Japanese street fashion is a fashion genre that encompasses several subcultures of alternative fashion. It usually involves taking an ordinary piece of clothing, such as a shirt, and altering it by adding personalized components, such as metal studs or fur trim. Often, these fashions are also heavily deconstructed, sometimes by ripping or shredding. Japanese street fashion leans toward fashions that are of the gothic and steam punk genres, and is primarily embraced by teens. It began as a fashion subculture in the late 1990s, and by 2008, Japanese street fashion had impacted the worldwide fashion scene.
One of the earliest and most common types of Japanese street fashion is called “Gothic Lolita,” or “Gothic Lolly.” It is believed to be influenced by anime characters such as Sailor Moon, and typically consists of dresses that emulate the frilly short frocks worn by little girls during the 1950s. The dresses often include dark touches of gothic, such as dark fabrics and white lace trimmings. The dresses are often worn with ripped stockings, pinafore aprons, and full tulle crinolines or petticoats. Gothic Lolita later evolved into full gathered skirts with crinolines, which are commonly worn with striped tops and stockings.
