Editor’s Message
Welcome to Issue 4 of Volume 2: Pink!
Think of Japanese street fashion. Now, think of Harajuku. What comes to mind? Maybe it’s groups of teens in over-the-top outfits? Maybe it’s shop after shop on Takeshita Street filled to the brim with the latest trends? But most likely it’s… the colour pink! Harajuku has carried a cutesy, feminine image with it since it debuted on the world stage in the 90s. But how has kawaii fashion and its relation to pink transformed since then? Do the fashionistas who frequent the streets of Harajuku still wear all things pink?
When talking about Japanese street fashion on The COMM, we don’t use the term “Harajuku fashion” as it conjures up a stereotypical image of pink: it’s “fluffy, feminine, and cute”, and usually worn by Japanese teenage girls. It’s true that many of these street fashion lovers wear head-to-toe pink co-ords—but street fashion encompasses a variety of styles that we want to represent. In this issue, we want to look at the idea of “Harajuku” that is typically held in the current popular imagination and maybe help bring it up-to-date.
We’ve divided this issue into two parts:
Traditional Pink and Alternative Pink.
Traditional Pink celebrates the idea of pink we are probably more familiar with. We feature fashionistas of pink—the people who embrace the colour in their wardrobe in that wholesome kawaii aesthetic that we know and love. We also spotlight the producers of pink—the shops that embody pink as their brand aesthetic. Not only do they sell pink items, they take it to the next level with their shop decor. Pink, pink, and more pink—just the way we’ve always loved it!
Alternative Pink acts as a contrast to Traditional Pink by showcasing community members who chose to do it a bit differently. We also have some concept shoots that explore the possibilities outside of the typical image of “Harajuku fashion”. Many influencers have been cultivating alternative points of view to show the rest of the world the variety of styles the community has to offer. By showcasing the various interpretations of “pink”, we want to offer an imaginative idea of the Neo Harajuku Girl. With such a rigid, out-dated understanding of the former Harajuku Girl (thanks Gwen!), doesn’t she deserve an update?
We know that our COMMunity members love the colour pink! It’s a fun, stand-out colour that really brightens up any co-ord. Unfortunately, it’s also seen as a childish colour that many people look down on if you wear it past the age of 13. But The COMM is here as a platform to encourage you to wear what you like, and we totally understand your love of pink! Be sure to use #thecommoffline to show us your pink outfits and we will repost them on our Instagram story!
We hope this issue will unite everyone to think pink!
Choom
Editor-In-Chief