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Mar 28 2012 13 Comments

Japanese fashion: East unconventionally meets West

Despite Japan’s obsession with conformity, when it comes to fashion, there are a good number of people who defiantly have nothing to do with such deference. Bold individuals who, whether one likes what they wear or not, brighten up the day with their creativity, or even courage.

Like this young lady for example, unconventionally combining East and West to construct her own, very distinct look.

Shibuya fashion kimono

Categorized: Fashion, Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Don says

    3/28/2012 at 10:36 am

    It’s actually working visually for me. The hat, the bag, the pocket watch are coherent together, but not overpowering. I mean, sure, it’s an unusual combination but it seems to work…

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/28/2012 at 10:45 am

      That’s just what I thought. What initially seems like a very eccentric outfit, really does work. Really striking too.

      Reply
  2. Lillian says

    3/28/2012 at 12:19 pm

    It’s an awesome look but not a wholly original one. Mamechiyo Modern (two or three influential shops) and the intermittently published Kimono Hime mook both champion this 1890s-1950s pseudo-retro East-West thing and champion both high fashion kimono and “everyday kimono.” I like it.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/28/2012 at 7:52 pm

      Cheers for the info Lillian. Very interesting. And like you say, original or not, there’s a lot to like about it.

      Reply
  3. winnie says

    3/28/2012 at 11:46 pm

    Beautiful picture!
    She looked really cool and dashing.
    The lady beside her is sweet Lolita which is also called ama-loli. Look kawaii too!!
    I like Lolita Fashion!!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/29/2012 at 10:14 am

      Thanks Winnie!

      Yes, she did look very cool. Quite a contrast to her friend too!

      Reply
  4. andi says

    3/29/2012 at 10:43 am

    Very cool. Love it!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/29/2012 at 6:15 pm

      Yeah, I thought it was pretty cool too.

      Reply
  5. LAObserver says

    3/29/2012 at 1:18 pm

    She also is carrying one BIG purse; or bento box; or toolbox . . .

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/29/2012 at 6:17 pm

      Yes, it’s a suitably unusual bag. One that, whatever it may be holding, goes surprisingly well with the outfit.

      Reply
  6. MrSatyre says

    3/30/2012 at 9:23 am

    Reminds me of a wedding I saw at Meiji jingu: the bride and groom were in traditional garb, as were their respective parties, but the guests were an amazing mix of traditional and mod and gangsta and even 30’s retro. Got some great photos at that one, and was even invited by the official photographer to take my pictures next to him! Good memories!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/30/2012 at 5:59 pm

      Wow, that must have been quite a sight. Wonderful to photograph too, especially with ‘access’.

      Reply
      • MrSatyre says

        3/31/2012 at 8:56 am

        No one was more surprised than I was. Even though the wedding was taking place in a public area, and there were plenty of shutterbug tourists around (like me), I certainly didn’t want to intrude into their “personal bubble”. I was very grateful for the informal invite!

        Reply

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