With Japanese street style spreading beyond Tokyo's famous Harajuku neighborhood, one woman has created a line of dolls called 'Shibajuku Girls' that makes the colorful fashion phenomenon accessible worldwide.
The brainchild of Melbourne resident Madeleine Hunter, Shibajuku Girls is a line of fashion dolls that is inspired by the street style of Tokyo's Harajuku and Shibuya districts. Just like the outfits worn in these famous neighborhoods, the dolls boast colorful outfits, technicolor hair and oversize accessories. These street style-inspired designs are undoubtedly whimsical, making the dolls a welcome alternative for kids who are looking for something a little different than the average Barbie.
The eccentric doll collection demonstrates how global fashion and other cultures are gradually influencing the kind of toys enjoyed by children.
Japanese Fashion Dolls
The Shibajuku Girls Dolls are Inspired by Japanese Street Fashion
Trend Themes
1. Japanese Street Fashion Trend - The widespread popularity of Japanese street fashion outside of Japan presents opportunities to create unique fashion dolls based on Harajuku and Shibuya styles.
2. Whimsical Fashion Doll Trend - The success of Shibajuku Girls doll collection reflects a demand for fashion dolls with colorful outfits, technicolor hair, and oversize accessories beyond the traditional Barbie dolls.
3. International Toy Influence Trend - The Shibajuku Girls doll collection demonstrates a shift in children's toys inspiration to incorporate wider cultural and international influences.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Industry - The rise of fashion dolls inspired by international street fashion presents an opportunity for toy companies to diversify their product offerings and reach broader audiences.
2. Fashion Industry - The Shibajuku Girls doll collection is a testament to the growing influence of street fashion on mainstream fashion, and could lead to further collaborations between fashion and toy companies.
3. Global Culture Industry - The success of the Shibajuku Girls doll collection shows that there is a growing demand for products inspired by global cultures beyond traditional European and American influences.