Does Being "Big In Japan" Still Matter?

My awesome coworker Nick picked me up my favorite Japanese fashion magazines ViVi and Glamorous on his recent trip to Tokyo. I can thank my fashion-obsessed girlfriends Hannah and Tiff for getting me hooked on these magical retail bibles, which has helped me through many layovers in Narita airport. I remember as a teenager thinking how fashion-forward the Japanese were--leopard skin tights (no way!) or neon windbreakers (can't be!)... but the Japanese were always somehow ahead of the times when it came to trends.

As I excitedly flipped through the pages of my new magazines, I started to realize... I'VE SEEN ALL THESE TRENDS BEFORE. But where? ON THE INTERNET. THAT'S WHERE. With fashion bloggers growing like weeds and tumblrs reblogging images like the way I consume bubble tea--fashion trends are spreading globally + rapidly. It's probably why fashion trends more recently (color blocking, studded leather jackets, etc.) seem repetitive and recycled, because everyone is beginning to dress the same. The Japanese are dressing like the French who are dressing like New Yorkers who are dressing like the Brits who are dressing like L.A. who is dressing like the Japanese?

As the globalization of fashion continues it will become harder and harder to distinguish style by geography. Street fashion in Tokyo may look like the streets of Orlando, Florida (okay maybe not). The worst part is if you're trying NOT to be trendy, you may just be mistaken for being uber trendy--talking to you hipsters!

It's a Small World, Help Japan

Photo from NY Times

Living half way around the world in New York, it is easy to go out about our daily routines answering emails, sending text messages and checking Facebook updates, but thankfully, the internet and social networks make it very hard to forget the tragic disaster that shook Northern Japan. As the world gets smaller and smaller due to our ability to share online, our hearts should be as large as ever and willing to give back to those in need around the world. I am really proud of Vivaki the digital holding company I work for who will be matching employee donations up to $50K, of Red Cross' Twitter promoted trend #helpjapan raising awareness of the relief effort and of W+K's subtly powerful poster that will surely encourage people to donate. Many other media companies, artists and business are finding simple and innovative ways to help Japan.

W+K Studio's Japan Relief Poster 

Lady Gaga's "little monsters" can buy wristbands, all proceeds go to Japan relief efforts 

SXSW is leveraging the large tech/digital influence of its attendees to raise money

AlohaForJapan.com is selling specially designed T-shirts and all proceeds go to the Red Cross. The shirts are currently sold out online but should be back up soon.

In the end, the way or form that you donate should not matter, JUST THAT YOU DO. I have yet to visit Japan, but I did have a Japanese foreign exchange student Yasuko stay with me in middle school and have met countless compassionate Japanese people in my lifetime. They are gracious and polite people who have a great influence on fashion, technology, design and cuisine. This could happen to any country and anyone, so I ask that you spare what you can to help Japan.

This is How You Get Through A 7-Hour Layover in Tokyo