Baltimore's First Harajuku Fashion Walk

What seem like a dull rainy afternoon at Baltimore, takes a turn when the street began to flood not of water but people wearing Japanese inspired clothes. Local residence of Maryland and Virginia came together on September 13 to celebrate Baltimore first Harajuku Fashion walk. While most of the participant wore Lolita, many other substyle were seen such as Decora, Fairy Kei, Gyaru, Visual Kei and many more. Many thought the rain would cancel the walk, however, the participate did not stutter. Instead, they pop open their most fashionable umbrella as accessories and took a step forward.

I started the day, dressing my best Visual Kei look. From head to toe, I wore only black clothes, bringing different texture and flow when layering my outfit. I wore flashy accessories on my ear, hand, and wrist to give the glamorous look that of a rock star. As a member of Bokutachi, a dansou group on facebook, focusing on girl dress in boy fashion, I was eager to meet more dansou brother of mine.

Traveling on the light rail while escorting few participate, we arrived at the convention center around 2:30PM with few other people already there before us. During the 30 minutes waiting period, everyone were taking each other photo and befriending old and new friends.

The walk began at 3PM. It was still a bit drizzling, however, everyone was really positive and shared umbrella among other for those who did not bring an umbrella. During the walk, many pedestrian asked us why we dressed the way we are. It was great to see interaction between our group and the other to spread awareness. Around 20 minutes of the walk, the rain began to disperse and along the way was just a perfect sky.We took a break and had a group photo at the bridge near the Aquarium when almost all participate came to the walk, fashionably late of course.

The final destination was at Bond Street Pier, where we are welcome by the beautiful oceanscape that of Baltimore as well the first break of sunlight. Two reaction were made by the goal, resting after an exhausting walk or celebration of joy by dancing; two understandable reaction. Many said their farewell as they left the event, or other who though this was only a beginning and left the location to a cafe called Teavolve to celebrate.

As someone who had travel to California, Texas, and New York to find other who is also interested in Japanese fashion as well learn more of the industry, I was happy for my home state to organize the fashion walk and will happily bring awareness in Maryland to what I love.

• To see more photo, click here to go to the gallery