this is kind of weird so sorry if you don't know how to answer but out of everyone i follow you seem like you might know. i've noticed a trend in a lot of vkei (maybe mostly older groups but maybe it still exists) to cover the nose with a wide bandage? do you know how this originated or what the purpose is/what it represents? i've never seen it in any other subcultures and i'm really curious? again sorry if you don't know fhsgdj
Hii, I'm afraid there's no concrete answer to this question, so I'll tell you what I can off hand ^.^
In vkei, face coverings are quite common across the scene for various reasons- some do it for anonymity or to appear mysterious, others because of insecurities about their appearance, or (imo most commonly) simply for aesthetics/personal expression. It varies case to case, which is why you'll see some people wear it occasionally, while others adopt it as more of a signature look.
To talk a little more in depth, I'll mention that this style seems to originate within iryou kei & eroguro kei scenes, which are prevalent subgenres that utilize medical & grotesque imagery, where-for obvious reasons-blood stained bandages have become a staple in the fashion.
I'd also like mention: early cali≠gari, mucc, Dir en grey- these bands are considered iconic & even said to be pioneers in the eroguro subgenre, at their most macabre you'll see them wearing all sorts from eyepatches to gasmasks to surgical masks. rlly great stuff^.^
Now, although he was by no means the first, the most Iconic example of what anon mentions is Reita of The Gazette - late 90's up until recently
I've heard all different backstories to why he wears his nose bandage, 'to look mysterious' & 'he's insecure about a broken/large nose' etc.. lol. I'm not an expert so I'm unsure what the truth is/if he's ever given a concrete explanation. I think he probably just liked the way it looks
I'm unsure where to fit this in so I'll just mention it now- but we've seen this style within the menhera subgenre aswell, which focuses on themes of wavering mental health & self harm. various bandages are used as a way to portray extreme mental instability lolol. I instantly think of AvelCain Karma
Kyohei // Kebyo - menhera
Uru // Kane to juusei - menhera
Mitsuki of Kiryu has even been known to wear this style on occasion
Speaking of, iirc, Takemasa from Kiryu wears a permanent face covering because he has a CHIN on him (imo imo), & unfortunately in a scene where looks are considered highly important & certain standards are upheld, I can understand why he (& others) feel the need to hide 'unconventional' features LOL. There's something to be said about the culture here . maybe they were born from lack of excessive facetune & the sexless photoshopped faces we see pushed so much today.
TLDR: because they look cool & some people are insecure.
I hope it was a little helpful!
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