Another brief interruption from lolita/ouji to talk about menhera, a Japanese street fashion that has followers around the world. Menhera ("mental health/er") has its origins in bringing recognition to mental health issues in Japan through use of art and fashion, and describes a style that can be pastels or gothic ("yami kawaii"). I've always been interested in medical themes since before I got into J-fashion but never felt the urge to wear it as an everyday fashion. But now that we're in a really bad state in most places due to coronavirus, why not give it a shot?! (Pun was not planned.)
[Dress: Ota-Q; socks, bag: Enchanted Dreamwear; shoes: Liz Lisa; beret: Lolita Collective; pin, badge: Puvithel; lanyard, charm: Moshi Melon; necklace: Showtime Sweetie; charm: Kokokim; earrings: indie artist (forgot the name); bracelets: offbrand, homemade]
I took such faraway coord shots that you can't see all the details including the doctor bag with its syringe charm and my pill earrings or any of my sickly girl makeup that beautycam filters blow out anyway. Also, I surprisingly am not wearing gear from Listen Flavor which is the main source of menhera related fashion in Japan despite owning some Listen Flavor stuff. But I did my best in supporting black-owned businesses and independent/POC/LGBTQ+ artists to put together this outfit, which is a huge plus in my book. I am a little sad that the pinks don't match at all, so I think maybe finding 2 more big lavender accessories, like bracelets or a neckbow, might offset that.
Overall, this is a cute and comfortable attempt that I would wear outside if I had any reason to go outside. But we don't!
Footnote: menhera is more about mental health advocacy and artistic expression than simply cute/creepy medical-themed fashion, so I'm not menhera just by wearing this outfit. I do work with mental health issues in my dayjob and writing and art, but that's not necessarily related to my personal expression of fashion, just clarifying!
No comments:
Post a Comment