If you’ve read through our Gyaru blog posts, you would have known by now that Gyaru has numerous subcultures. And if you have been fascinated by them but haven’t found one that fits you and your lifestyle just yet, well, we have another one for you!
Japan is the land of all things kawaii so it’s not really that surprising that some of the Gyaru subcultures have a tinge of softness on them. And we can’t blame you if that is not your cup of tea. After all, no matter how irresistible they are, not everyone is a sure fan.
However, if you are pretty much interested in Gyaru fashion and is yet to find something out of pinks and softness, Japan really has it all for you.
As mentioned in the numerous blog posts we have, Harajuku fashion is all about individualism. This means that every person to ever take part in the iconic fashion trend is all about wearing what they like and what they love. Of course, this includes the more mature and bolder Gyaru who created their own subculture called “Agejo.”
What is Agejo Gyaru?
The first thing that Agejo is commonly known for is that it is generally worn by hostesses. The reason being is because the whole concept of this particular fashion style is to look flawlessly glamorous and desirable. However, it is also right to make clear that it is not limited and exclusive to them. The style and clothes are highly influenced by the thought of expressing an alluring and sexual appeal.
The style was believed to have originated from the gyaru fashion and lifestyle magazine AGEHA which has a monthly release in Japan. It is a very popular magazine and targets women who love sexy and cute fashion. Other than your regular women, the magazine also aims for those who work in the hostess industry.
Because of the alluring and mature concept of Agejo, you don’t usually see young gyaru venturing into the trend. The style is reserved for older gyarus. And while it is true that the clothing pieces can be quite revealing at times, the fashion style remains to be classy.
Ageho Gyaru Fashion
When you say Ageho Gyaru, it might be a little different from the other gyaru subcultures, mainly because it is venturing more on a mature and bolder look. There is still a tinge of cuteness but it is well-balanced with a peek of skin and other sexy elements.
Starting off with the hairstyle, Ageho doesn’t stray far from the original gyaru. They still prefer voluminous hair and curls. There is also an addition of hair extensions to further dramatize the hair. For hair color, even though darker shades are commonly seen, there will be a few heads in the crowd that will stand out as Agejo gyaru also dye their hair light brown or dark blonde.
For nails, still very similar to its parent trend, Agejo also likes their nails long and heavily decorated.
Makeup-wise, Ageho likes their eyeliner thick on both top and bottom lashline. It is often paired with thick lashes, either natural but enhanced with volumizing mascara or false eyelashes. To give the illusion of wide eyes, Agejo likes to put on dolly-circle lenses in a variety of colors.
Now on to the clothes where the difference of Ageho is the most notable.
For Ageho color schemes, it is usually a darker color, mostly black, paired with a lighter color, mostly pink, white, or purple. Since we are expecting a more mature role, it is obvious that the clothes will have a peek of skin. There will be elements of lingerie such as a fancy and lacy bra peeking through from the top, garter stockings, and corset lacing. Other than that, tight and short clothing, mainly dresses and skirts, are also worn.
Ageho are also commonly seen donning on branded names and jewelries.
Modern Agejo Gyaru
Unlike other gyaru substyles that slowly died down over the recent years, Agejo continues to thrive in the Japanese fashion industry. Instead of changing, Agejo fashion evolved alongside their respected brand names. MA*RS, a popular Agejo-centered brand, has survived the dying season and is still a go-to store of all of the Agejo fashion needs.
The fashion has toned down a lot since then though. Overly voluminous hair with a crown of curls has been slowly disappearing and is replaced with long hair (mostly) with natural-looking curls. Heavy nail decoration is no longer necessary and present and in exchange, natural nails or French manicured nails is more commonly seen now.
For this particular substyle, tanned skin is not necessary and Agejo Gyaru's are most likely seen with their natural, fair skin.
Other gyaru subcultures may have significantly dwindled down in the last couple of years but Agejo is still insanely popular. Currently, it is the most commonly seen gyaru substyle that roams the streets.
