Gothic Lolita Punk blog La Carmina
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FAIRY KEI TOKYO STREET FASHION: 80S PASTELS, POLKA DOTS, HOT PINK.


Fairy Kei fashion, Japanese streetwear. Spank and 6% Dokidoki Harajuku stores, crazy Japanese pastel clothing.

Fairy Kei: yea or nay? Yay, I say; it currently ranks as one of my favorite Tokyo street tribes. I’m not entirely sure why the fashion is called Fairy, but when you enter one of the clothing shops, you feel like you’ve been hit over the head by Tinkerbell’s wand…

Fairy kei Tokyo fashion, dyed green hair. Wild colorful dreads, dolls in hair style, cyber falls.

…and transported to an 80s pop pastel pastiche. I abandoned my Barbie dolls and hot pink accessories in the early 90s, but I do like the faded pink/yellow/green hair shades.

Cute girly accessories, ice cream necklace, plastic pink watch and teddy bear rings. Fairy kei fashion Tokyo Style Tribe

Polka dots and ice cream cones, Nikki Corvette and Jem & the Holograms.

Polka dot socks, hot pink wedge shoes, cute dot leggings from Tokyo Japan. Harajuku girls crazy fashion.

Style Tribe writes that Fairy-kei was pioneered by Sebastian Masudea, who opened 6% Doki Doki and Spank. (More on these stores tomorrow.) His themes are “sensational and lovely”, “not only cute but also happy” and “feeling of unreality”.

Are you a fan of Fairy-kei? For me, there’s a nostalgic factor; I used to wear hot pink slip-ons and socks with little colored balls!

Song of the Day #54: Hard and Dirty – Modulate (The video shows DJ Taiki’s Black Veil New Years countdown in Osaka.)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 at 3:45 pm and is filed under Fashion, Tokyo Gothic Lolita. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.


  • http://lizohanesian.blogspot.com Liz O.

    I love it, although I'm too goth to wear so much color myself. The black lace tutu styled skirt at the bottom is super cool.

  • Celeste

    stunning!

  • Dragonswyng

    I'm not sure if I'm a fan yet, but I see potential, o yes
    hope you're feeling better!

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    I like the indie nature of this style, which I think sets it apart from Hime. I'm on the road to recovery!

  • http://primthings.blogspot.com/ chelsea

    I vote yay to fairy-kei.
    The colour palette makes stuff that would normally be a bad idea brilliance.

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    I like the color palette a lot (in fact, I use a similar pastel palette in the illustrations of Cute Yummy Time). I think it's far more subdued and appealing than the electro/New Rave colors we see everywhere.

  • Violet_Rimbaud

    That is absolutely adorable. It's half modern, half old-school My Little Pony. The muted colours are completely amazing- I bet they actually stand out more just because their whole look is so pale. The girl with the pale pink hair kind of looks like she's dressing in 80's, childrens', winter clothes. I think my brother actually had something in that confetti print flannelette that girl has as a skirt.
    love. I'm totally making a loli/fairy-kei cross over dress.

  • http://lizohanesian.blogspot.com Liz O.

    I love it, although I’m too goth to wear so much color myself. The black lace tutu styled skirt at the bottom is super cool.

    • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

      It’s funny how Goth and Cyber go hand in glove in Tokyo, isn’t it? All-black or neon rainbows… either extreme, I guess!

  • seed

    i think fairy-kei is cute;3
    not my style but they look adorable. i also like the pastel hair *nods*

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    It's funny how Goth and Cyber go hand in glove in Tokyo, isn't it? All-black or neon rainbows… either extreme, I guess!

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    Great idea for a dress.
    I think I had that flannelette too!

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    My hair was a faded pink a few months ago… it faded to brown, but I want to get it back!

  • Celeste

    stunning!

  • Dragonswyng

    I’m not sure if I’m a fan yet, but I see potential, o yes
    hope you’re feeling better!

    • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

      I like the indie nature of this style, which I think sets it apart from Hime. I’m on the road to recovery!

  • http://primthings.blogspot.com/ chelsea

    I vote yay to fairy-kei.
    The colour palette makes stuff that would normally be a bad idea brilliance.

    • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

      I like the color palette a lot (in fact, I use a similar pastel palette in the illustrations of Cute Yummy Time). I think it’s far more subdued and appealing than the electro/New Rave colors we see everywhere.

  • megan

    I think it's cute! I also like how most of the clothing seems faded, or like it's actually been worn and loved.

    By the way,

    I plan on doing a short (5-7 min) presentation in my Speech class (community college level XD ) about Japanese subcultures/substyles. I want to focus on groups that are current and that I can find info on easily…So far I have Goth-loli, and there's Gals (I could probably go into specific types of Gals), but I'm not quite sure what to go with next. Any one have any suggestions? (^__^)

  • Anonymous

    That is absolutely adorable. It’s half modern, half old-school My Little Pony. The muted colours are completely amazing- I bet they actually stand out more just because their whole look is so pale. The girl with the pale pink hair kind of looks like she’s dressing in 80′s childrens’ winter clothes. I think my brother actually had something in that confetti print flannelette that girl has as a skirt.
    love. I’m totally making a loli/fairy-kei cross-over dress.

    • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

      Great idea for a dress.
      I think I had that flannelette too!

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    Interesting topic! I'm sure your speech will be well received.

    Tokyo New Tribe has a breakdown of the current style tribes: http://www.style-arena.jp/en/tribe/

    If you want to talk about past Japanese street style, you might want to look at Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno. The book talks about ganguro/manba, decora, schoolgirl fashion, speed tribes and more.

    Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

  • Anonymous

    i think fairy-kei is cute;3
    not my style but they look adorable. i also like the pastel hair *nods*

    • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

      My hair was a faded pink a few months ago… it faded to brown, but I want to get it back!

      • Anonymous

        once my hair grows to my desired length i’m dying it a dark purple:D

        • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

          Nice – I used to have purple hair!

  • seed

    once my hair grows to my desired length i'm dying it a dark purple:D

  • megan

    I think it’s cute! I also like how most of the clothing seems faded, or like it’s actually been worn and loved.

    By the way,

    I plan on doing a short (5-7 min) presentation in my Speech class (community college level XD ) about Japanese subcultures/substyles. I want to focus on groups that are current and that I can find info on easily…So far I have Goth-loli, and there’s Gals (I could probably go into specific types of Gals), but I’m not quite sure what to go with next. Any one have any suggestions? (^__^)

    • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

      Interesting topic! I’m sure your speech will be well received.

      Tokyo New Tribe has a breakdown of the current style tribes: http://www.style-arena.jp/en/tribe/

      If you want to talk about past Japanese street style, you might want to look at Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno. The book talks about ganguro/manba, decora, schoolgirl fashion, speed tribes and more.

      Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

      • megan

        I’ll probably actually base most of my speech on the Inferno book (I have it, and I’m going to read it again for this).

        Thanks!

  • Emmie

    I am completely in love with this style!
    I never understood why its called Fairy-kei seing as it always seems to be credited as “spank! style”
    The things that attracted me most to this style was the leggings and hair. I've seen a few pictures of fairy-kei girls in recent kera magazines sporting hair which looks like its from a My Little Pony, I love it, its adorable <3

  • karmaneko

    Fairy-kei is sooooo beautiful! I absolutely adore the rings and I love the multi colored hair =3 I love the bright colorful girl with the wig, she's very pretty. I also love the short babydoll dresses. So cute.
    X3 Jeaaaaaaloouuuus.

  • Emmie

    I am completely in love with this style!
    I never understood why its called Fairy-kei seing as it always seems to be credited as “spank! style”
    The things that attracted me most to this style was the leggings and hair. I’ve seen a few pictures of fairy-kei girls in recent kera magazines sporting hair which looks like its from a My Little Pony, I love it, its adorable <3

  • Anonymous

    Fairy-kei is sooooo beautiful! I absolutely adore the rings and I love the multi colored hair =3 I love the bright colorful girl with the wig, she’s very pretty. I also love the short babydoll dresses. So cute.
    X3 Jeaaaaaaloouuuus.

    • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

      Tee hee hee, that’s a boy! Sugimo, a high school student.

      Welcome to the “Male or Shemale??” club!

      • megan

        I thought “he” was a “she” too!

      • Anonymous

        Whoa. Ok, now that I look at I can tell it’s a boy. But upon first glance, very feminine.

  • visual rose

    I..m not really sure about if I like it, but some examples are really cute :)

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    Tee hee hee, that's a boy! Sugimo, a high school student.

    Welcome to the “Male or Shemale??” club!

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    Nice – I used to have purple hair!

  • megan

    I'll probably actually base most of my speech on the Inferno book (I have it, and I'm going to read it again for this).

    Thanks!

  • megan

    I thought “he” was a “she” too!

  • visual rose

    I..m not really sure about if I like it, but some examples are really cute :)

  • http://kagitsune.deviantart.com kagitsune

    It makes me think of a pastel-colored decora. I *thought* Sebastian would be behind all this… xD The way he's portrayed in your friend's “Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno” was interesting.

    Anyway, I like the childlike retro-ness of it all, and how it seems to run from the merely cute to the over-the-top extreme that Japan's so famous for. I might incorporate a little of it into my own wardrobe, but I'm afraid I could never see myself wearing an entire outfit. ^^;

  • Alex

    I'm a huge fan of Decora and Fairy-kei! I love wearing black too much to wear it, but good on these candy colored girls!

  • http://kagitsune.deviantart.com kagitsune

    It makes me think of a pastel-colored decora. I *thought* Sebastian would be behind all this… xD The way he’s portrayed in your friend’s “Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno” was interesting.

    Anyway, I like the childlike retro-ness of it all, and how it seems to run from the merely cute to the over-the-top extreme that Japan’s so famous for. I might incorporate a little of it into my own wardrobe, but I’m afraid I could never see myself wearing an entire outfit. ^^;

  • karmaneko

    Whoa. Ok, now that I look at I can tell it's a boy. But upon first glance, very feminine.

  • Alex

    I’m a huge fan of Decora and Fairy-kei! I love wearing black too much to wear it, but good on these candy colored girls!

  • http://miyuchan011.multiply.com miyuchan

    carmina-san may i ask i am a bit confused, what's the difference between decora and fairy kei? is it the same? i just want to know since i have decora friends and i'd like to share them this new fashion i've discovered from you ^_^

    btw i love the article/blog post about hime kei/gyaru!!!! lolitas in the philippines had given it a really positive feedback and some of them even wants to try that fashion ^_^

    also really love your blog

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    Thanks for spreading the word about my blog! <3

    Decora: cute character goods, warm bright colors (yellow, pink, red), lots of hair accessories and plastic charms. It's typified by what you see in Aoki's Fruits, such as:

    http://th01.deviantart.com/fs15/300W/i/2007/030…
    http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/349233549_42…
    http://www.alphastage.net/portifolio/riojuku/de…

    Fairy-kei has a more subtle color palette (pale pink, yellow, blue). It also tends to have 80s rocker-girl influences and vintage pieces (such as a faded scarf).

  • http://miyuchan011.multiply.com miyuchan

    carmina-san may i ask i am a bit confused, what’s the difference between decora and fairy kei? is it the same? i just want to know since i have decora friends and i’d like to share them this new fashion i’ve discovered from you ^_^

    btw i love the article/blog post about hime kei/gyaru!!!! lolitas in the philippines had given it a really positive feedback and some of them even wants to try that fashion ^_^

    also really love your blog

  • Little Bit of Nothing

    I…I think I am fairy kei… I've never really thought about it before, and, granted, I'm no where near the extreme of photo lady #1. But, holy crap, I think I am. People do say I look like a punk disney fairy princess when I actually dress. And my clothing is mighty eighties-ish at times.

    :D I've found my niche!

    get well soon!

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    That's awesome!! I hope you can visit the stores someday soon!

  • Little Bit of Nothing

    I…I think I am fairy kei… I’ve never really thought about it before, and, granted, I’m no where near the extreme of photo lady #1. But, holy crap, I think I am. People do say I look like a punk disney fairy princess when I actually dress. And my clothing is mighty eighties-ish at times.

    :D I’ve found my niche!

    get well soon!

    • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

      That’s awesome!! I hope you can visit the stores someday soon!

  • http://miyuchan011.multiply.com miyuchan

    thanks so much!!! though it is still very confusing for me to identify which is which XD

    i've been trying to send an email to you for gothloli of the week but i still haven't finished the form haha *sweatdrops* too lazy >_<

    anyways more power to you!!!! ^_^

  • lulu

    I've loved this style for a long time but it was only yesterday that I found out that it is called fairy-kei hahaha
    Also, very important! Please correct yourself, Sebastian Masudea did open 6% DOKI DOKI…………..BUT he did NOT open Spank!. Spank! is a secondhand shop owned by Tavuchi, the girl with the yellow/green hair in the second picture.

  • lulu

    I’ve loved this style for a long time but it was only yesterday that I found out that it is called fairy-kei hahaha
    Also, very important! Please correct yourself, Sebastian Masudea did open 6% DOKI DOKI…………..BUT he did NOT open Spank!. Spank! is a secondhand shop owned by Tavuchi, the girl with the yellow/green hair in the second picture.

    • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

      Oh, thanks for the update!

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    Oh, thanks for the update!

  • lulu

    I've loved this style for a long time but it was only yesterday that I found out that it is called fairy-kei hahaha
    Also, very important! Please correct yourself, Sebastian Masudea did open 6% DOKI DOKI…………..BUT he did NOT open Spank!. Spank! is a secondhand shop owned by Tavuchi, the girl with the yellow/green hair in the second picture.

  • http://www.lacarmina.com lacarmina

    Oh, thanks for the update!