Once merely a point of avant garde interest, we’re increasingly seeing the Japanese influence in urban fashion worldwide. As a result, street fashion is more uninhibited than ever before. While these trends have been slow to surface in the notoriously conservative circles, they’re readily visible in some of the chicest shopping areas in L.A. and New York, Warsaw, and Paris. 
While some of America’s most visible trendsetters have been embracing Harajuku street fashion in small ways for years – with exaggerated accessories, graphic prints and other small but loud pieces – entire genres of Japanese street fashion are finally taking center stage on American and European runways. While the big hair and outrageous makeup that often characterize America’s perception of the Ganguro and Visual Kei styles has dominated spring shows for the last several years, we’re now seeing a more complete infusion of each style. For example, many of next season’s most prestigious collections overtly borrow from Japan’s Lolita style. That means austere and uber-feminine pieces often juxtaposed with punk or gothic details to create a new take on the old leather and lace craze.
How can you put some Harajuku in your own wardrobe? Thankfully, you don’t have to buy a Sailor Moon costume to embrace the funky and fresh attitude of Japanese street style. It’s all about exaggeration and creating something unexpected. Take last season’s tights, distress them and wear them under a bright babydoll, or pick up something vintage or Victorian-inspired at a thrift store and pair it with aggressive hair, makeup and accessories. Japanese street fashion incorporates so many different styles and influences that you’re sure to find one that suits you.