Though the look had been popular in Japan for years, harajuku style was introduced to the mainstream North American media by Gwen Stefani with the launch of her solo career. The look is mostly Lolita-inspired, consisting of extremely colorful, whimsical pieces that give a nod to school girl styles and anime cartoons.
The 2013 version of this style is even more extreme. The school girl silhouette of a button-down blouse and a full, short skirt can be seen in bright, neon colors everywhere from fashion blogs to high-end magazine editorials. The updated version of the kawaii look sees extreme makeup and hairstyles as well, prompting cosmetics companies to release more fantastical, brazen products.
If you're not necessarily one for attention, but are a fan of all things kawaii, I would suggest a cute bunny-eared phone case or subtle accessory.
25 Killer Kawaii Looks
24
Extreme Harajuku
Tokyo's Street Movement Has Fashionable Shock Value
23
Pure Candy Sculptures
The Osamu Watanabe Collection is Appetizingly Sweet
22
Naughty Nails
Perez Hilton Finds Harajuku Girl With an Anatomical Manicure
21
Harajuku Heroines
'Gothic Lolita 2010' by Toxic Etiology is Cutesy With a Punk Edge
20
Decora-Inspired Editorials
The Harper's Bazaar Indonesia 'Harajuku-ers' Shoot is Vibrantly Funky
19
Eclectic Harajuku Fashion
The Schon! Magazine 'American Beauty' Stars a Vibrant Ashley Smith
18
Gloomy Harajuku Photography
The Dazed & Confused December 2012 Editorial Accents Eccentric Styles
17
Handmade Food-Decorated Jewelry
Etsy User 'SouZouCreations' Makes Appetizing Rings
16
Gangster Dollhouse Spreads
The Super Kawaii Shoot by Culture Magazine Toys with Childish Style
15
Delicious Dessert Jewelry
Kawaii Cute Japanese Ring Makes You Want to Bite Your Fingers
14
Lolita Makeup
Shiseido's Majolica Majorca Makeup Line is Manga Magnificent
13
Candy-Colored Harajuku Spreads
‘Boom Girls' by Lukas Dziewic is a Vibrant Pop of Retro
12
Harajuku Fashion Show Photography
Damon Casarez Covers the Dollyhouse Runway in Sweet Lolita
11
Adorable Animated Apparel
The 'Kawaii Not?' Dress Would be an Charming Look for a Holiday Party
10
Plush Toy Jewelry
Mochimochiland Creates Wearable Knitted Toy Art
9
Food as Fashion Accessories
These Floating Pizza Brooches are Kawaii at Its Best
8
Japanese-Inspired Kidswear
The Harajuku Mini Line is Designed by Gwen Stefani for Target
7
Psychedelic Cartoon Streetwear
The Stussy Spring 2013 Tees Feature Art Work By Keiichi Tanaami
6
Embellished Bunny Smartphone Sheaths
The Studded Rabito Case is Tough, Quirky and Super Kawaii
5
Picnic Food Press-Ons
Kawaii Nails Offers Extensive Range of Strange Nails
4
Crystal Anime Accessories
Sparkling Cartoon Creations by Swarovski
3
Updated Harajuku-Chic Campaigns
The Armani Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Film Gets Lost in Translation
2
Meal-Holding Jewelry
The Kawaii Food Ring Displays a Miniature Tray Size of Edible Snacks
1
Harajuku-Inspired Footwear
The Agyness Deyn x Dr. Martens Second Collaboration is Underway
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