So, those of you who’ve followed our blog for more than about 10 seconds have probably heard me talk about ‘MODE-kei,’ and so you’ve probably asked yourself, what IS MODE-kei? Well, allow me to tell you about this wonderful and under-appreciated sub-style.
The Beginning of MODE
Originally, the word ‘MODE-kei’ came from the French term ‘A la Mode’ (and also the fashion magazine ‘MODE.’) The style was all about following the latest fashion trends as closely as possible, usually involving buying only designer brands or imitations. Likewise for hair and make-up, it would change seasonally depending on what was ‘in’ at the time.
Colour-wise, one could go for one of two options:
- A simple monochromatic black and white look in order to create a distinctive silhouette; or
- A polychromatic look made up of a combination of flashy patterns and decorative clothing, but still giving the impression of being well calculated
People who wore this style were often referred to as ‘hitoriaruki’ (lit: walking alone) as they often stood out in a crowd: the aim of MODE-kei. (And its for the same reason that ‘MODE-kei’ is usually capitalized - to stand out.) But one problem people found is that, since fashion was always changing, MODE-kei was sometimes hard to keep up with and unaffordable, and it was also hard to ‘define’ what MODE-kei was.
Modern Day MODE
As time has gone by, the style has evolved to make it more affordable and ‘personal’ so to speak. Rather than following the latest fashion trend, the style now focuses on ‘looking’ as though it was put together by the world’s best designers. Every outfit is meant to be calculated, but also flashy and eye-catching to give the appearance of being ‘expensive’.
Since it no longer focuses on fashion trends, MODE-kei is now a much more flexible style and is usually mixed with other j-fashions. A MODE-kei wearer can look like a host one day, an idol the day after and a j-rocker the next; there’s no limits to the diversity.
(Nowadays you may also hear MODE-kei being referred to as a ‘Korean-ish’ style as its very popular amongst Koreans above the age of 20.)
What MODE-kei isn’t
So MODE-kei is meant to stand out, ‘look’ expensive, but is also compatible with most other styles…. so what’sNOT MODE-kei?
Well, to be honest that’s hard to say. There’s no concrete rules for what MODE-kei is/isn’t, but here are some key points:
- MODE-kei is about looking calculated. Meaning every item and/or accessory should be specifically selected, every strand of hair should be neatly placed. The outfit you’re wearing was supposed to be ‘designed' not just whatever you found on the floor in your wardrobe.
- Although slightly lenient, the original rules on colours still remain, most MODE-kei wearers nowadays stick to black-and-white or black-and-X so as not to get lost/mixed in amongst the many much more colourful j-fashions around today
- MODE-kei is a style to wear with confidence,
excuse me French,but you have to believe you look likethe shit, otherwise you’re just going to blend in like everyone else. - If you’re not standing out, you’re not doing it right.
My Style:: Monochrome MODE
I got interested in MODE since before I even started dansou, I didn’t care much for following trends but rather creating them, and I loved to stand out. I take most of my inspiration for MODE from idol’s stage outfits and also runway outfits or editorial photos in fashion magazines. I don’t have any specific ‘role models’ but if I had to pick I would say Kim Jaejung from (JYJ of) DBSK, he has an air around him that makes people want to stop and stare and that’s what MODE is all about.
Personally, I’m not a fan of bright colours or patterns (with the exception of horizontal stripes <3) so I always wear the ever popular black and white colour combination. However, if I do wear colours (usually blue) I do still keep it monochromatic.
My most eye catching feature about my look is my grey wig, its a colour people are not usually used to seeing, so its always interesting when I get on the bus and someone has a good long stare at me or when someone asks me ‘why grey?’ Anyway, I won’t bore you any longer, if you’re interested in more my style, read the 'About Hanzel Han' page or leave me a question in the comments.
Nevertheless, this has been my introduction to MODE-kei, I hope I’ve given you a better idea of what it is, so next time you hear someone mention it, you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about, and you might even decide to give it a go too~
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