Visual kei



The origin of the visual kei style is one of Japans long standing
earlier fashion eras. Referring back to the home ages of the kabuki
theater, the performances and dramatization used in the theater. The kabuki
theater known for its mostly male performers, and also for its
stylization of elaborate makeup often worn by these performers. These Performers
represent the art of singing and dancing in amazingly feminine looks.
Ever since ancient times a man in touch with his feminine side was is
viewed as a healthy balanced individual. ("What"1)
Visual kei emerged in the late 1980s Pioneered by the band x Japan.
Along with others such as color and D'erlanger who are regarded as
influencing the fashion and music associated with visual kei bands. X Japan
is considered still to this day the fathers of visual kei. X Japan used
this term to describe the bands slogan "psychedelic crime of visual
shock". The Vocalist from Color "Dynamite Tommy" formed his record company
Free-Will in 1986, which has been a major contributor in spreading
visual kei outside of Japan. In 1992, X Japan Launched an attempt to enter
the European and American markets, but it would take another 8 years
until popularity awareness of visual kei bands would extend world wide.
"Visual"
There have been many emergences of branch of sub cultures from visual
kei. These being Oshare kei defined as wearing a mix of fashions.
Another one would be Kawaii Kei (Cute Style) a style worn by mostly female
youth using lots of hair accessories and bright and colorful elaborate
clothing. Harajuku is also associated with visual kei especially those
who gather on "Jingu Bashi" a pedestrian bridge connecting the busting
harajuku district with meji shrine. Visual Kei Cosplayers is also known
as Branch off subculture which this one is known as dressing up like
your favorite band. Another Current similar fashion is the Gothic Lolita
style which is based off the Lolita fashion. ("Visual"1) These are
just some of the many fashions going around in Japan.
Visual Kei refers to a movement among Japanese musicians characterized
by the use of eccentric sometimes flamboyant looks. This usually
involves striking makeup, unusual hairstyles and elaborate costumes.
("Visual"1) However the visual kei style is not related to the music it is an
incorrect statement saying that visual kei is a j-rock subgenre. Visual
kei is used in manly used in j-rock but sometimes appears else where.
Within J-rock are the main visual kei fashion users mostly Indies bands
but also in the glam-rock, punk and, metal. The start of a Visual Kei
style band starts usually as an Indies band and as it gets more popular
does it start to slowly change its sound. ("Visual"1) Such bands as
Smile and Dali, Dollis have just recently made their move by entering the
J-rock world. However many bands try to start their career but
sometimes are not able to last. These bands tend to last between 2 to 4 years
because their unable to make slight changes in their music. Thus
showing that the J-rock music career is hard to keep up in.
Now I will explain and how to obtain this look by going over
hairstyles to clothing and accessories makeup and places where to shop for
specific Visual Kei clothing and how to create a Visual style. First thing
starting with hairstyles as stated before, visual kei hairstyles are
very eccentric sometimes slightly feminine. How to obtain one of the
easiest ways to get a visual hairstyle is to get a picture of a J-rock band
and take it to a hair stylist. Another way to get Visual hairstyle is
to experiment done by using hair wax and hairspray never use gel because
the hair will be in thick spikes and will dry hard rather than a soft
looking hairstyle. For tips watch the Cure Style council videos these
will help in obtaining a hairstyle. Second on the list makeup for makeup
lots of eyeliner, and black eye shadow if wanted. Then combine with
another color. Third on the list Clothing and accessories to dress visual
kei or any other Visual kei branch off sub culture there are 3 basic
ways to dress one is to wear abstract clothing with sometimes floral
patterns. Second is to wear lots of jewelry. Third wear things that are
rarely seen like scarves and top hats arm warmers nail polish. With these
steps combined you will have your Visual Kei Style. Finlay for
specific Visual Kei Clothing here are some sites and places to checkout
Lolita-kisama.com, Hot topic, cd-japan.com.