This article is part of a series on Gyaru
Himekaji (姫カジ) is a term used to describe a more casual interpretation of Hime Gyaru, which is a hyperfeminine Gyaru substyle, with hime meaning princess and kaji meaning casual in Japanese. This term in Japan referred to the casual style of clothes worn by "princesses," or wealthier teen girls. This term was then taken on by the English-speaking J-fashion blogosphere c. 2012 to describe the hyperfeminine fashion of certain brands that overlapped with Gyaru. However, in Japan, the style is named Kanayan-style, as the model Kanayan popularized this style[1].
Although this is a Gyaru substyle, the fashion has evolved to become popular among non-gyaru as well, and is often grouped with Girly Kei.
Later, on TikTok in 2022, the term began to describe early 2000s girly fashion also from Japan, and was often associated with the western aesthetic Dollette. To see information regarding this style, please click this link.
Visuals[]
Himekaji visuals usually consist of images of soft, girly fashion. Some common visuals are hearts, flowers, pom poms, tea parties, sweets, or anything girly in general.
History[]
Himekaji began as a more casual, everyday version of Hime Gyaru. While the exact date of origin is unknown, it became popular around 2008-2012. This version of Himekaji leaned more towards romantic and casual styles but still kept the basic Gyaru elements, like styled hair and dramatic makeup.
Kanayan in Vivi 2010
As discussed in the introduction, this style was known as Kanayan style, as the idol and fashion icon was known to wear this style.
The fashion known as Himekaji in the English blogosphere comes from trends in the early to mid 2010s, specifically the pieces put out by Liz Lisa. Bloggers such as Hello Lizzie Bee, Emiichan, etc. would review recent purchases, post guides, and blog about outings to cafes and sightseeing in Japan. There were also users on Tumblr who would post photos of recent releases, their own outfits, etc.
The style also evolved throughout the 2010s. In the beginning, the styling was closer to Gyaru styles in the inclusion of large hair, prominent eye makeup, and louder patterns.
Later, the style was influenced by other trends in the mid-2010s, the same ones that are included in Larme Kei. Pom poms, cold-shoulder tops, suspenders, and 1950s prints being examples.[2]
Brands that released clothes that can be considered Himekaji, as well as bloggers, later departed from the original Gyaru origins. As makeup and social circle was the only indicator of Gyaru culture, the Himekaji's departure from this made it more in line with Girly Kei fashion in general.[3] The name "Liz Lisa Girl" is often used to describe those who wear the brand's style of kawaii.
As blogging and the fashion trends declined, so did the popularity of Himekaji as it was originally conceived of in the 2010s. Many brands had moved towards Jirai Kei motifs and a less romantic aesthetic, such as Liz Lisa, Ank Rouge, etc. For example, tweed, faux gems, and the color black are more common motifs than the older trends. This occurred in the 2020s.
Meanwhile, around 2020, the western aesthetic of "Coquette" became more popular on TikTok. (The page Dollette is the most accurate to the aesthetic.) Many people aware of Japanese fashion began to buy clothes on the secondhand market and resell it in the West, often at an upcharge. These clothes matched the Coquette/Dollette motifs through bows, lace, ribbon, etc. but are distinct from the mainstream interpretation of Coquette/Dollette, which uses clothes from the West with heavy accessorizing, as opposed to clothes from Japan wherein the elements are part of the garment.
Because of this, fans of the Japanese-sourced clothes wanted to find a new tag from Coquette. They also often include TikTok audios from Shoujo and Josei anime and edits that are not commonly seen in Dollette. Fans then attributed "Himekaji" to this style of Dollette, but TikTok users strongly pointed out that these two fashion styles are different.[4]
Fashion[]
As discussed in the history portion, the styles associated with Himekaji changed throughout the 2010s. The sections below will include the multiple styles worn throughout, sorted chronologically.
The colors in Himekaji are often dusty or light pink, beige, brown, baby blue, ivory, and white. However, later styles also include darker red. Black also makes an appearance, but this is contrasted against pink and other pastels, as opposed to being a main color. Patterns are a large component of the fashion, as florals, plaids, and novelty prints are often on skirts as a statement piece.
Tops[]
The tops in this style are often different and depend highly on the weather. However, all share some element of ruffles, lace, Peter Pan collars, etc.
Bottoms[]
A common Himekaji piece is a sukepan (skirt with shorts underneath). These were in a mini length and included multiple girly details, such as bows at the waist, tiered ruffles, lace trim, a floral pattern, and/or embroidery. The mini length is often a sexy element and differentiates this style from other J-fashions such as Lolita.
Dresses[]
Dresses often take inspiration from princesses. Similar to Hime Gyaru and Sweet Lolita, the dresses often include cuts and details that make the dresses resemble Rococo-era dresses, such as with flowy or puffed sleeves, bows, and voluminous skirts.
Other dresses are inspired by the 1970s, specifically with the prairie dresses of Gunne Sax. Often, these dresses would be paired with 1970s-themed accessories.
Outerwear[]
For the winter, the style often includes coats and ponchos with oversized sleeves, fur collars, cable knit, large buttons, and ruffle details.
Makeup[]
Makeup for Hime and Himekaji Gyaru is a more casual, toned down version of Gyaru makeup. It can look similar to dolly makeup; intense pink blush, pink lip tint, pink lip gloss, dolly eyelashes up and down, rounder eye shape. Lots of highlights.
Hair[]
Long and with waves will always be a better option in this style. Some accessories like ribbons and hats are useful. for hairstyles, you can do pony tails, piggy tails, loose braids, or huge buns. For hair color natural is the best option.
Resources[]
https://gyaru-109.fandom.com/wiki/Himekaji
https://www.magazine-papillon.com/2021/02/gyaru-101-himekaji.html
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ https://galture.com/fashion/kanayan-gal.html
- ↑ https://emiiichan.blogspot.com/search?q=larme&updated-max=2015-09-14T10:23:00-07:00&max-results=20&start=0&by-date=false
- ↑ https://www.hellolizziebee.com/himekaji-vs-liz-lisa-girl/
- ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@96gehako/video/7360381992787217710?lang=en&q=himekaji&t=1721423243432
|
✨ Gyaru Style Guide ✨ | |
|---|---|
| 🎓 School | Kogal |
| 🌞 Kuro | Ganguro • Yamanba • Manba • Tsuyome Gyaru |
| 💄 Elegant | Onee Gyaru • Ane Gyaru • Mode Gyaru |
| 🎀 Sweet | Hime Gyaru • Agejo • Himekaji |
| 🖤 Street & Edgy | Rokku • Ora Ora Kei • B-Gyaru • Gyaruo • Amekaji |
| 🌸 Modern | Neo Gyaru |
| 🌐 Related | Y2K • Decora • Hime Lolita • McBling • Heisei Retro • Bodikon |