Harajuku has become a very trendy style all over the world. The style originated from Japan in an area around the Harajuku station known as a social point. Every Sunday, many young people dress in a variety of styles that include gothic lolita, visual kei, and cosplay, among others and spend the day in Harajuku socializing. The fashion styles of these young people frequently vary, are unconstricted to one particular style and are usually a mesh of many. Many young people gather on Jingu Bridge, which is a pedestrian bridge that connects Harajuku to the neighboring Meiji Shrine Area. However, Harajuku is not just known for its Sunday visitors. It is also a well-respected fashion capital of the world renowned for its unique street fashion. Harajuku street style is promoted in Japanese and international publications such as Kera, Tune, Gothic & Lolita Bible and Fruits. Many prominent designers and fashion ideals have sprung from Harajuku and incorporated themselves in to other fashions throughout the world. Harajuku is also a vast shopping district with affordable shops catered to youths that include Harajuku native designers, luxury designers and is now joined by pop singer Gwen Stefani.
Harajuku Lovers by Gwen Stefani introduces a shoe line inspired by the streets of Japan. Harajuku Lovers represents a place, a time, a feeling, a mixture of expressions that generate inspiration, stimulation, or just energetic fun. Harajuku Lovers focus specifically on the styles popular in the streets of Harajuku in Japan. The line is intended to be a high fashion women’s shoe collection that is attractive to Gwen’s fans and the general public. Gwen says that Harajuku Lovers is an extension of the music and a visual to the lyrics, as many products allude to verses and themes in her songs. Stefani’s original inspiration for her Harajuku Lovers line came from her very first trip to Tokyo in 1996, where she was amazed by the self-expression and individual style of Japanese youth. Harajuku style is one that ranges from Kawaii (cute or pretty), Gothic-Lolita (Victorian inspired), Cosplay (costume based), or Ura Hara (hip hop or graffiti inspired).
Stefani’s inspiration comes from all these aspects and is evident in her innovative footwear collection demonstrating comfort and hotness can go hand in hand. Popular styles like Paley, Arlanda, and Aleria are perfectly described as “fatal attraction to cuteness” these energetic, playful and sexy shoes could never go wrong on any day.