Did you ever heard of Gyaru?

So did you ever heard of Gyaru?

Jali says

I think gyaru is just as strong as ever; in fact, it’s developed a solid and growing fanbase of practitioners outside of Japan as well. I’d call that progress, not decline.

Gyaru is also an evolving style. As you mentioned, the current “look” is hime or hime-casual, and let’s not ignore the entire hostess culture; agejo, another facet of gyaru, isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. I’m seeing a lot of people picking up or incorporating elements of “koakuma” style into their looks too. 10 years ago, the look was to be super tanned with popstar hair and loose-socks. The girls who started that look in high school are now in their 20′s and early 30′s. It’s only natural that the look would progress; now you have gyaru-mama, onee-gyaru, celeb-gyaru, and a whole bunch of other looks inbetween for the “more mature” girls out there.

As for the fashion brands… I think it’s all about people’s personal choice, as well as economic (in)stability. Since gyaru is in a constant state of evolution, I don’t find it strange that the girls are learning to mix & match different brands, create different looks, and progress the movement. If everyone dressed in exactly the same thing, it would get really boring.

(I should point out that lolita fashion is ridiculously expensive. And to this day, you still see lolitas.)

What I’m saying is cost is subjective. I’ve seen a lot of your street snaps where people were wearing items that retailed for hundreds of dollars, easy. When people really want something, they’re going to find one way or another to get it, the economy be damned.

I should know; I’m gyaru myself, and I’m from Canada.

(TL;DR) Punk is dead. Gyaru is not.

Panda29 says

I actually didn’t notice this trend/fashion – gyaru and gyaru-o until not too long ago as I only started my obsession for Japan a few years back. I love this style and yes, I’ve always viewed this style as more “sweet than scary” anyway. I mean, was the initial purpose to come across as scary? because I didn’t notice. I don’t think this trend is declining as I’ve been seeing more photos on the internet but maybe that’s just me? If anything, due to more cheaper stores that are making its way into Japan, like you have stated above, this may certainly take a toll on the current trend but if worst comes to worst, the number of gyaru/gyaru-o will probably decline, but I doubt there would ever come a time when it’s completely gone or unseen anymore. I say this with confidence because this is one of the most well known trends that represent Japan! I abosultely LOVE this style and hope it continues on to the day when I am finally able to visit Japan and witness first hand just how wonderful it really is. 

Marie says

I really do hope that this is not the case. Gyaru in my opinion is what has helped make Tokyo, and even Japan such an iconic staple in the fashion world. To think of gyaru as a dying breed is indeed a sad thing. These girls [gyaru] helped mold and even create an entire genre of fashion. They are unique only to Japan. I think the Japanese fashion industry owe them a lot and every effort to save gyaru should be made.

So what say you 

Are they a fashion victim?