"Kizu-kei" (傷系)
The Kizu-kei subculture draws inspiration from chronic illness, injury, and fragility, and aims to create a fashion style that is both edgy and cute. The clothing style emphasizes neutral and muted colors such as brown, grey, white, and muted pinks and browns, and incorporates elements of both grunge and kawaii fashion.
Kizu-kei fashion explores themes of vulnerability, nostalgia, and the duality of strength and fragility, but with a girly twist. Clothing items often feature frilly or lace detailing, asymmetrical hems, and layered textures, with an emphasis on combining soft and hard elements.
In addition, the Kizu-kei subculture often features clothing items that are tattered, ripped, and hastily repaired, with an emphasis on patchwork and obvious stitching designs. This style choice adds to the overall edgy and distressed vibe of the fashion.
Specific fashion items that feature this style include oversized hoodies with patched holes, asymmetrical skirts with uneven hems and distressed edges, and denim jackets with ripped and repaired sleeves. Shoes tend to be chunky, with platform sneakers or combat boots with visible stitching being popular choices.
Hairstyles are an important part of the Kizu-kei fashion style, with messy and asymmetrical styles being a common choice. Asymmetrical pigtails and bangs are particularly popular, with braids and loose waves also being common. Hair is often styled in a way that looks effortless and undone, yet still girly and cute.
Accessories are also a key part of the Kizu-kei style, with items such as pastel-colored chokers, heart-shaped sunglasses, and frilly ankle socks being common. Jewelry tends to be bold and edgy, with statement pieces such as chain necklaces or metal earrings with cute charms or bows.
Overall, the Kizu-kei subculture aims to create a fashion style that embraces vulnerability and fragility while also incorporating elements of strength and resilience, with a playful and girly twist. The overall look is edgy and cool, with an emphasis on exploring themes of chronic illness, injury, and childhood nostalgia, but with tattered, ripped, and hastily repaired clothing adding to the unique and edgy vibe of the style.