Data

Date : Tuesday. August. 19. 2008 13:30-17:00 Place : SHIBUYA "109"
Date : Saturday. September. 6. 2008 13:00-17:00
Place : Yoyogi National Gymnasium "TOKYO GIRLS COLLECTION"


Color of Fashion Items

GOLD

Memo : Shiro Gal (Light Skin Gal)

A word “gal” became known to the public in 1972 when a Japanese apparel company released a new brand of women’s jeans called “Gals”.  Since then, the word has been used in magazine titles or popular songs and turned into a household expression to describe a young and beautiful woman.  In the 1980s, the word took another meaning to portray a young energetic woman in fashionable and flashy outfits.

However, current gals are not direct descendants of these women from the 80’s.  In fact, they are influenced by the Shibuya girls of the 90’s.  This is clearly seen from their choices of music and hobbies as well as their mannerism.  The Shibuya girls (also known as ko-gals) usually appear in surfer or R&B fashion styles listening to hip-hop, reggae or R&B.  They hang out at clubs or karaoke box and shop for cute and reasonable accessories. Indeed, it is a complete opposite of the 80’s gals who loved expensive mode or imported fashion and danced at discos filled with euro beat or techno music.

Those Shibuya girls were characterized by highlighted brown hair wearing vivid make-up with tan skin.  Though as they grew up and began working, their style transformed into a new fashion which is more composed and feminine.  In 2000, “Older Sister” style was born.

As a result of younger generation getting affected by these Older Sisters, the creation of pale gal style (the Shiro gal or light skin gals) was introduced.  The Shiro gals combine some elements from the 80’s gals and Older Sisters.  Generally speaking, the shiro gals are just like the Shibuya girls from earlier decade wearing similar style of clothes and make-ups.  The Only difference is that they are not tan.  New magazines featuring the shiro gals have published recently and they may become the next fashion leaders of Japan.



This coverage staff : Director "HINE", Photographer"AYA", Assistant "Hisa-yon,Foomin", Translator "Tokyo Notice Board"