So back in May, the Harajuku group of Japan made a video to be posted online, letting the world know that they wanted as many countries as possible to gather everyone interested in Harajuku fashion into one big group and come together to march around their cities. Well, thanks to the wonderful organising skills of one particular member of my local lolita community, Australia was soon in the mix and on the 26th of July, we all gathered in the heart of Perth to participate in Perth's first ever Harajuku Fashion Walk.
When my partner and I arrived, there were a lot of people there already, and they just kept on coming. Everybody looked so cute, it made me really happy to be surrounded by the fashion I love. We waited around a bit until we had a larger group and after a few encouraging words from our organiser, Geri, we were off~
(I'm a camwhore leave me alone)
The walk was so much fun, there was a big sense of community walking in a big group like that, full of people who shared the same interests as you. The route went from the state library all the way to the other side of the city to end at the Stirling Gardens, with lots of twists and turns along the way to reach more people. We got a lot of positive reactions, and no abuse which I was surprised about. Our city isn't really one of the most accepting places in the world and I know a fair few people have been targeted for looking even the slightest bit alternative. But it all turned out really well. I think we really achieved what we had set out to do which was to promote this kind of fashion and raise awareness that this is a thing and we really are a bigger community than some people might think.
(Cutie // Jezlyn Rune and Sarah Fradsham // Miss Paige Schokker)
The walk ended in the Stirling Gardens where we took the group photos and then separated to do our own thing. There was also a group picnic, but I totally forgot the food I was going to bring, so I thought I'd just leave after chatting to a few people I didn't get a chance to talk to before. Unfortunately, because I didn't stay the whole time, I didn't end up in the video. A lot of the footage was shot after I had left which sucked, but that's just how the cookie crumbles sometimes. I still have a lot of photos that turned out really well though, so I'm not really bothered. I know I was there and it was a super good time, so that's all I really need. I'm really grateful to the adorable Miss Geri (who you can see in the middle in all her frilly glory) for taking the time to organise the whole thing and I'm so happy that I got to be a part of it.
(even more people came after this photo, it was crazy)
Was there a walk in your city? I'd love to hear about it~ And if you didn't go or if your state didn't organise one, I would really recommend it if this becomes an annual thing. There's a really good sense of community. I felt like such a loner before the walk, standing there, not really knowing anyone; but when we were all walking together, there was such a great atmosphere of acceptance and happiness, I think it's something everyone should get to experience.
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