Since we’re exploring other Tokyo style tribes this week, I thought you might enjoy photos from last March’s Shibuya Girls Collection. W. David Marx wrote an excellent essay about the runway show, with insights on consumer dynamics and tensions in gyaru (gal fashion). My thoughts: ooh, big hair bows! YES to neon pumps and mismatched tights!

The photos above are from the Dazzlin’ × Fanta collaboration, designed by ex-Popteen model Tsubasa Masukawa. I like the casual, fruit-burst fun of the collection, but was it really necessary for the models to hold fizzy soda bottles on the catwalk?

Hello Kitty continues to take over the world (her MAC makeup line seems to be doing well). I don’t know about the Kitty-face slouch top, but I like the spotted tights and bow-tie choker (right).

A recurring theme: 1980s aerobics-wear. You can view runway photos from the entire Shibuya Girls Collection here, and compare them to the Goth/Lolita/Punk designs from the Marui Fashion Expo.

Japanese Gal fashion isn’t really my speed, but I liked individual elements from the show – such as the Nintendo mushroom earrings (bottom left: look closely!) and diamond joker tights (bottom right). How about you?

Dag spanky – I’m excited that many of you are into Fairy Kei fashion! One of my favorite “girls just wanna have fun” boutiques is Mania Q in Harajuku. Walk down the main shopping street (Takeshita Doori) and look for a small store on the right. As you can see, this Strawberry Shortcake toy box explosion is hard to miss.

Most of the brands in Mania Q are generic (read: affordable and adorable). My eyes popped out when I saw the wall of squishy bows and Care Bear toy pins ($20). The brooches were surprisingly heavy, so I’m planning to make my own…

Another destination for Fairy Kei addicts is Nile Perch, located in Shibuya and the Basement 1.5 level of Laforet department store. (For more Laforet pics, click here.) Fuzzy pastel vintage, handmade sparkly accessories, and a slightly terrifying Barbie doll head. It’s the best and worst of 1980s kitsch, and how I love it!