Winter Fashion: Japanese Streetwear

During the winter, our attention often shifts from what looks the best to what feels the best, where warmth is the priority and looks fall into a distant second. Gray skies and icy winds mean that the staple black puffer jacket and fuzzy Uggs are consistent elements in each outfit.

But, wearing the same thing everyday can grow to feel repetitive and boring in a short amount of time. Japanese streetwear offers an artistic alternative to winter fashion where baggy layers are optimal for protecting you from the cold weather, and look effortlessly stylish too.

In the Beginning…

The history of Japanese streetwear is subject to change depending on one’s personal rendition of this timeline. Some coin the style from Hiroshi Fujiwara, the Japanese designer, producer and musician who is often referred to as the, “Godfather of Streetwear.” 

Fujiwara is known for his collaborations with international brands, bringing popular names like Nike and Levis to the fashion scene in Japan.

In the 1990s, during a time when the fashion industry was arguably at its peak with designer labels releasing ground breaking and never before seen styles, Fujiwara and Shinichiro “Sk8thing” Nakamura launched Japan’s first streetwear brand, Goodenough.

The brand Goodenough would change the fashion scene in Japan, and soon these trends would extend beyond this region.

What is Japanese Streetwear?

Japanese streetwear is a medley of multiple styles. Pulling inspiration from American skate brands and hip-hop fashion, Japanese streetwear incorporates technical aspects from Japanese craftsmanship.

With the incorporation of bold graphics paired with neutral tones, Japanese streetwear fulfills multiple layers of creative expression. This style is often made oversized, providing ample opportunity for strategic layering and the subtle incorporation of personality in each of the details.

This style is known for the balance between its technicality and creative freedom. While the bagginess offers the opportunity for layering in the winter, it offers endless options for unique blends of basics and graphics.

Popular Brands

Many brands have made Japanese streetwear their central style. A Bathing Ape (BAPE) is known for its oversized hoodies detailed with intricate designs or simple neutrals. Comme des Garçons has been popularized through its consistent collaborations with other well known brands like Converse, Nike and Supreme, bringing Japanese Streetwear to the forefront of American fashion. 

The influence of American fashion in the ‘90s reached Japan and heavily influenced the state of fashion today. The way Japanese streetwear is slowly making its way into everyday American fashion showcases the complex nature of fashion and the constant return to familiarity and comfort.

Do you plan on incorporating Japanese streetwear into your winter wardrobe? Tag @VALLEYmag on Instagram and let us know!

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