Gyaru pronounced [ɡʲa̠ꜜɾɯ̟ᵝ], is a Japanese fashion subculture. The term gyaru is a Japanese transliteration of the English slang word gal. The initial meaning as a Japanese slang word during the Showa era was similar to the English meaning and referred to a young woman in her late teens to twenties. In the early Showa period, the term Gyaru was also used in a mocking manner towards young women with a "frivolous" lifestyle.
A photo shooting featuring Shibuya style Gyarus with both pale and tan skin at Ikebukuro in 2009
Shibuya 109 in 2006
An example of a Kogal with hair and makeup typical for the mid to late 1990s. This type also falls under Ganguro due to the strong tan.
Examples of a Yamanba and Gyaru during the early 2000s
Japanese street fashion refers to a number of styles of contemporary modern clothing in Japan. Created from a mix of both local and foreign fashion brands, Japanese street fashions tend to have their own distinctive style, with some considered to be extreme and imaginations, with similarities to the haute couture styles seen on European catwalks.
Comme des Garçons garments on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Sweet Lolita
Gyaru being photographed in Ikebukuro in 2009
Two ganguro girls in Tokyo, April 2008