galism
Fur coats and leather leggings.
BACKS Spring & Summer 2011
Rounding out what seems to be a BACKS mini-marathon….the wait is over, ladies! The brand recently released some catalog shots showing off their spring and early summer releases. I wasn’t able to find any concrete information about the season concept, but I think it’s pretty safe to assume BACKS is up to their old tricks—delivering cool clothes that are on trend but always with their trademark mannish flair.
BACKS’ take on the loose knitwear trend. Anyone else getting GILFY vibes from this?
Casual jersey tops are softened by sheer florals. Her newsboy cap, thick-rimmed glasses and watch are classically BACKS, though!
More loose knitwear.
Trendy oversized button-up shirts are cinched at the waist/hips to give a body-conscious fit. Plaid offers a more brand appropriate touch, too.
Every shop staff seems to be sporting these matching denim shirt and shorts. Key menswear accessory items: fedora, watch, and thick-rimmed glasses.
Another example of how BACKS makes seasonal trends like light denim, crochet, straw hats, and fringe their own.
More sheer floral tops. Again, feels very GILFY to me.
On-trend gingham is given the BACKS treatment with distressing and other cool details.
Here’s how BACKS does 70’s-inspired denim. The fringe sandals are another key item this season.
So how are shop staff sporting the new spring and summer items? Take a look at these cuties from the Shibuya and Shinsaibashi stores!
GILFY & BACKS Summer 2011: New Arrivals
I posted about GILFY’s new spring collection a couple months ago here, but as you can imagine, gal brands are always rolling out new stuff! Take a look at these new releases from GILFY and BACKS. First up, GILFY:
And now BACKS:
True to their image, both brands have taken an edgier approach to spring and summer fashion. (GILFY in particular is still on a vintage kick, stay tuned for more on BACKS.) What’s your take? See any must-haves?
Trend Watching: Spring & Summer Shorts
Summer-like temperatures are already hitting some parts of the world right now, so what better way to beat the heat than with shorts! Here’s what to be on the lookout for…
The two biggest trends in shorts right now are high-waisted and wide leg/balloon silhouettes, both of which fit right in with the whole retro-girly boom that’s been rocking gal fashion lately. The good news is that either can be extremely figure flattering! Girls with defined waist lines will appreciate the middle-hugging fit of high-waisted styles while those with fuller thighs will like the balance created by more voluminous leg lines. Have a look at some of what the 109 brands have come up with. (To get more info and purchase, simply click each picture.)
Take your pick with this group of adorable puffy shorts from dazzlin (¥6,195), one spo (¥5,775), mmts (¥6,720), me Jane (¥3,465), LOVE GIRLS MARKET (¥5,985), and ROSE FAN FAN (¥3,990).
Girls who love monotone prints won’t be left behind this summer. Here are some chic numbers from GIRLS DOORS (¥4,935), DURAS (¥4,935), and LOVE BOAT (¥4,935).
Ready to reveal your girly side? These lace and floral shorts from one spo (¥3,045), LIP SERVICE (¥5,985), ROJITA (¥6,825), CECIL MCBEE (¥4,935), and Miel Crishunant (¥3,570) are perfect for you!
Ahoy there! Check out the marine-themed influences with this crop of sailor shorts from SHAKE SHAKE (¥4,725; ¥3,990), Minir Dees (¥6,195), and ROJITA (¥6,825).
Make a statement in these cute shorts from ROSE FAN FAN (¥3, 990) and Ank Rouge (¥5,985) featuring trendy seasonal prints.
None of these doing it for you? Several brands have skipped both trends in favor of an edgier look. Distressed denim cut-offs are in and there’s a lot to choose from, complete with plenty of studs, rips, and interesting finishes. Here’s a selection from brands including CECIL McBEE (¥3,990), GILFY (¥7,350), BACKS (¥7,245), LIP SERVICE (¥7,245), NAVANA (¥5,145), MA*RS (¥5,985), and GILFY (¥7,350).
Which styles of shorts are your favorites? Let us know on the forums!
Brand Focus: Backs
Backs is a gyaru brand that debuted in 2008. Owned by GILD CORPORATION—the same parent company behind Gilfy, RE DARK, and most recently, discount brand D:LAND—it is sold in a handful of retail outlets across Japan as well as online.
So what does it take to get Backs’ signature look? Think monotone colors, menswear styling, cropped pants/shorts, ankle boots, and of course, thick-rimmed glasses. Sounds simple enough, yet this unique aesthetic is distinctive to the point of being dubbed “backs-kei” by magazines and fans alike. Besides clothing and shoes, the brand also carries over twenty different kinds of fashion frames along with a smaller selection of watches.
Without question, this has got to be one my favorite gyaru brands. I don’t think any other line for girls conjures up the idea of “cool” better than Backs. If you’re not familiar with Backs, check out some highlights from their fall catalog:
Overall, I think this manages to be a pretty successful collection, given that it keeps with Backs’ usual mannish aesthetic while still satisfying the more trend-conscious ladies among us. The black hooded plush jacket, texture-striped sweater, waffle-knit pullover, and fur-trimmed knee boots are some of my favorites.
So what say our esteemed followers? Would you go for this look? Sound off in the comments.
