(Cover photo: Kuroyayo & Achamu)
Tsuyome Gyaru is a striking sub-style of the larger Japanese Gyaru fashion subculture. Emerging from the vibrant streets of Shibuya, Gyaru fashion itself is a powerful form of rebellion and self-expression, characterized by its rejection of traditional Japanese beauty standards (such as dark hair and pale skin) in favor of a more glamorous, non-conformist, and often heavily Western-inspired look.
What is Tsuyome Gyaru?
The name "Tsuyome Gyaru" essentially translates to "Strong Gal" or "Bold Gal," and the style perfectly encapsulates this attitude. It is often described as a bold, sexy, and cool aesthetic, sometimes seen as a slightly toned-down version of the more extreme Banba sub-style. Tsuyome Gyaru stands out with its emphasis on a fierce, confident, and slightly rebellious attitude paired with a distinctive fashion and beauty blueprint.
✨ Key Characteristics of the Tsuyome Look
The Tsuyome Gyaru aesthetic is instantly recognizable through several essential elements that contribute to its "strong" vibe:
* Skin Tone: A signature element is a deep tan or dark foundation, standing in stark contrast to the traditional Japanese preference for pale skin.
* Hair: Hair is typically big and voluminous, often heavily teased, wavy, or crimped. Light shades like blonde or brown are common, sometimes with streaks or dramatic highlights.
* Makeup: The makeup is extreme and dramatic. Key features include:
* Heavy black eyeliner and exaggerated false eyelashes (often both upper and lower).
* Light or cool-colored lips, sometimes with a pale foundation base.
* The overall aim is to create a wide-eyed, doll-like, yet distinctly fierce look.
* Fashion: The clothing is where the "cool and rebellious" spirit shines.
* Animal Prints: Staples include leopard, cheetah, and zebra prints, which are often mixed and prominently featured.
* Edgy Textiles: Materials like leather, faux fur, and denim are incorporated for a street-style edge.
* Silhouettes: Outfits often feature short, tight, or revealing clothing that emphasizes the body, blending streetwear influences with glamorous elements.
* Brands: The style is historically associated with brands like d.i.a.
💖 Tsuyome in the Gyaru Universe
Gyaru is an umbrella term for dozens of substyles, each with its own unique aesthetic. Tsuyome Gyaru exists as a popular variant, sitting stylistically between more "extreme" styles like Yamanba or Ganguro (known for their darkest tans and exaggerated white makeup around the eyes) and more "feminine" styles like Hime Gyaru (Princess Gal) or Agejo (glamorous mature gal).
What makes Tsuyome unique is its successful fusion of glamorous, sexy elements with a strong, street-ready attitude, allowing its wearers to express a powerful sense of individuality and fashion-forward confidence.
A Continuing Legacy
Like the broader Gyaru movement, Tsuyome Gyaru is more than just clothes; it's a statement. It represents a bold choice to step outside of societal expectations, celebrate a non-traditional definition of femininity, and embrace a fun, self-expressed lifestyle. While the popularity of different Gyaru substyles has waxed and waned over the decades, the distinct look of Tsuyome Gyaru continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts looking for a bold, unapologetically cool way to present themselves.
Would you like to know more about the history of the overall Gyaru fashion culture, or explore another specific sub-style?