Is a Japanese style that reached it's peak in 2005 with emphasis on tans, bright and colourful couture, lightened hair and
beach-inspired accessories. This style can be sub-divided into two major groups, that of the Kanto region (Tokyo and surrounds) and that of the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka areas). The two styles are very similar, with the exception that the Kanto style is louder and somewhat more gaudier, entailing severly bleached hair, the use of artificial flowers, and vulgar make-up. The Kansai style is more toned down but with similar emphasis on tans and colourful couture.
A
unique gunguro style also emerged in Kyoto city but is somewhat different from that of the major streams. This style also emphasised tans and fun and colourful couture, but teamed with expensive jewellery from houses such as Mikimoto, Cartier, Harry Winston and
Tiffany's in a frivolous and carefree manner. Mikimoto pearls in particular, with its association with beaches and the sea was used in profusion. Girls would also have huge "kyoto curls," whilst guys tended to have shaggy surfer-inspired hairstyles. Guys would also emphasise their "beachiness" by wearing baroque Tahitian and South Sea
Pearl jewellery in place of the more common surfer coconut
shell and
coral necklaces.
This gunguro style is most
popular amongst the more
well-to-do university aged students of Kyoto city; whilst the more common gunguro styles as mentioned prior are more
popular amongst highschoolers and the less
well-to-do.
