Fruits Fashion Magazine Exhibition at LaForet Harajuku

Published on 2024-05-04

Harajuku is the fashion capital of Tokyo. It was in this area that Japanese youth fashion and culture came to life. As you walk down the streets of Harajuku today, you will see many fashion-forward Tokyoites wearing outfits inspired by fashion trends that originated in the area.

From April 27 to May 12, Laforet is hosting a free exhibition. This special fashion-themed exhibition showcases work from one of the most important fashion magazines in Japan, a magazine that played a pivotal role in establishing Harajuku fashion.

What is LaForet?

LaForet is one of the most well-known department stores in all of Harajuku. Having opened in 1978, LaForet is now home to around 140 different shops, ranging from international brands to Tokyo-based brands. Over the years, LaForet has established a reputation for being the best place for young Tokyoites to go to get their hands on the latest trends. It perfectly encapsulates Tokyo’s youth culture and its fashion subcultures.

What is Fruits Magazine?

Fruits Magazine was a monthly street style magazine which was published from 1997 until 2017. The magazine, which has gained global recognition, has been credited as one of the reasons why Japanese fashion became a global phenomena. The creator of the magazine, Shoichi Aoki, perfectly captured all the different subcultures and youth fashion trends through his photographs.

Many individuals, including celebrities, still take inspiration from the photos and style showcased in the magazine. Fruits magazine seems to resonate with readers, as they liked seeing the DIY aspects and creativity behind each individual look. The publication is also credited with popularizing the genre of photography known as ‘street snaps’.

The Exhibition

In this free exhibition, you can catch a rare glimpse of 60 photos taken from the magazine between 1997 and 2003. Unlike other exhibitions, which have a dedicated section, this one is scattered between each floor of the department store. From iconic covers to individual street photos, those that visit will see a visual representation of how Tokyo’s youth fashion developed over time.

Additionally, from May 1 to May 31, visitors are also in with the chance of seeing some more back issues and even buying a copy of the magazine. This is something that many fashion enthusiasts could only dream of. Those who vote for their favorite archive image will be entered into a lottery where a few lucky winners will win ¥5,000 to spend in LaForet.