Week 7: Japanese Counterculture as an Agent of Fashion

Week 7

Fashion Influencers

Japanese Teens as Producers of Street Fashion

Zoe Martin

Japanese Counterculture as an Agent of Fashion

“Japanese Teens as Producers of Street Fashion” was interesting because it took a sociological approach to fashion. The article discusses fashion’s relationship to social, cultural, and economic surroundings. I was unaware that Japan is enduring its longest economic recession since 1980. In turn, the country’s values have shifted from a collectivist to a more individual attitude. Thus, personal style has become more prominent, and Japanese teenagers have used style as a tool to express their independent identities.

Hippies from the 1960's

This concept reminded me of the American counterculture of the 1960’s. The Vietnam War created tension throughout the country, which drew out a subculture of people, commonly referred to as “hippies” who opposed the American norms. In result, they were known for psychedelic drug use, rock music, and an ecologically-conscious mentality. These characteristics were evident in their appearance as well--they typically bore long hair and beards, floral prints, colorful tie dye, and bell bottom jeans. I think the hippies and the Japanese teenager draw a great parallel as to how fashion is affected by economics, society, and culture--causing countercultures to become agents of fashion.

Additionally, I found portion of the “De-Professionalization of Occupational Categories” to be intriguing. The fashion industry is constantly changing. Trends and styles used to be derived from fashion magazines and runway shows, and nowadays street style and social media really work to determine what is in style. I had never thought about how this affected the business aspect of the fashion industry. The article mentions, “...fashion is no longer produced by well-trained designers who know how to  drape, make patterns and instruct sewing procedures. Anyone with great ideas is in the position to produce and disseminate fashion.” This was very empowering as a Design major hoping to work in the fashion and textile industry. Overall, the article was a great reminder of the dynamism of both fashion trends and the fashion industry as a whole.