At this past weekend’s MTV Video Music Awards, hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj wore what she considered a Japanese-inspired outfit.
As she told the Los Angeles Times, “Tokyo inspires this outfit,” the winner for hip-hop video said backstage Sunday. “You know, Harajuku is something I have been absorbing for a very long time.”
Of course, Minaj isn’t the first mainstream American music star to embrace Harajuku, as No Doubt front woman/solo artist Gwen Stefani styled an entire album (2004’s Love. Angel. Music. Baby) and clothing line after the Harajuku fashion.
In fact, the music video for Minaj’s 2010 song Check It Out, which featured Black Eyed Pea Will.I.Am., was heavily inspired by Japanese themes. Check it out below.
Do you like these American music stars adopting Harajuku/Japanese styles? Do they pull it off well? Feel free to leave comments and discuss.
erm sorry but how is check it out inspired on japanese when its using korean language and letters………?
They do not pull it off at all. While I say the asain chicks with Gwen are closer to the style. Nicki… Just no… Honestly nicki should have went for the Lolita look which is easier to copy and more up to date. Also she wouldn’t look stupid if she said it was a culture because harajuku is a place in Tokyo, not a culture.
Nooo she does not pull it off. I like japanese clothes and I’m an otaku. Nicki Minaj is just making fun of japanese culture with all that on her! 🙁
FASHION IS FOR EVERYONE, so, I think she can pull it off. and *coughs* Check it out by will.i.am is not inspired by Japan.