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Shoes by Masaya Kushino
galismShibuya 109 Festival 2012
The Shibuya 109 Girls Festival 2012 held earlier on May 12th was a total fashion extravaganza! Besides a runway show, attendees were treated to appearances by popular gal models, fashion personalities as well as music performances by Kana Nishino and Korean girl group After School. The runway stage was split into two parts: the first half, “free stage”, included young and up and coming brands like Neon Soda, AGAINST, FIG&VIPER, and mercy; the second, “premium stage,” showcased verteran brands including rienda, SPIRAL GIRL, CECIL McBEE, EGOIST, and LIZ LISA. Those interested can conveniently purchase items from the show here.
And the timing couldn’t really be more perfect for gal fashion enthusiasts. While the Tokyo Girls Collection has long played host to the likes of LIZ LISA and CECIL McBEE, the majority of its runway lineup for the past few seasons has consisted more of contemporary women’s labels rather than recognized gal brands. Despite this, events like the Shibuya 109 Festival make it clear that there’s still enthusiasm for gal brands—both old and new—as well as the Shibuya fashion culture they continue to shape.
Check out event photos below:
So much variety! Additional photos can be found here. Now check out these snaps of models Yunkoro, Natsumi Saito, and Nemoyayo, showing off their 109 Festival style (Source).
In the market for a new wig? Take a look at these stylish PRISILA Loves CECIL McBEE collaboration wigs! Modeled by EDGE♥S magazine model Ryo, the collection includes full wigs as well as clip-in extensions and hair pieces. All wigs come with a special branded CECIL McBEE pouch and can be purchased here.
Cool new casual rock-themed arrivals at the Shibuya 109 e-Shop from (left) VENCE, moussy, and FIG&VIPER. Which are your favorites?
http://fyeahlolita.blogspot.com/2012/05/building-complete-lolita-wardrobe.html
I fiiiinally finished the world’s longest post @_@. Sorry I’ve been on such a blogging break lately! This huge post has been keeping me from updating for like 3 weeks! I kept saying “NOT UNTIL I FINISH THAT POST!”
An insanely long article that delivers exactly what it promises.
Cute new arrivals to the Shibuya 109 eShop from brands (from left) JSG, one spo, and ROSE FAN FAN.
Would you like to see weekly posts of new gal items become a regular feature here on our Tumblr? Share your thoughts!
New coordinates from GILFY. These shots are meant to showcase “set” items you can choose and purchase together here.
I look like I have two different eye colours here… but nevertheless, I enjoyed wearing this summery outfit to a loli picnic today! It’s Angelic Pretty’s “Dot Chiffon” JSK dress in peach with Angelic Pretty leopard print jewelry, a beige blouse by F.int., a Cambridge Satchel Company shoulder bag, beige jelly heels and a vintage felt hat.
Imi looking flawless as usual.
Brand Focus: GROWZE
GROWZE is new womenswear abel founded by Yukiko and Misaki Kubo, the same Osaka couple behind popular off-brand gal clothing retailer GALSTAR. The brand concept goes something like this:
Women with resilient determination, women who are not afraid to step up to any challenges in life… They are the inspiration to our designers. Basic monotone pattern is enhanced with the carefully selected details, and the sophisticated color coordination completes the signature GROWZE style. GROWZE brand is designed to bring out the refined elegance and self-assurance in every woman.
So what makes GROWZE special? Despite being a Japanese brand, all of their physical presence so far is in the US. What’s that? Yes, ladies, if you happen to live in L.A., then these stylish duds are only a hop, skip, and a jump away, with plans for more stores in other cities in the works. With jackets for $165 and jeans for $130 and inventory being added every three weeks, the price point is markedly higher than anything you’d buy from sister store GALSTAR, but still in line with other fast fashion retailers like Zara and Topshop. Currently online shopping for the brand is only available in Japan. Take a peek at the L.A. store interior:
While they make the proud claim of the “latest clothes from L.A,” it seems like GROWZE still rolls in true Japanese fashion, with a brand blog populated with updates on all the latest arrivals and snaps of stylish shop staff. The vibe of the clothes is always edgy, sometimes playful, and definitely on-trend. Fans of similarly styled Japanese adult gal brands GYDA and FIG&VIPER would probably feel right at home with these clothes.
That in mind, here are some selections from their fashion blogger-esque lookbook and brand blog:
In the end, the most impressive part of all this seems to be the the fact that a Japanese company is making a real effort to expand into a foreign market, not really the clothes themselves. And as the line between East and West continues to blur with brands like GROWZE, part of me wonders what this means for the future of adult gal brands and Japanese fashion in general. Can it really be considered Japanese fashion when the things that often make a brand uniquely Japanese—apart from maybe their business model—start becoming less detectable? Let us know your thoughts!
