Japanese culture is deeply rooted and ingrained in every Japanese citizen. They regard their heritage with pride and respect. Cultural values remain a strong influence in how the Japanese conduct themselves and even in their practices. This also applies to how they dress, which combines traditional elements with modern techniques.
Japanese fashion is highly regarded in the global fashion landscape. Famous designers like Armani and Dior have repeatedly replicated the design concepts revolutionized by Japanese minds. In this article we will take into perspective how Japanese heritage is affecting fashion trends worldwide.
Prominent Influences of Japanese Culture
Japanese designers like Issey Miyake, Rey Kawakubo, and Yohji Yamamoto are said to be among the strong pillars that kickstarted the influence of Japanese values in global fashion. Their pieces were considered atypical and different, but have led to great changes and transformations in the fashion landscape.
Also Read: THE APPEAL OF JAPANESE FASHION: WHY GLOBAL SHOPPERS SEEK OUT HARAJUKU, LOLITA, AND VISUAL KEI STYLES
1. Minimalism
Minimalism in Japanese Fashion
Minimalism utilizes clever layering and styling techniques to create elegant and simple pieces. This concept highlights the idea of “less is more” and focuses on owning timeless, durable pieces that can be worn for a long time. Yohji Yamamoto constantly highlights this in his runway works and has led to many adapting the use of monochrome colors and earthy tones as well.
2. Sustainability
Sustainability in Japanese Fashion
Japan has led the battle towards green practices and sustainability. Issey Miyake’s “one cloth coat” is a prime example of reduced waste in the fashion space. The Japanese concepts of kintsugi and sashiko are also widely adapted to upcycle used or damaged items and turn them into something fashionable and new. Japan is also a leader in selling preloved luxury goods, something that is steadily rising in popularity and has successfully contributed to waste reduction.
3. Gender Fluidity
Gender Fluidity in Japanese Fashion
Rey Kawakubo defied norms when she debuted in Paris fashion week - she introduced the idea of loose, asymmetrical, flowy designs that defied the popular form-fitting trends of the time. She introduced androgyny, creating “men’s clothes for women.” Now, many designers are adapting androgynous and free flowing garments after being inspired by this movement.
4. Innovation
Innovation in Japanese Fashion
The Japanese continuously push boundaries to create better fashion items for the market. Cutting-edge technology is constantly being researched to produce durable and comfortable garments to be worn for all occasions. Futuristic elements are being used for garments, increasing their value and uniqueness. Yoshiyuki Miyamae is known for incorporating science into art - he uses materials like polyurethane and neoprene, aiming for textiles that are durable, lighter, and even recyclable.
5. Diversity
Diversity in Japanese Fashion
The wabisabi approach embraces “ma”, or negative space. Popularized by Issey Miyake, this practice celebrates imperfections and turns it into something meaningful. This ties back to the idea of sustainability, where formerly damaged items are mended and improved.
Another approach to diversity is Japan’s designs that widely mesh with other cultures. Japan originally shows influences from China and Korea due to the rich, complex history between them. The Meiji era showed a growing influence from Western garments and style. Eventually, Japan embraced the concept of blending styles such as the likes of Lolita which takes reference from Victorian fashion, Hokkaido garments that pay homage to Ainu fashion, and bright tropical prints in Okinawa, which give a nod to its Southeast Asian neighbors.
Misaki Tanaka is one of the newest emerging designers who pushes sustainable and inclusive designs that cater to different sizes, shapes, and disabilities. Her SOLIT brand includes garments made for sexual minorities and people with disabilities.
6. Self-Expression
Self-Expression in Japanese Fashion
The bright, vibrant, and eye-catching designs featured predominantly in Harajuku and Shibuya have made their way on the global runways as designers begin to embrace the eclectic, unique, and avante garde elements they introduced.
7. Pop Culture
Pop Culture in Japanese Fashion
Pop culture such as movies, novels, games, anime, and manga are strong influences even in the fashion world. As the home of anime, Japan is known for incorporating cosplay or cosplay-inspired themes in fashion. The concept of blending pop culture and fashion allows people to freely express their interests and individuality while still being seen as stylish in society, something that used to be looked down on in the past.
Also Read: How to incorporate Japanese street style into your wardrobe
Whether it’s popular streetwear brands or the most niche fashion items, ZenMarket can give it to you. ZenMarket sources from supplies all over the world to help you build a wardrobe suited to your taste.
Looking Back on Heritage to Fuel Creativity
As a proponent of sustainability, Japan has adapted many traditional techniques and values to create unique pieces that scream cultural heritage and aesthetic. These are some of the techniques that Japan has introduced that have made waves in the fashion industry:
Also Read: THE FUTURE OF JAPANESE STREET FASHION: EMERGING TRENDS FROM TOKYO'S UNDERGROUND SCENE
1. Symbolism
Symbols and images play a large role in Japanese aesthetics. They make the decisions 'more meaningful' and add a story that increases the garment’s value. This showcases the soulful values of the Japanese. The use of flowers, nature, birds, and waves have been widely used in Japanese fashion and have also been replicated by designers worldwide.
2. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is not only a way to learn letters but a method of self-expression. Each stroke carries a meaning and can change the overall mood of a garment or look. Calligraphy can often be seen in streetwear, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t present in high fashion or haute couture.
3. Embroidery
Stitching, weaving, and mending techniques like sachiko are a creative method of fixing up old or damaged garments. These methods range from being completely undetectable to creative and eye-catching. This process has caught on worldwide and has helped improve sustainable practices by improving bags, shoes, and garments that would have been otherwise disposed of.
4. Kintsugi
This method of mending the cracks in ceramics and tableware with the use of lacquer and gold dust has evolved into an elegant design element in fashion. Many designers and brands like Trippen and Nike carry kintsugi-inspired items. Milamore and Katerina Perez carry jewelry who have been treated with the kintsugi method.
Shop clothes from Japan
Conclusion
Japan’s cultural values and techniques continue to be passed down over the generations. Its efforts to preserve its heritage has not only succeeded - it has bloomed and made its way into the hearts and practices of other cultures, creating more legacies to stand the test of time.
Have you signed up for ZenMarket yet?
ZenMarket is the place to get your hands on goods directly from Japan!
Sign up for FREE now
