Harajuku Lovers is singer Gwen Stefani’s brand of apparel, fashion accessories, and stationery launched in 2005. The concept for Harajuku Lovers revolves around the Shibuya, Tokyo area of Harajuku and the four “Harajuku Girls,” Gwen Stefani’s Japanese back-up dancers and entourage (Love, Angel, Music, and Baby).

Unlike Stefani’s other fashion line, L.A.M.B., launched in 2004, which aimed for a more mainstream demographic; Harajuku Lovers instead tends to focus specifically on ‘Kawaiiness’ made famous by the streets of Harajuku in Japan. Kawaii depictions of Stefani and her dancers are common features of the products as is the kanji 原宿 (Harajuku) logo.

I was thrilled when Harajuku Lovers first came out. Gwen Stefani totally succeeded in capturing the Harajuku style, which was big all over Asia, especially in the late 90s. All the school girls grew up trying to mimic the Harajuku style of Tokyo. It’s interesting how that caught on so late in the U.S.

I especially love their watches.

Since then, Harajuku Lovers has become a major brand carried in most high-end urban clothing stores, and is worn by stars such as Teri Hatcher, Nicole Kidman, Ciara and more.