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INTRODUCTION
Greetings, my name is Leilani Li - and this is a long overdue article on the various fashion choices within this school: some that are more questionable than others. This is my first report, and I intend to voice the opinion of the students attending Karakura High alongside the faculty that works there. I will also be discussing the history of ‘fashion’ in Japan, and how it has evolved into what we call ‘fashionable’ today.
FASHION IN KARAKURA HIGH
Many students tend to stick to a more Y2K aesthetic, and I have also seen a lot of students who claimed to dress like ‘rockstar girlfriends’ - and there are definitely a few gems here and there when it comes to the fashion choices that students make. However, there are also students that seem to either show complete disregard to the dress-code, or attend school in a less than conventional outfit, to say the least. Most faculty, on the other hand, seem to dress very professionally in things like suits, modest dresses, and kimonos. Of course, faculty needs to appear professional in order to conduct their work, but I definitely feel that some of the students could use a few tips from others to improve their wardrobe.
THE DRESS-CODE AT KARAKURA HIGH
After careful observation and conducting various interviews during school hours, I have gathered that most people attending Karakura High have very different clothing styles, along with their own respective opinions on others and how they dress at school. Of course, there is a dress code that is often frowned upon, primarily due to supposed ‘blurred lines’ when it comes to deciding what does and does not break this dress code rule. This leads many students, and even a handful of faculty, to question if a rule about this is even necessary. Most students have agreed that there should be some kind of rule regarding the way people can dress when attending their classes at school, but most people I have asked, all seem to agree that it should not be as strict as it is today. Perhaps that means that it is time for change, no?
INTRODUCTION
Greetings, my name is Leilani Li - and this is a long overdue article on the various fashion choices within this school: some that are more questionable than others. This is my first report, and I intend to voice the opinion of the students attending Karakura High alongside the faculty that works there. I will also be discussing the history of ‘fashion’ in Japan, and how it has evolved into what we call ‘fashionable’ today.
FASHION IN KARAKURA HIGH
Many students tend to stick to a more Y2K aesthetic, and I have also seen a lot of students who claimed to dress like ‘rockstar girlfriends’ - and there are definitely a few gems here and there when it comes to the fashion choices that students make. However, there are also students that seem to either show complete disregard to the dress-code, or attend school in a less than conventional outfit, to say the least. Most faculty, on the other hand, seem to dress very professionally in things like suits, modest dresses, and kimonos. Of course, faculty needs to appear professional in order to conduct their work, but I definitely feel that some of the students could use a few tips from others to improve their wardrobe.
THE DRESS-CODE AT KARAKURA HIGH
After careful observation and conducting various interviews during school hours, I have gathered that most people attending Karakura High have very different clothing styles, along with their own respective opinions on others and how they dress at school. Of course, there is a dress code that is often frowned upon, primarily due to supposed ‘blurred lines’ when it comes to deciding what does and does not break this dress code rule. This leads many students, and even a handful of faculty, to question if a rule about this is even necessary. Most students have agreed that there should be some kind of rule regarding the way people can dress when attending their classes at school, but most people I have asked, all seem to agree that it should not be as strict as it is today. Perhaps that means that it is time for change, no?
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HISTORY OF FASHION IN JAPAN
Early Japanese clothes were plain and practical, suited to a nation of hunters and gatherers, who later evolved into farmers and craftsmen. During the ‘Heian’ period, Japan’s most prominent garment was introduced: the kimono. Often, women of higher status kept the majority of their skin hidden under several layers. Ladies of the Imperial Court sometimes wore a complex kimono ensemble called ‘Junihitoe’, consisting of twelve or sometimes even more layers, and weighing up to twenty kilograms. Nobles later began to wear ‘Kosode’, a basic robe that was previously worn in undergarments, together with skirt-like pants called ‘Hakama’.
EVOLUTION OF FASHION IN JAPAN
There are three main points in time within the evolution of Japanese fashion: The Heian period, the Meiji Period, and the late 20th century. The Junihitoe, created during 794-AD1185, is the first generation of Kimonos. Since then, fashion has taken many turns in Japan and influenced other countries. Despite many previous generations wearing traditional clothing almost all of the time, Western clothing and fashion became increasingly popular due to their increasingly available nature and, over time, their lower price. However, it is very rare to see someone wearing traditional clothing as everyday clothes. Over time, traditional clothes within Japan have garnered an association with being ‘difficult’ and ‘expensive’ - and as such, traditional garments are now primarily worn for ceremonies or special events. Today, the main groups of people that wear traditional garments regularly are geisha, maiko, and sumo wrestlers: all of whom are often required to wear these traditional garments in their profession.
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INTERVIEWS
I have conducted many interviews with many different people in order to obtain the right amount of knowledge. However, I do not intend to make this report drag on with all twenty-five interviews. Instead of doing that, I will include the five most prominent interviews: three with highschool students, and two with college students:
What do you think of the wardrobe choices of the people attending Karakura High?
‘There are deeeeeef. . some unique errr clothing choices. I wouldn’t even dare to call it fashion . .’
What clothing style do you find the most appealing?
‘Weeell, there are a bunch of basic bimbos so I always prefer something towards alternative.. Punk, emo . . That sort of thang.’
What clothing style do you find the least appealing?
‘The ugliest? Is when people walk around in animal ears . . Or worse, a furcostume..’
Do you prefer to wear gold or silver jewelry?
‘Eventhough I’m a silver gal. . Gold will always be my favorite.’
What is your favorite thing to wear and could you describe it in a few words?
‘I always love an off-shoulder look, and a choker doesn’t hurt either.’
Are there any tips you would like to give to others regarding fashion and dressing well?
‘Mmm . . Color co-ordination is key to a good fit. I’d start there.’
⁺✦ Louise Fellton, Highschool Student, Volleyball Captain ⸝⸝⸝
What do you think of the wardrobe choices of the people attending Karakura High?
‘Understandably modest...’
What clothing style do you find the most appealing?
‘Color-coded outfits, like just matching colors or outfits that go together well.’
What clothing style do you find the least appealing?
‘Punk.’
Do you prefer to wear gold or silver jewelry?
‘Silver.’
What is your favorite thing to wear and could you describe it in a few words?
‘These brown boots that are prepared for any snow-storm..’
Are there any tips you would like to give to others regarding fashion and dressing well?
‘Hmm.. Don’t be afraid- eat and serve.. If you do not know how to, find someone who does!’
⁺✦ Aisha P. I. Kennedy, Highschool Student ⸝⸝⸝
What do you think of the wardrobe choices of the people attending Karakura High?
‘Most are bad, but there are a few gems her and there.’
What clothing style do you find the most appealing?
‘Y2K’s.’
What clothing style do you find the least appealing?
‘Neon’s.’
Do you prefer to wear gold or silver jewelry?
‘I prefer gold over silver jewelry.’
What is your favorite thing to wear and could you describe it in a few words?
‘Chunky Jewelry!’
Are there any tips you would like to give to others regarding fashion and dressing well?
‘Don’t copy Neon.’
⁺✦ Asus Kazuhiko, College Student, Track Member ⸝⸝⸝
What do you think of the wardrobe choices of the people attending Karakura High?
‘Some are rather questionable- I don’t like to judge though . . Everyone has their own taste.’
What clothing style do you find the most appealing?
‘Bro I like streetwear fashion- classy- old money- sometimes even delinquentish.’
What clothing style do you find the least appealing?
‘That would be punk-style . . Or a goth vibe.’
Do you prefer to wear gold or silver jewelry?
‘If I would be wearing any- Gold. Silver reminds me too much of cheap steel..’
What is your favorite thing to wear and could you describe it in a few words?
‘Sunglasses.’
Are there any tips you would like to give to others regarding fashion and dressing well?
‘Don’t use pinterest for ideas- create your own style.. Getting inspiration from others is fine but don’t copy people. Wear what you want, not what you think people would like..’
⁺✦ Sofi Lahela, College Student, Track Member ⸝⸝⸝
What do you think of the wardrobe choices of the people attending Karakura High?
‘Very diverse.’
What clothing style do you find the most appealing?
‘I think the streetwear style is really appealing. I usually wear my clothes like that.’
What clothing style do you find the least appealing?
‘As for the least, I would say Gyaru, in this weather. It’s just not too feasible to wear miniskirts and crop tops in this weather.’
Do you prefer to wear gold or silver jewelry?
‘Gold. No question.’
What is your favorite thing to wear and could you describe it in a few words?
‘I think . . It would be my track uniform. Without the jacket, because it makes me look more bulky. Just my uniform, the default version. It comes with a tracksuit and skirt.’
Are there any tips you would like to give to others regarding fashion and dressing well?
‘Wear whatever you want to wear. Who cares.’
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BONUS NEWS! RANDOM GIRL WITH DOG EARS GETS PUNCHED IN THE FACE BY MISS VELUZ?!
When conducting my interviews at school like any other day, a certain Neon Hayasaka seemed to be at the center of attention when it comes to allegedly being a 'disgrace' to society. And, it seems that this dog has bitten off more than she could chew. She was caught getting punched in the face by the one and only Madison Veluz.
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