Fruits (magazine)

Infobox Magazine
title = Fruits


image_size = 200px
image_caption = Cover of issue 95.
editor =
editor_title =
staff_writer =
frequency = Monthly
circulation =
category = Harajuku fashion
company =
publisher = Shoichi Aoki
firstdate = 1997
country = Japan
language = Japanese
website = [http://www.fruits-mg.com/ Official site]
issn =

"Fruits" (written "FRUiTS") is a Japanese fashion magazine covering the fashions of the Harajuku district of Tokyo, established in 1997 by photographer Shoichi Aoki. Excerpts from the magazine were compiled to create the Phaidon Press books "Fruits" (2001) and "Fresh Fruits" (2005).

An exhibition of Aoki's photographs for the magazine, developed by the Powerhouse Museum, has toured museums in Australia and New Zealand.cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Fruits: Tokyo street style - photographs by Shoichi Aoki | work = Powerhouse Museum | publisher = | date = | url = http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/exhibitions/fruits.asp | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-01-20 ] cite news | last = Levermore | first = Elizabeth | title = Fashion and fiord mix it up in exhibit | work = The Southland Times | pages = 15 | date = January 20, 2006 ]

Themes

The photographs document the individualistic styles young people wear around the Harajuku district of Tokyo. If there are identifiable themes, they can broadly be described as fun, original, authentic, and the recording of emerging social trends and technology. The message seems to shout through the repetitive format of these photos; a modern person head to toe in the foreground against an urban backdrop: "You are the best stylist to express yourself".

Fashion coverage

The homegrown Japanese fashion covered by "Fruits" is similar to most modern global street fashions. The look of the fashion in this magazine is eclectic and diverse, making it hard to categorize this magazine to a specific genre. That said, the "Fruits" look" could be summarized as combining traditional Japanese styles of dress with an irreverent approach to modifying and combining elements of clothing, accessories, and technology.

"Decora", also known as "Decoration" or "Decora-chan", is one of many street fashions showcased by the magazine. It consists of colorful clothing and accessories from head to toe. The style is sometimes mistakenly called "Fruits-style" by people outside of Japan.Fact|date=February 2007 "Decora" clothing is simple, and the accessories include plastic toys and jewelry, which click together and make noise as the wearer moves.cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Fruits: Tokyo street style - photographs by Shoichi Aoki | work = Powerhouse Museum | publisher = | date = | url = http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/exhibitions/fruits.asp | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2007-01-20 ] cite news | last = Dibble | first = Fran | title = Barbie Meets Punk | work = Manawatu Standard | pages = 16 | date = March 19, 2004 ]

Compared to other styles

The fashion styles showcased in "Fruits" have a parallel concerning the disregard to conventions that punk takes to the extreme. However, unlike the punk movement, there is less, if any, of a political agenda expressed by "Fruits."

"Fruits" photographs styles which are distinct from Cosplay, which is a hobby where people dress like their favourite manga, anime, or video-game character.

Inside a copy of "Fruits"

The inside contains very few ads, most of which are to advertise a shop in Harajuku. The pictures take up the entire page, except for a white bar at the bottom which breaks down the person's outfit piece by piece to tell the reader where it was purchased (or in some cases, who made it), explains the "point of fashion" of the outfit (the main focal point of the ensemble), and gives a brief description of the person's age, social position, and interests. The back may include an interview with a staff member at the magazine. The very back shows reader-submitted pictures.

ee also

*Street Fashion

References

External links

* [http://www.fruits-mg.com/ Official site]
* [http://www.livejournal.com/community/fruits/ Fruits Fan Community]
* [http://www.abc.net.au/rn/arts/nightair/stories/s788802.htm Discussion with the founder of FRUiTS Magazine]
* [http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/exhibitions/fruits.asp Fruits Exhibition at the Powerhouse in Sydney]