Disconnect

On the train in Japan there are advertisements plastered everywhere, even hanging along the top at regular intervals. I don't tend to notice them often because I read on my way into work, but the other day I was listening to a podcast instead and was looking around. Some fashion magazine had bought every space in the entire car, which I imagine cost a pretty penny. Anyway, what seemed odd to me was the fashion photos. Vivid colors mixed together, yellows and oranges and reds in a noisy jumble of patterns. Usually when the economy is doing poorly people tend toward dark colors, but I thought its possible the old adages are changing.

I got off the train and walked threw a crowded station. Anyone who hasn't been to a metro station in Japan, you may see hundreds and hundreds of people in a very short time. And I was walking threw a sea of blacks and grays. The only color I saw in the clothing were occasional coats, or maybe tan hear and there.

Until now fashion has been very media driven in Japan. I've met a few people in the industry and they say it is their job to create trends. I'm assuming the purpose is to drive consumerism, considering most shows are barely veiled commercials. But I'm wondering if they pushed a little too far this time. When I turned on the TV I saw all the TV personalities dressed in the same frilly colorful outfits as the magazines. Its clear this is the trend they are trying to sell, but perhaps this time it is so far out of touch with the realities people are living with that they aren't buying it just this once. I can't really say if that's good or bad but it certainly is interesting to see it happen.