Letter from the Fashion & Beauty Editor

LETTER FROM THE FASHION AND BEAUTY EDITOR

As the Fashion and Beauty Editor for Connect, I have been able to learn so much about the trends and history in Japan. Fashion and beauty are subjects that are very specific to each individual. Two articles in particular are great examples of fashion in Japan and how people carry their own style. My first choice is “Vogue’s Fashion Night Out, Could Have Been My Night In” by T. Harris, which provides an interesting perspective on an abandoned fashion tradition that is only active in Japan. My second choice is “Fall Styles in Kyoto” by Madeline Yochum, wherein the author interviews her friends about their style and how/if Japan has influenced them. Both articles offer insight into how a person’s experience with fashion in Japan is uniquely them.

Vogue’s Fashion Night Out is a weekend event hosted by Vogue in the fashion district of major cities. This is a time for brands to showcase new designs, fashion lovers to network, and stores to move inventory by offering amazing deals on merchandise—at least, that’s what Vogue markets it as. T. Harris attended the event and left with a different perspective. I liked this piece because consumerism in fashion has always been something that bothers me, but I partake in. Reading how globally-recognized brands advertise and create narratives to keep people buying superfluous items was interesting.

Madeline Yochum’s piece was a fun read. I appreciated the way people put together outfits and what processes they go through as they pair different pieces together. Yochum featured her friends’ varied fashions for the article, then interviewed them about their style, favorite pieces, and how Japan has influenced them. It’s fascinating how one’s environment changes a person’s taste, and especially interesting how the same environment can have completely different results on what a person considers beautiful. Yochum’s article gives a quick snapshot of this phenomena.

As an editor, I have read many articles curated by my peers. An article I found especially compelling was “The Japanese House Explained” by Benjamin Everett. I live in Japan and travel by Japanese house without ever paying them or the land much mind. This was my first time seriously considering the function and aesthetics of the homes in my everyday life. This was an article that stayed on my mind and deserves being called to attention.

Devoni Guise (Saitama)

Follow me on IG @goal.getting.