The vast majority of the mainstream western world came into contact with the fashion galaxy that is Harajuku, Tokyo, through a song by Gwen Stefani aptly named: ‘Harajuku Girls’.

“Harajuku girls you got some wicked style, I like the way that you are, I am your biggest fan.”

Not perhaps the most articulate of lyrics, but they served their purpose. Thanks to Gwen and their own “wicked style”, Tokyo’s Harajuku girls (and guys) have became fashion icons in their own right.

Should you be lucky enough to pass through Harajuku on a Saturday afternoon (or any afternoon really), you will see that the cult status is well deserved. Fake eyelashes, sky high heels, candy striped socks, pigtailed hair, vests-over-jumpers-over-lacy-bras-under-duffle-coats with a panda bear hat…clothes are mixed here with an unrivalled vigour. Throw in a Louis Vuitton tote, Chanel purse, or thick Versace boots and you have the Harajuku look.

And don’t discount the boys, punked hair, chains and leather adorn one street clan, while another ops for shiny skin shoes, sharp vests, skyscraping hair and thick sunglasses. It’s punk versus priss. And we haven’t even touched on cosplay yet. Stay tuned tragics.

Images courtesy of Style Arena Japan and Robert Barton.