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Cute and Punk

Merger of Contrasting Styles Produces New Look

Cute and Punk

A new punk look is gaining ground among teenage girls in Harajuku and Shibuya. The style, however, is not a full-fledged, head-to-toe hardcore punk look but an eclectic mix of cute and punk, with pretty miniskirts and dresses coordinated with riders jackets, engineer boots, skull-motif accessories, stud belts, and other hardcore punk items.

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Vest Is Best

Gilets Offer an Easy Way To Dress Up an Outfit

Vest Is Best

Vests (waistcoats) are enjoying growing popularity among fashionistas of both genders. The garments first appeared in street fashions a few years ago, when trendsetters found them in vintage clothes shops and began using them to create their own distinctive looks. Since then, they have become a standard item in the wardrobes of younger generation.

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A Winning Combinaison

A Winning Combinaison

An item of clothing called a combinaison has recently become popular among young women in Japan. This word, which comes from the French for "combination," refers to a single garment combining a top with pants.

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"Salon Boys" Set The Trend

"Salon Boys" Set The Trend

Japanese men's fashion encompasses many distinct styles. But currently the undisputed trendsetters are the "salon boys"—professional or apprentice hair stylists in their late teens and twenties.

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Leg Wear In The Spotlight

Leg Wear In The Spotlight

The lineup of leg wear has grown markedly, with toe covers for pumps, which are perfect for Japan's humid summers, and lace instep and ankle bands joining the leggings, color tights, and knee highs that were a hit last year.

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Seventies Folk Fashions Revisited

Seventies Folk Fashions Revisited

“Folklore-style” A-line dresses embellished with embroidery or Tyrolean ribbons are a hit among young women in their teens and twenties. Tunic blouses are also increasingly prominent as women take to wearing tunics with colorfully embroidered bodices and crochet-lace trim over leggings or skinny jeans.

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When Fashion Meets Art

When Fashion Meets Art

Art-inspired fashion is increasingly visible on the streets of Tokyo in the form of T-shirts with artsy graphics, dresses with optical and abstract patterns, and other eye-catching items.

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Hands In Gloves

Hands In Gloves

Gloves are becoming a hot item now that winter is in full swing. Leather gloves, knit mittens, gloves made from velour, jersey, and satin material, and gloves with fur trim are among the hand-wear designs finding increasing favor.

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