Thanks for your fabulous feedback of my Israel posts! Glad you are enjoying the expanded food and culture content. But today, let’s dive back into Japan fashion.

I took photos of the latest designs in Studio Alta department store, which I previously wrote about in 2012. (To get here, walk gaily forward from Shinjuku Station east exit, and look for the multicolored logo above you.)

I always stop by Fernopaa because of the cheerful shopgirls, dressed in cute meets punk or hard rock styles. Case in point: this Japanese girl, in a cat eared zip jacket with a surgical stitch print, spiked choker, big cross necklace, and purple lacy dress with a jagged hem.

The styles at Fernopaa are a bit too 80s metal for my taste, but I do enjoy looking at their DIY accessories and shredded garments.

Here’s what the other shop girl wore. Japanese alternative style at its finest: love the layering of necklaces, bracelets and goggles. Her hair has several rainbow tones, and she even drew a cross on her cheek.

This coordinate is a tad “emo” but the devil horns hoodie gets props for creativity. On the right, my Mercibeaucoup bag hovers over a decorated manhole.

Their pieces are over-the-top when combined, but I’d wear them individually. The skull sweater, big cross, pink heart purse and white lace dress could be great in Fairy Kei, Gyaru or Goth outfits.

Studio Alta has several floors, and the boutiques range from romantic girly fashion (Liz Lisa) to craft supply stores. I spotted this spool of hand-dyed gradient silk ribbons.

Also in the fabric shop: lace cat and bear pillows, or pin cushions. I’d feel bad sticking pins in their cute faces!

This butterfly logo signals Algonquins, the Tokyo punk, Goth and Lolita label.

The undead plushies in the middle can be used as purses or general accessories. In the back, you can glimpse a Visual Kei and J-rock music store.

A vegan leather bag, covered in studs and chains, for a hard-edged schoolgirl look.

Another store sold antique styles, like this faded feather and lace Victorian bonnet.

Elsewhere in Shinjuku, I spotted some new stores. The famous Harajuku Avantgarde store, known for its crazy print tights and stockings, has opened up on the ground floor of Lumine.

Avant Garde had a rack of legwear, printed with Disney characters. These tights and leggings tend to be more expensive, but the designs are handmade or limited edition.

Goth and Kawaii are everywhere. In the window, I saw cross tights and a Hello Kitty print.

I leave you with the “worried face” mascot from Ne-net. This clothing boutique has several locations in Shinjuku; Ne-Net is also in Laforet Harajuku and Ikebukuro Sunshine City.

My Scottish Fold kitten sometimes gives me the same look!

For more photos of Tokyo girls and gyaru clothing, check out my previous Studio Alta report.

What do you think of the current youth fashion in Japan?