TokyoGirls'Update

BOOKDOL UNION #5: Idols Remove Their Outfits For a Touch of Reality ~Launch Event for Personal Fashion Street Snap ‘Zine idp!

BOOKDOL UNION #5 : アイドルの私服姿からリアリティを読み取る 〜私服ストリートスナップ誌『idp magazine』発売記念イベント〜
| Idol | Posted
BOOKDOL UNION #5: Idols Remove Their Outfits For a Touch of Reality ~Launch Event for Personal Fashion Street Snap ‘Zine idp!

Sponsored Links

The fifth volume of Bookdol Union, the idol, music, and book collaborative event was held at Shinjuku dues on February 10th. (Read about past Bookdol events here: Vol.1, Vol.2, Vol.3)


This time we’ve got the scoop on FRUiTS Special Edition idp magazine, a ‘zine featuring exclusive street snaps of idols in their everyday outfits. Our guests for the event were You’ll Melt More!’s Younapi and fashion magazine Popteen and KERA model Pikarin Shiina. Naturally snaps of both girls were included in idp magazine. In addition, this event’s director, idol expert, and writer, Shinshi Okajima, also made an appearance. Given that the theme this time was fashion, there were considerably more female guests in the audience compared to past events.

bookdol-pikarin-younapi-02

idp-magazine-eyecatch-01

sample page

When asked about how the creation of idp magazine came about, editor-in-chief Kashino answered, “Even though there are a number of fashionable idol girls, you rarely see them in their own clothes. I thought daring to run with that theme would result in a different kind of fun from our usual fashion magazine.”

It’s common for idols to post selfies on SNS, but it’s rare that you get a chance to see their full-body outfits. Generally when it comes to face, costume, and even normal outfit shots, they’re from the bust-up at best. Taking shots where you can completely see what idols are wearing from their hair accessories down to their shoes is something completely new. Moreover, with these shots being compiled into a special edition by the editing department of long-established, real Harajuku street culture magazines FRUiTS and TUNE makes them seem all the more legitimate, with both models and photographers going for a genuine sense of realism. It really gives you the feeling they’re presented in their true form, without bring manipulated by grown-ups.

In the magazine, both Pikarin Shiina and Younapi talk about what they’re wearing. Pikarin comments that the colors red and black were the basis of her outfit, but with a Chinese spin. She creates an innovative look by combining a randoseru (ransel) backpack and geta she purchased online with a Chinese-style dress she bought in Singapore! To match her outfit, she copied her hairstyle from character Meirin from the anime Ask Dr. Rin!


Opposite of Pikarin Shiina’s unique coordinate, Younapi’s outfit shows off the lolita style with a dress by Emily Temple Cute as its main point. Younapi, who is a fan of sweet, girly fashion, also wore a headdress by Angelic Pretty to the event. She said that she likes the boyish costumes of You’ll Melt More! exactly because they’re the opposite of that. When she made the comment that, “I don’t really like wearing revealing clothes. So I couldn’t pull off an outfit like Pikarin’s…” Pikarin immediately replied, “Sorry if you think my outfit was too sexy!!!! But those who are into lolita fashion usually aren’t into showing much skin… And many of them have more refined tastes, so naturally you would, too.” Laughter filled the audience as they picked on each other.

When Shinshi Okajima asked them about what kind of guys they like, Pikarin answered, “I’m not sure about what type of guy I like, but there are definitely types I don’t like! But I like guys who are like the character L from DEATH NOTE. I think it’s best when they dress and act normally. I like the smell of detergent, so even if the clothes are dirty, as long as they smell clean it’s OK!” Younapi agreed, saying, “I also like regular guys. Like guys who dress all in Uniqlo are nice.” She then continued on about what styles she didn’t like, saying, “During summer jeans and t-shirts are best. They don’t need to wear a scarf or anything like that, or those guys that have some kind of weird chain with dice or something on them is like ‘uhhh….’” So it looks like fans should take notice…

At the conclusion of their talk, chief editor Kashino announced plans to release a second edition. While the first edition focused on a wide range of idols and styles, they have plans to especially feature idols who are really into fashion in the next one. They also have plans to change the design of the book a little. By the way, the second edition is due out on March 31st.

After the talk show portion ended, each idol put on a live show. Illuminated by a red light on stage, Pikarin Shiina singing with death voice and headbanging as she showcased a mad, dark world. Her performance of “Dogezanai” even featured the usual scene of her walking over the backs of members of the audience as they kneeled on ground.


Younapi, who often performs solo outside of her group, played several cute, electropop numbers. She opened with her original song, “Return to my Innocence”, and performed a total of seven songs including “Daisuki” and “Megane Generation” in glasses.

Read the past reports of Bookdol Union
Part 1 featuring “Million Doll”: http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/bookdol-union-vol1-20150957684.html
Part 2 featuring “Short cut girls’ photobook” : http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/bookdol-union-vol2-20151165287.html
Part 3 featuring “Underground Idol Graduations, the Desire for Recognition” http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/bookdol-union-vol3-report-20151168433.html

Related links

Younapi Official Site : http://younapi.com/

Younapi Twitter : https://twitter.com/mo_younapi?lang=ja

Younapi Official Blog : http://ameblo.jp/ylmlm-younapi/

Pikarin Shiina Official Site : http://www.pikarin.jp/

Pikarin Shiina Official Twitter : https://twitter.com/pikarin_shiina?lang=ja

Pikarin Shiina Official Blog : http://ameblo.jp/shina-hikari/

Photos by Fuchizaki
Translated by Jamie Koide

Sponsored Links

Related Artists : Shiina Pikarin
Author
Ayaya

Been working in girls’ fashion magazines for a long time and am now the chief editor of Tokyo Girls’ Update. I have more expertise in Japanese teen fashion than anyone else (probably)! I’m a huge fan of the Revolutionary Girl Utena and Bakemonogatari animes.

comments powered by Disqus