Tokyo a la Mode. Web Magazine for Japanese Fashion and Urban Culture

Wagara

By Bobby / Aug 08, 2007
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If you go shopping in Japan and keep your eyes open, you’re bound to spot an amazing fusion of modern fashion with traditional Japanese culture.  Kimono material used in dresses and hats, traditional patterns and motifs printed on aloha shirts and centuries old dying techniques applied to t-shirts and denim jeans.  This blending of fashion is known as “wagara” or “Japanese style clothing.”

Roots

One of the key aspects of wagara is that designers are looking to their roots to create trendy fashion for young people.  In some cases, they are re-discovering the old ways of how clothing is handmade, from the materials used and the way it is assembled.  As a result, quality is valued and the details are given close attention.

Part of this convergence stems from placing value in the traditions of Japan.  And on a deeper level, fashion becomes a near spiritual experience as the essence of cultural identity is seeped into the clothing.  Or maybe it’s just cool to wear.

Here is a small sample of wagara:

Ladies denim overalls, 8295 yen

Aloha shirt blog | More aloha shirts

Formal dress by Anna Niponica

Wagara style hunting cap

Chirimen (kimono style) shoe laces from Wa no Wa, 1050 yen

Wagara silver accessories by Zen Silver

Chirimen teddy bear

Links to more wagara:
Brands
Namitatsu - Japanese site | English site
Wahoojin
Ku-usa
Cropped Heads
Chikiriya
Buden Akindo

Online stores in English
Shokuninn.com
Wa no Wa