Hakama-Style Pants and a Link to a Hakama Pattern

These pants from Shopbop are amazing. They are a "modern" version of Japanese hakama! Even though the description doesn't even mention hakama, the pants have pleats, a large belt that ties in the front, and a visually high back that mimics that back of a tied-up hakama.

Front and Back Views

If you're not familiar with hakama -- traditional Japanese pants worn over kimono -- here are some images of hakama from Folkwear to give you an idea of how they look.

What do you think? Do you notice the similarities? Have you ever had the chance to wear hakama?

On a little side note, that Folkwear hakama pattern I linked to is a pattern I purchased to make hakama for my husband (with my mother's help -- I'm not that skilled!!). They turned out great, although we made them a bit too long. :) Folkwear's historical clothing patterns are fantastic -- I highly recommend them!

What is Harajuku?

If you're a Target shopper like me, and if you love Japan (which is why you're here, right? :) ), then you've probably seen the brand Harajuku Mini, by Gwen Stefani. The brand instantly caught my eye, because I love all things Nippon, but I'd never heard of Harajuku.

Harajuku is, to put it simply, a fashion district in Japan. The name refers to the area around Harajuku Station in Shibuya, Tokyo, where young people gather every Sunday in the wildest street clothing you'll see on the planet, sporting styles from loli to goth to cosplay. In fact, it's common to see one person showing off many different styles in one outfit. The roots of Harajuku can be traced all the way back to World War II, and nowadays, designers all over the world are influenced by what they see there.

WikiHow offers a simple guide on how to dress in the Harajuku style.