The Tokyo Look Book: Stylish To Spectacular, Goth To Gyaru, Sidewalk To Catwalk
by Philomena Keet
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Book Summary Information
Author: Philomena KeetPhotographer: Yuri Manabe
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-11-01
ISBN: 4770030614
Number of pages: 224
Publisher: Kodansha USA
Book Reviews of The Tokyo Look Book: Stylish To Spectacular, Goth To Gyaru, Sidewalk To Catwalk
Book Review: Showcasing A Colorful World of Chaotic Beauty
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
This book made me want to go immediately to my closet and put on layers of nearly matching clothes and funky accessories, parade around town, and pretend I was being trendy. But, alas, that doesn't really work here in the USA and probably only works in Japan if you're under 30.
The Japanese culture lends itself to an interesting phenomenon in which many young men and women do not leave home until they get married. Those who have jobs are often able to spend their money more frivolously during this time and often tend to spend it on a myriad of fashion magazines and ever-changing fashions. There are many shops that change their fashions weekly and even create clothing in-shop to keep up with the ever-changing trends. Shockingly, some of these trendsters spend $1000-$3000 (US dollars) on some of these outfits. It's a colorful world full of scarves, bags, hats, accessories, name brands, second hands, remakes, and makeup where nearly anything goes.
The writer and photographer of this book showcase some of the most popular shops and fashion subcultures of Japan in 222 full-colored pages. There are a few familiar styles in the book like goth, lolita, and the kimonos worn by girls on Coming-of-Age Day (for girls who turn 20 that year). But there are also several fashion sub-cultures and styles in the book that I was completely unaware of. I especially found the yamamba sub-culture interesting. Yamamba translates literally to "mountain hag" and its fashion followers tan themselves, wear white makeup around their eyes and on the tops of their noses, and dye their hair various colors. The senta guys (the male counterparts to the mountain hags) tend to wear what looks like pajamas with girls flowered coats. Another interesting style is ero-kawaii style which translates to "erotic cute". There are also the visual-keis who copy the gaudy, costumed style of rockstars. And, of course, there are the cosplayers who dress as their favorite anime or manga characters. The authors of the book show many other styles and crossover styles of the youth of Japan.
Of course, the authors don't just interview and photograph the teenagers and 20-somethings of Japan. They also capture the more upscale fashion styles of those with serious jobs and who have graduated from the trendy young fashion scene to something more chic and sophisticated. Still, no matter the age, there seems to be a need to wear nice clothing in this aesthetically rich culture.
Of all the places and people showcased in the book, the mall called Shibuya 109 and the fashion designer named Takuya Angel intrigued me the most. Shibuya 109 has 118 shops that each try to out-do each other with having the must-have item of the week. They compete with loud music and outlandishness that I think would be chaotic and fun. The designer Takuya Angel and his wife work hard to create new trends like shirts made from kimonos and brightly-colored, furry scarves with fake cloth claws at the end that make it look as if you're getting a hug from a monster when you're wearing one of them. If I were to go shopping in Japan, I'd be sure to seek out Shibuya 109 in Shibuya and Takuya Angel's shop in Tokyo.
I enjoyed all the colorful pictures and commentary of the author and photographer of this book. I only wish that the glossary at the back of the book was a little more extensive to include any Japanese word including city names. There were several times that I was unable to remember the meaning of a term and unable to find it in the glossary. Perhaps even an index would help so that I could have found my way back to refresh my memory by a picture. Also, toward the end, I think some of the pictures were in the wrong chapters. But, frankly, that's something a second edition could easily remedy and doesn't detract from the gorgeousness of the book.
I'd recommend this book without hesitation to anyone with an interest in the Japanese culture, Japanese fashion, fashion in general, or for just something different to read. It's a truly delicious read.
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Summary of The Tokyo Look Book: Stylish To Spectacular, Goth To Gyaru, Sidewalk To Catwalk
Tokyo is home to the most creative and stylish fashion in the world. The Tokyo Look Book takes us on a dazzling journey through the streets, clubs, and boutiques of this trendsetting city to introduce us to the people who wear the latest fashions and the people who make them. Crammed with cool, full-color photographs of Tokyo's trendy teens and twenty-somethings captured candidly as they work and play, this is a comprehensive look at the richly varied fashion scenes that thrive in Japan's capital city -- from the "gal" mecca of Shibuya, to the goths and cosplayers who hang out on Jingubashi bridge on Sundays, through the cutting-edge kids on the Harajuku backstreets, to the stylish young professional men and women on Omotesando Boulevard.Yuri Manabe's distinctive photographic portraits are complemented by insightful text from British anthropologist and fashion expert Philomena Keet, who offers witty and informative background information on each of the fashion scenes introduced, and a plethora of soundbites and quotes from the featured fashionistas. In addition, there are interviews and spotlights on Tokyos hottest fashion designers, magazines and boutiques, including:
· SHIBUYA 109: Shibuyas iconic shopping mall
· GLAD NEWS: One of 109s leading boutiques
· REIKO NAKANE: A former trendsetting charisma109 shop girl, now producer of her own fashion label
· MANA: Japanese pop star and designer of Elegant Gothic Lolita brand, Moi-meme-Moite
· H.NAOTO: Creator of the popular goth/punk brand
· TAKUYA ANGEL: Creator of the cult cyber-kimono brand
· TEAM MESSAGE: Designer of skate/streetwear brands
· DOG: Owner of a cult street-fashion boutique
· SHOICHI AOKI: Creator of the influential street-fashion magazine FRUiTS
· GARCIA MARQUEZ GAUCHE: The husband-and-wife team behind this stylish brand for young women
· 5351 POUR LES HOMMES: A fashionable mens brand
· TOKYO FASHION WEEK: A peek behind the scenes
· MANNENYA: Purveyor of traditional Japanese workmens outfits
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