Gyaru is a MIND!

Stylish and rebellious 90s Japanese subculture known as Gyaru has returned with a bigger appeal to the fashion addicts.

Current Gen-Z fashion fans are fonder of following many trends that have a rebellious/deeper insight that allows one to express themselves. Usually, it’s created from an aspect of an aesthetic that becomes a trend; however, it’s quite rare to see a subculture after a decade being revived on the other side world, the western world to be precise; that’s where Gyaru walks in. Gyaru (Translates to ‘gal’ in English) is a distinctly high-spirited fashion subculture that originated as a rejection of Japanese women’s beauty standards. One of the main well-known subcultures, Ganguro, emphasises this by exaggerated features that directly oppose these standards: tanned skin, heavy makeup, big wigs, long nails, and flashy clothes. However, there’s not just one subculture of gyaru, but many subcultures that can cater to your taste and aesthetic and become a flashy gal yourself!

Two Agejo gals wearing head-to-toe MA＊RS clothing. Gal on the left wearing a black and pink pearl monogram print bow headpiece with the same printed dress and necklace with a sheer white late cardigan. Gal on the right is wearing a similar dress and cardigan, but with a double bow necklace. Photo Credit: Tokyo Fashion. Available via Flickr © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended

Agejo

For the older gals who embrace a sexy and glamorous but also a hint of cuteness style. Many of these gals would wear a black, white and bright pink colour palette of clothing, which was often worn with materials featuring ruffles, ribbons and a mix of lace and sheer coordination. Skirts and dresses are more worn by this subculture than pants. Don’t be shy to wear accessories in agejo, exaggerated accessories with big bow necklaces and heart gold/silver jewellery are a staple to this subculture. For inspiration of pieces to embody the iconic Agejo gal look would be brands such as MA＊RS, Golds Infinity and Yumetenbo; however, some of these brands may not produce gyaru style of clothing or have closed due to the decline of Gyaru during the late 2010s. 

Hime Gyaru gal wearing a floral pink, white tutu dress paired with a sheer pink ruffle-sleeveless cardigan with big pink bow accessories and headpieces. She’s carrying a leopard print bag and a Jesus Diamante bag. Available via Tokyo Fashion © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended

Hime Gyaru

What this may seem like, Lolita fashion (but differs from it), Hime gyaru is objectively the over-the-top princess style of gal that is presented looking like a fairy tale story book princess. Hair is usually voluminous, large and curly, and has wig pieces to create that royalty aspect. Ruffles, lace, white tights, florals, pearls, and repetition of bows are the key to this subculture, as well as long dresses/skirts with fitted fur coats. Hime gyaru is mainly worn with shades of pink, but can also range from combinations of blue and black colour palettes. Brands Jesus Diamante and La Pafait are known for their clothing that embraces this sweet gal style.

Two Himekaji/Roma Gyaru gals. Gal on the left wearing a yellow sunflower polka dot printed lace dress with a crochet bolero and a Chanel necklace. Gal on the right wearing a floral ribbon tied frilly dress with a peplum-sleeved cardigan and a flower necklace. Photo Credit: Tokyo Fashion. Available via Flickr © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended

Hime Kaji/ Roma Gyaru

One of the prominent specific subcultures that has gained popularity in Western TikTok is due to its sweet style. Hime Kaji (translated to ‘casual princess’ in English) is a toned-down version of Hime Gyaru that reflects the style senses of a romantic and softer yet cosy vibe gal substyle. Many of Hime Kaji’s gals wear plaids, florals, and paisley prints of ruffles, miniskirts and tunics of clothing with a mix of earthy and girly colour tones of pink, beige, white, brown, and blue. Boots are particularly worn in this subculture, such as suede knee-high boots or cowboy western boots that create that shabby chic look. This subculture mixes sweet and boho style, which is also like the Roma Gyaru due to its coordination. Brands such as Liz Lisa and Ank Rouge were the star show brands for this subculture.