Hi everyone, it’s been a while since my last post, right? I’ve been *really* busy with school and other life stuff, so please forgive my absence from my blog! College preparation is no joke, so I appreciate you all waiting for me (ﾉ´ з `)ノ♡
Lately, discussions in the gal comm have been circling around the idea that the gaijin of today are permanently entranced by the past when it comes to style, and the majority preference does reflect this. This also brings up the argument that gaijin gals are staunchly against innovation, rejecting all new forms of style, precisely that of Reiwa era fashion.
Now, let me be real with you all: I’ve made my opinion of Reiwa gyaru pretty clear in the past (probably too clear, LOL), and my stance hasn’t changed. I find Reiwa to be extremely underwhelming, to say the least. It feels like it’s lost the boldness and rebellion that made the subculture so magnetic in the first place. Don’t get me wrong—evolution in fashion is natural and necessary, but Reiwa's muted and overly polished look just doesn’t speak to me. It looks too... polished? I can't describe it, but it just doesn't register in my head as gal.
While I have to admit there are some modern gals, like Ran, who do an amazing job of mixing Reiwa elements with Heisei aesthetics, I feel like they’re the exception rather than the rule. I also think it’s a bit unfair to assume that the community is entirely resistant to change. In fact, many modern gals seem to embrace elements of Reiwa-era trends subtly, blending them with older aesthetics.
It’s not hard to see why so many of us cling to Heisei styles. There’s an undeniable charm and nostalgia tied to that era—the over-the-top glamor, wild creativity, and unapologetic attitude that defined gyaru at its peak. It wasn’t just a fashion style; it was a movement, one that celebrated individuality and rebellion. For many gaijin gals (myself included), replicating those looks feels like a way to honor the roots of the subculture and keep its spirit alive. Think of it as preserving the past, in all its bold, sparkly glory.
To me, Reiwa just doesn’t carry the same energy. It feels diluted—like it’s trying too hard to appeal to mainstream fashion while losing the unique spark that made gyaru so iconic. Maybe that’s just the direction the world is heading, but I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. I don’t want to see gyaru fade into something so unrecognizable that it becomes just another trend.
That being said, these are just my opinions, and fashion is all about personal expression. Don’t let my feelings influence how you see the state of modern gal fashion. Whether you love Reiwa or live for Heisei, what matters most is that you’re expressing yourself authentically. Be yourself, ok? ☆⌒(≧▽° )
What do you think? Do you feel like the community is too focused on the past, or do you see innovation happening in your own circles? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
In the meantime, stay sweet, bye!
I have so many thoughts about this topic tbh but I think it boils down to 2 things:
ReplyDelete1) Most gaijin trying to get into gal just don't have a good grasp on it, both in terms of makeup and being able to dress one's self. This can be improved of course but having a strong foundation is key to expanding the style. This is why even with Japanese or Chinese gals there are so few that are off doing their own thing that's not Heisei gal. It's hard to go off and do your own thing but also there's nothing new under the sun. Any concept someone could come up with right now was probably at some point a 2 page magazine feature because the models were experimenting back then. It's probably much easier to be consistent and also accepted as gal by just sticking to easily recognizable elements and silhouettes.
2) I might be in the minority with this one but imo gal is not our culture to change. The need to change gyaru and create new substyles, etc comes from a very western/American centric perspective. Gal has always been pretty and trendy, that's why there's an entire adult industry, magazines, etc around it. This notion that it needs to be ugly or develop into multiple new styles is a motivation only felt by westerners. There are definitely some Japanese gals like Dede that have done their own thing but even then she recognizes she is gal inspired and not trying to create a new trend in gal. Japanese gals respect what has existed in the past and either continue on with heisei styles or they jump on modern trends (shein, fast fashion) with a coat of gal make on top.
I think the most important thing with gal is being well put together. To me gal is a high maintenance lifestyle with a particular aesthetic. You don't need to always fall under a certain substyle with your outfits but you need to be on point with easily recognizable gal elements like the makeup/nails/hair/etc.