Remember Harajuku?  Gwen Stefani used to sing about it all the time. 

"Harajuku girls" refer to the girls in the Harajuku area of Japan representing all sorts of different fashion subcultures such as "Kogal" and "Gothic Lolita."  Gwen has obviously been very influenced by their sense of style. She even has her own "Harajuku Girls"--her backup dancers we all know as Love, Angel, Music, and Baby.    

Harajuku refers to an area of Tokyo located between the popular Shibuya and Shinjuku districts.  It is easily accessible by train, and Harajuku station is within walking distance of such touristy sites as Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine.  However, most people go to Harajuku for the fashion. 

An exciting shopping area, Harajuku is known throughout Japan and the rest of the world for its youth style.  Going to Harajuku on Sunday is the best time to see the really colorful stuff, like groups of Japanese high schoolers dressed up as anime characters.  But even on other less colorful days, what is worn in Harajuku represents the current fashion trends of young people in Japan.   

Even when Gwen is not putting the spotlight on this Japanese youth fashion capital, it continues to hold an important place in the fashion world. 

I have always enjoyed Japanese style and like to keep up with it.  Checking out magazines such as Fruits is a nice way to see some of the wilder things going on in Harajuku, but for a better taste of what the majority of people who go to this area are wearing, check out Tokyo Street Style at:  www.style-arena.jp/english  This website updates every week with snapshots of what people are wearing in some of Tokyo' s most popular districts, including Harajuku.

Also, if you enjoy these styles and want to become a Harajuku girl, take a look at Gwen' s "Harajuku Lovers" line at:  www.harajukulovers.com  I especially like the graphic tees.  You can get a shirt with a cute cartoon Gwen on it, or if you have a favorite Harajuku Girl, there are shirts representing Love, Angel, Music, and Baby, as well.

So remember Harajuku.  The important thing about Harajuku style is to have fun being yourself!