Understanding Tokyo Style: Visual Kei


Alice Nine

Tokyo wouldn’t be tagged as one of the world’s fashion capitals for nothing. Walking around the streets of Tokyo is like attending a fashion show where you’ll see works by different designers; everyone looks unique, but fashionable at the same time. Trends are technically non-existent in Tokyo since everyone tries to create their own identity through their fashion.

One of the most interesting things to look for in Tokyo is the kind of fashion followed by the younger members of society. If you’re familiar with young Japanese fashion trends, then you surely have heard of the term visual kei. Visual kei is the kind of trend characterized by flamboyant clothes, unusual hairstyle and heavy make-up. It is believed to have originated from the 1980’s rock scene. There are other variations of the kei style, such as fairy kei and dolly kei.

If it is your first time to walk around the streets of Tokyo, don’t be surprised to see a lot of young people wearing colorful clothes. Once you get acquainted with this kind of fashion, you’ll soon appreciate the unique Tokyo style.