Japanese Fashion Magazine JELLY

JELLY March 2013 Issue

'Jelly' is a Japanese fashion magazine geared more towards that of 'gyaru' style, that being a more tan, heavily bleached/dyed hair and dramatic nails and makeup. The models in Jelly however (compared to the traditional 'gyaru') are not as dramatic with their image. Their fashion tends to be less innocent and cute, giving off a more sexy/cool vibe.

JELLY March 2013 Issue

JELLY March 2013 Issue

The models in Jelly are more tan than most models found in Japanese magazines, and most of them (if not all) appear to be wearing circle lenses. A few of them also have their hair dyed in lighter blonde shades.

JELLY March 2013 Issue

JELLY March 2013 Issue

One notable thing about Jelly is that all their models appear to be full Japanese, whereas in the fashion magazine ViVi (Link!) almost all of the models are half-Japanese. Because of this, the styling tends to be less similar to that of British/North American fashion; it still maintains a notable Japanese 'cuteness.'

JELLY March 2013 Issue

JELLY March 2013 Issue

While there were some pieces and styles that I really liked, I couldn't call Jelly one of my preferred fashion magazines. This is only because the 'cute' Japanese style doesn't suit me at all--that and gyaru. Something else that I noticed: almost all of the high-heels the models were wearing were obviously way too big. It's definitely not a deal breaker, but I couldn't help but get annoyed since the models didn't make an effort to conceal this.



xx mindy

Japanese Fashion Magazine ViVi + clutch freebie!

Vivi September 2012, Issue 11

What I like about Japanese fashion magazines is that there is a magazine that corresponds to each unique sense of style. This is my first time picking up ViVi magazine, and that was specifically because it came with a free clutch! Getting a free bag/makeup bag a few times a year is customary in Japanese fashion magazines, similar to free cosmetic samples in the UK.

Lily Brown Freebie Clutch

Back of the clutch

'Sweet or Cool? I love Both!!' Preach.

The bag is actually quite cheap in quality, but I'd be an idiot if I wasn't expecting this. Regardless,  it is quite a cute clutch, indeed. The magazine even noted that the dimensions are large enough to fit an ipad, so if you're looking for a cute cover that provides little to no protection, go for it!

Another reason why I like Japanese fashion magazines is that a lot of focus is on the clothes. Trending items are pulled and paired with other items, essentially making a whole outfit around one item. The magazine is usually divided into sections, i.e. trending shoes, shirts, skirts, dresses, etc. They also have sections dedicated to makeup looks, hair, even nails.

Every magazine usually has a set of fixed models and they appear in almost every issue. These models essentially become celebrities and the magazine will usually have sections dedicated to a the models' beauty secrets, beauty regimes etc.

I personally really like ViVi because it is targeted for young adults. The fashion is similar to what is trending in the west (more specifically in the UK) so I really like this because I could never pull the cutesy Japanese-girl look although this mag is almost pushing it. 

The layout of Japanese fashion magazines are also great for creating inspiration boards. AND! they have sections dedicated to street style; something I really really really enjoy. I think every magazine should have street style inserts that are not strictly limited to New York, etc. fashion week, thanks.

I really hope that you enjoyed this post! it's a bit different, but as we all know fashion is universal :p



xx mindy