All About Gyaru

LIA by Fernanda Cervantes

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What is Gyaru?

Gyaru is a Japanese fashion subculture that emerged in the 1990s as a reaction against the minimalist aesthetic of the time. It challenged the conservative beauty standards of Japan and later developed into several distinct substyles.

Gyaru magazine cover

The word Gyaru is a transliteration of the word 'Gal'.

Ganguro

Ganguro is a broad style of gyaru. This is considered one of the first Gyaru substyles. The term 'Ganguro' is more often used as a broader term for the styles of gyaru which feature white makeup and dark tans.

Ganguro makeup

Hime

Hime gyaru

Hime gyaru (not to be mistaken for Lolita style) is also regarded as "princess gal". It focuses on being cute and dolly, creating the 'princess' element of the style.

Tsuyome

Tsuyome is a broad term to describe a strong, tough look. Tsuyome, in Gyaru, is an incredibly popular substyle. It is essentially a strong, bold and sexy substyle.

Tsuyome outfit

Rokku

Rokku style

Rokku, or Rock, is a substyle that comes from the clothing that Rokku Kei bangyas wear. The style is heavily influenced by the music scene, but the style is not restrictive and is quite open to interpretation.

The Culture

Gyaru in Media