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Visual Kei
Article for Riffin' by Webjockey Fashionboyz
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Visual Kei
A branch of J-Rock (short for Japanese Rock), Visual Kei music combines glam-rock, metal and punk, and its followers have their own style of dressing. Most striking about this subculture’s aesthetic is extreme make-up, elaborate hair and avant-garde costumes that often blur the tenuous lines of gender. Also known as Harajuku style, this trend is one of the hottest overseas, and it will surely migrate to the US within the year.
Although Visual Kei emerged in Japan in the late 80’s, it has only achieved awareness in the US in the past decade. The most successful band of this genre is X Japan, who reached the international market as early as 1992. The band’s drummer Yoshiki Hayashi described their slogan as "Psychedelic Violence Crime of Visual Shock".
By the end of the millennium popularity of this genre was declining in Japan. X Japan had disbursed after the death of lead guitarist Hideto Matsumoto, and other bands stopped recording. However, reunion tours and new recordings have recently been announced, and with them a renewed interest in the music and fashions surrounding it grown.
Visual Kei style blends elements of goth, nu wave and nu rave with a Japanese twist. Proportions are exaggerated, hair is spiked and dyed and make-up is almost clown-like. Color is paramount, as layers of mesh, lace and animal prints are tiered on top of each other, reminiscent of the flamboyance of punk. Although some elements of goth are present, the penchant for color and pattern gives the Lolita style a softer, more innocent edge that is less vampy and more campy.
As with all trends Japanese, this one will surely have its influences on both the streets and the catwalks in the coming year. And, as will all trends Japanese, it will surely last for a brief few months before the taste makers of the fashionable Harajuku district resurrect and reinterpret another semiotic movement and bring it to the world’s consciousness.
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