar 23 2007 1 Comment

Food-based facial fashion

Whilst spring may bring warmer weather and the fleeting beauty of cherry blossom, for many Japanese it also heralds the start of hay fever season — a time of misery for most, except money making medical men and mask makers. The work of the latter in particular resulting in a tremendous amount of Tokyoites trotting around town wearing these.

Yet for the more fashion conscious sufferer, the Japanese site Daily Portal Z suggests popping down to the local sewing shop for material to make your own. A prettily patterned protector perhaps perfect for a big night out.

Or alternatively, if a night of naughtiness is on the cards, this lacy little number could be ideal.

For the food-loving fashionista however, a trip to the supermarket and the purchase of some seafood is deemed necessary.

Shell size it seems is the only concern, and once bought the insides can be either made into dinner or discarded. Then, after a quick dab of paint and the attachment of some elastic to hold it in place, it’s ready to wear.

With considerable pride.

(via Japan Probe)

Mar 02 2007 2 Comments

Tokyo torment

For some Japanese ladies, it seems that the more elaborately decorated their nails are the better, with last year’s ‘Nail Queen’ winner Kumi Koda amply demonstrating such adornments.

Yet whilst this form of fashion may on the whole be nothing more than a bit of frivolous fun, it does appear to have a darker side, with some practitioners having to sink to sickening depths to remove decidedly stubborn designs.

Feb 22 2007 2 Comments

Tokyo trends

Appearance is arguably everything in Japan, with clothing often clearly identifying a person’s role in society, all the way from subdued suited salary men to elegantly turned out elevator girls. Possibly the best known of these outfits outside Japan being the skimpy-skirted schoolgirl’s sailor suit; an ensemble particularly popular with the cosplay contingent — both female,

and male.

Yet for the man who works but doesn’t wear a suit (or indeed a schoolgirl uniform), there is fortunately a one-stop shop, which, rather appropriately, is called Workman.

A retailer with racks of stuff to rig-out even the most fashion conscious contractor — regardless of his profession.

But as good as Workman’s garb undoubtedly is, it surely can’t compare to the company’s commercials, which are so criminally bad they are good.

Almost.

Feb 13 2007 4 Comments

Latex look-alikes

With Japan boasting readily available rental services, and magazines devoted to the topic, the silicone sex doll would appear to be here to stay.

So much so in fact that one cosmetic maker has took the unusual approach of tackling the trend head on – its new make-up range magically mimicking the man-made mates.

All the way from the vacant eyes,

to the composite complexion and latex-like lips.

An effect that it has to be said is almost as convincing as the real thing. Even though the real thing isn’t actually the real thing – rather the real thing is reacting the unreal thing and trying to replicate its rubbery realness.