Harajuku

This deserves a section to itself, as it was the most amazing day and we were so well accepted in to the group. Harajuku is a district in the city of Tokyo, Japan, and this name has been given to a Japanese fashion art. I am going to quote from wikihow: "What is now known as Harajuku (like Halloween in Japan every Sunday) style started as teens in the district began to integrate traditional Japanese attire, especially kimonos and geta sandals, into their wardrobe. Before, they wore primarily clothes that were influenced by the West, but by mixing the traditional with the modern, they created a new style. Other examples of mixing and matching including the punk look with the schoolgirl uniform or a goth look with designer clothes. In Harajuku, mixing different styles and mismatching colors and patterns is encouraged - you can do anything you want, as long as your outfit is a thoughtful expression of your individuality". There are several types, gothic Lolita, sweet Lolita, punk, cosplay, decora, kawaii, wamano. here is the link for more information: http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Harajuku-Style

Siobhan came across this fashion style while we were in the Fashion Museum in Bath, UK, and became involved with it, checking styles and websites and driving us crazy with all of her info. I googled to see if I could find a harajuku shop either in The Netherlands or Germany, and instead discovered that there was to be a Harajuku walk in Dusseldorf while we were there. Needless to say, we turned up at the spot at the appointed time, and Siobhan immediately got upset because she was not in style. The girls that were dressed up were all very friendly and helpful, and we joined them for the walk. They told us that they really admired us as parents for letting our kids follow their own style, something very rare in Germany, indeed in The Netherlands as well. It was just so far out, walking along with a group of German misfits who were trying to fight their corner, watching the reactions of the crowds (Dusseldorf is full on a Saturday), walking through the main thoroughfare, past the high-end shops, and finally walking along the promenade by the Rhine, were people sat drinking coffee. It was a statement that these kids were making. and guess what, we fitted in there perfectly. Our girls had a brilliant time, they walked 5 kilometres without even realising it, gleaned the others for information, and shone like diamonds the whole time. For those interested in this fashion, you can order it online at www.bodyline.co.jp for a very reasonable price. We have ordered a dress for Siobhan, wonder if she will ever wear it... Here are my photos.