Harajuku Accessories Keep Tokyo’s Eccentric Fashion Spirit Alive

TOKYO — Glitter platform sneakers, hair clips shaped like rabbit skeletons, rhinestone jewelry that recalls the wardrobe of a Jennifer Lopez tour in 2001 — the accessories seen around Harajuku retain the cosmic glow of a neighborhood that was once a global epicenter for experimental fashion but has since fallen upon more somber times. Fashion is no longer one of the top pastimes for Japanese youth, many of whom feel it uncool to spend excessive time on their appearance — contributing to what WWD has reported over the past few years as a slowdown in Harajuku. According to observers, younger consumers now spend their time involved in music, computer games and art instead of fashion. Their interest has further dwindled thanks to Harajuku’s growing roster of international brands, all of which have countless shops in major global cities. Corporate money’s new tenancy in Harajuku has spiked rents there — making it difficult for the independent stores that made the area famous to survive. “Maybe you can see on the street that there is not much unique style here among young people anymore, it’s different than 10 years ago,” Tokyo-based designer and breakout fashion star Tomo Koizumi told WWD. “Younger people don’t spend

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...

from WWDWWD http://bit.ly/2W9R0Kp