While fashion is always fashion and the most update trends will be the “it” thing, what truly makes a fashion statement isn’t the brand label or the ‘thing of the season’, but individual flair. And it seems like the Far East has a knack for it. In recent years, Asian fashion has been garnering attention from across the globe, from street styles to the haute couture of the world’s biggest fashion houses.
Asian fashion, which generally refers to Japanese, South Korean, and Hong Kong styles, have seen a surge of popularity along with their respective drama “waves” into the non-Asian community. With its music and entertainment industry spreading in popularity across the world also came exposure to the ‘Asian way of life’- from gestures, to food and of course, clothes.
Long before Gwen Stefani went all “kawaii” and adopted some girls, dressed them in sailor suits, made them mute, and declared Harajuku style “The Thing”, many non-Asians have already been crazed about the style that is Asia. The 80’s leggings and off shoulder comeback? Girls here in Asia were wearing it at least a season before their western counterparts. Want to dress like a princess but not just for Halloween? Japanese girls do it year-round. Mini-skirts in sub-zero weather? Korean girls take that with ease. And what’s a pair of 5-inch heels, all the better to bar-hop the slopes of Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong!
While high-end brands and off the runway trends will always be seen on the streets, what makes Asian fashion so distinctive are the unique individual details added by adopting a mixture of current, basic and traditional trends. While Asian styles have a variety of types and even subcultures, it is the mix of both local and foreign brands that distinguishes an Asian fashionista from a non-Asian. Asian fashion, some of which can be extreme and avant-garde, can even be seen in haute couture on European catwalks, which now look to the East for inspiration.
A basic tee and jeans- common? Definitely. Not particularly smashing? Probably. But topped with a crazy hat, accessories or glitzy shoes, that is the Asian style. It’s taking what is already there, and pumping some soul into it. Even between Asian cultures, the styles are very different; Hong Kong tends to be more relaxed and laid back in style, while Japanese are about loud statements, and Koreans are more about layers and accessories.
Looks and appearance play a huge role in Asian society. How you look is very important! Labels from South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan show off the latest crazes and trends from each country, giving you the an idea of what it really means to dress to impress, the Asian way.
Fashionably (but not outrageously) yours,
Akiko Nuri
~~~ All pictures and links selected by Aveline Garcia Bernal and courtesy of YesStyle.com ~~~
Asian fashion, which generally refers to Japanese, South Korean, and Hong Kong styles, have seen a surge of popularity along with their respective drama “waves” into the non-Asian community. With its music and entertainment industry spreading in popularity across the world also came exposure to the ‘Asian way of life’- from gestures, to food and of course, clothes.
Long before Gwen Stefani went all “kawaii” and adopted some girls, dressed them in sailor suits, made them mute, and declared Harajuku style “The Thing”, many non-Asians have already been crazed about the style that is Asia. The 80’s leggings and off shoulder comeback? Girls here in Asia were wearing it at least a season before their western counterparts. Want to dress like a princess but not just for Halloween? Japanese girls do it year-round. Mini-skirts in sub-zero weather? Korean girls take that with ease. And what’s a pair of 5-inch heels, all the better to bar-hop the slopes of Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong!
While high-end brands and off the runway trends will always be seen on the streets, what makes Asian fashion so distinctive are the unique individual details added by adopting a mixture of current, basic and traditional trends. While Asian styles have a variety of types and even subcultures, it is the mix of both local and foreign brands that distinguishes an Asian fashionista from a non-Asian. Asian fashion, some of which can be extreme and avant-garde, can even be seen in haute couture on European catwalks, which now look to the East for inspiration.
A basic tee and jeans- common? Definitely. Not particularly smashing? Probably. But topped with a crazy hat, accessories or glitzy shoes, that is the Asian style. It’s taking what is already there, and pumping some soul into it. Even between Asian cultures, the styles are very different; Hong Kong tends to be more relaxed and laid back in style, while Japanese are about loud statements, and Koreans are more about layers and accessories.
Looks and appearance play a huge role in Asian society. How you look is very important! Labels from South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan show off the latest crazes and trends from each country, giving you the an idea of what it really means to dress to impress, the Asian way.
Fashionably (but not outrageously) yours,
Akiko Nuri
~~~ All pictures and links selected by Aveline Garcia Bernal and courtesy of YesStyle.com ~~~
Comments
Write New Comment ▼
Write New Comment
Sorry! This knol's owner(s) have blocked you from editing, making suggestions, or commenting here.