AJET Connect MAY 2014

THIS MONTHIN FASHION AND BEAUTY...All too quickly, we’ve come to our final Connect issue for the year*insert sad face*This month’s Spotlight subject Jamina Ovbude just oozescharisma—how high-fashion is that photo?Alex Varney, Erika Ehren, Galileo Navarro, John Weber and YukoNakajima pull out the stops and come together for our feature onhow living in Japan has made an impact on their personal style.Whether you have only a passing interest in trends or are a bonafide fashion maven, it’s surely a subject each of us can relate to.It being May, of course I discuss springtime trends and the kawaiifactor in the editorial (hey, someone’s got to do it!)FASHION & BEAUTYAs you know, we’ve grown from strength to strength with yoursupport (Thank You!), so be sure to stick around for more fresh,fabulous fashion- and beauty-related content in the 2014-15JET cycle (with a brand new Fashion Editor and more greatsuggestions from the community)!EDITORIALThe Kawaii SpiritLiving in Japan, there’s no escape from kawaii. Each prefecturehas a cuddly, super genki mascot welcoming visitors, almosteveryone has furry plushies dangling off their cellphones andbackpacks, entire stores are decorated in lace, stickers andsparkles, and anime character-like youngsters flit in and out ofcrepe parlours and fashion boutiques.As you witness all that, you might think to yourself: where doesthat leave me? What if I don’t really look cute, or know how todress or behave cute?To begin with, kawaii is a state of mind that actually extendsbeyond physical appearance and can be applied to behaviour,room decor, transportation design and even gadgets. If you likeusing MT tape, own a cute bento box, keep the rain away witha charming umbrella or drive a kei car with rounded edges, youare already consuming or incorporating kawaii in your daily life.Many male friends both foreign and local have admitted thatTotoro is irresistibly cute.A quick and inexpensive way to enjoy kawaii is to dress as youusually would, whether you are Hipster Harry or Meek Margaret.SPOTLIGHTJamina Ovbude, Fashion Enthusiast28Leafing through this month’s print issue of 装 苑 (one of my All you need to do is to add one or two cute accessories, whetherfavourite fashion periodicals, available online at fashionjp.net/ headgear, jewellery, a key chain, cell phone strap or iPhone case.29soen) seemed more of a delight than usual, likely because I wassitting in a sunlight-filled room with birds chirping outside theSmall accessories can be replaced quite easily and regularly,allowing room for experimentation.window and all manner of cute and colourful leaping out at mefrom the pages. I showed the magazine to some students and If the promise of spring and the anticipation of summer hasAny Spring/Summer fashion advice for fellow JETs?they repeatedly exclaimed “kawaii”!awakened a (latent) desire to go into kawaii mode, here’re mysuggestions:ÎÎIt’s so pretty outside, so dress accordingly. Go for bright/freshshades of green, orange and pink, or at least their pastelcousins.ÎÎThe growing season has begun. This means apparel andaccessories with floral, veg and fruit, bug and animal motifs.Î Î Don’t shy away from wacky combinations. Parrot dungareesor a silk tie with daruma show a sense of humour.ÎÎIf you’d rather play it safe, plaid and breton stripes areperennial and unisex.ÎÎAlways look for subtle, quirky details—a cutout there, asmall bit of fancy embroidery, an asymmetrical hem.Graciously accept (and enjoy) the compliments that will probablycome your way, and cast aside niggling thoughts that you aren’treally cute. Kawaii is young, fresh and fun, and we can be that atany age. Whee!CONNECTThis month’s Style Q&A is with Jamina, a fourth-year JET inFukuoka. She has experience with fashion shows and photoshoots, having worked for a small fashion PR firm before comingto Japan. Jamina enjoys going through street style posts, andis inspired by women who view fashion as an opportunity forself-expression.You always look great! Could you share your style icons,influences or inspirations?Style goddesses? Grace Jones, Lupita Nyong’o, Emanuelle Altand Jenna Lyons.I’m drawn towards simplicity. The bloggers I follow all dresssomewhat the same: muted solids with notes of whimsy and awhisper of sex appeal.In Japan I find ladies in their 60s and 70s to have the best personalstyle…think blue hair, perfect manicures and timelessChanel suits.How’s shopping been for you in Japan?I’m not too thrilled by the average selections in Japanese stores—pink ruffles make me gag—so I tend to shop at recycle and consignmentspots. It’s a bit of a hunting sport, but I’ve managed toscore some incredible finds, including a perfectly-fitting ThierryMügler silver sequined cocktail dress (still dying over that one).CONNECTMay Issue 2014 May Issue 2014Japanese workplace attire tends to be a lackluster combinationof black/grey/white. Don’t be afraid of color or patterns—brightyellows and vivid blues can easily be work-appropriate! Keeplengths and proportions modest and you’ll be all good.