Gyaru

Gyaru (ギャル) is a subculture of Japanese fashion that emerged in the 1990s. The term “gyaru” is derived from the English word “gal” and refers to young women who dress up in a flamboyant and extravagant style. This fashion style is characterized by brightly dyed hair, heavy makeup, platform shoes, and revealing clothing that is often accessorized with gaudy jewelry and accessories. Gyaru is an alternative fashion phenomenon that has been both celebrated and criticized in Japan.

Gyaru fashion has its roots in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, which is known for its youth fashion and culture. The style is associated with a hedonistic lifestyle, and gyaru style is often seen as a rebellion against traditional Japanese culture. The gyaru lifestyle is about enjoying youth and having fun, often expressed through the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, and even the use of illegal drugs.

The gyaru fashion trend began to spread throughout Japan in the 1990s, and by the early 2000s, it had become a recognizable subculture with its own distinct style. The gyaru fashion trend includes a wide array of styles such as Ganguro (ガングロ), which features extremely tanned skin, and Hime Gyaru (姫ギャル), which features ‘princess’ inspired fashion elements.

One of the defining elements of the gyaru fashion style is the excessive use of makeup. Gyaru often wears large artificial eyelashes, thick black eyeliner, and pale foundation. The makeup style is meant to be intense and exaggerated, making the gyaru stand out from the crowd. The clothes worn by gyaru are often brightly colored and feature bold patterns, with some clothes mimicking designs from anime cartoons.

The gyaru style has faced criticism from various groups in Japan, who view it as vulgar and inappropriate. The debate over gyaru fashion reflects the wider tension between the traditional and the modern in Japanese society. Critics see gyaru as a destructive force that is dismantling the traditional values of Japanese culture. On the other hand, gyaru enthusiasts argue that the style is a form of self-expression that is about living freely and embracing youth.

Gyaru fashion is not without its controversies. The gyaru trend’s emphasis on revealing clothing and sexualized appearance has raised concerns about the sexualization of young women. Gyaru fashion was also associated with crime in the 2000s with annual fliers encouraging people not to wear gyaru fashion that led to ostracization of those dressing up in the style in some areas.

The conservatism of Japanese society sometimes clashes with the vibrant individualism of gyaru style. However, the gyaru subculture remains an essential part of the fashion scene in Japan. Gyaru fashion is a diverse and often misunderstood style that is full of personality and originality. While some criticize it as an excessive language aimed at attracting attention, others view it as a form of self-expression that is liberating.

In conclusion, gyaru fashion and culture is an integral part of Japan’s vibrant youth movements, with devotees appreciating the freedom it gives them to express themselves. Though the subculture has faced significant criticism over the years, its followers deserve recognition for their courage in carving out a unique place in Japanese society. The gyaru trend has evolved with the changing times and the styles that emerge from the trend will continue to impact Japanese sub-culture for decades to come.