VISUAL KEI BY LUKE NUGENT
Recently MIRROR MIRROR received a shoot inspired by Visual Kei. The project explores the Japanese subculture and music genre of Visual Kei through the lens of a fashion story, presented here are a series of images depicting three fictional bands encapsulating different aesthetics in the world of Visual Kei.
From Left To Right) Dress – PAM HOGG, Headband and Cuffs – JIVOMIR DOMOUSTCHIEV, Sculptural Finger Tip Rings – ROHAN MIRZA, Dress – PAM HOGG, Shibari Harness – FIGURE OF A, Headpiece – JIVOMIR DOMOUSTCHIEV, Sculptural Finger Tip Rings – ROHAN MIRZA, Headpiece – KATZ LITTLE FACTORY by EKATERINA VIDEVA, Harness – INSATIABLE LUST, Ring – ANGOSTURA, Choker (Styled asBracelet) – HOUSE OF HARLOT, Sculptural Finger Tip Rings – ROHAN MIRZA
A movement birthed out of 1980s Japan, Visual Kei peaked in popularity during the mid 2000’s Myspace era, heavily influencing the emo, scene and pop punk subcultures of which we are seeing a resurgence of today - in both Gen Z music and fashion. Its contribution towards inspiring these generations should be neither underestimated or forgotten. Through largely androgynous fashion, and without being overtly camp, Visual Kei introduced Japan to a new breed of flamboyant, often sexually ambiguous bands that were almost exclusively male.
Headpiece, Gloves & Shoes – CLAUDIA GUSELLA Jumpsuit – LYNN LA YAUNG Latex Choker – INSATIABLE LUST Shibari Harness – FIGURE OF A Chain Garters – NATACHA MARRO Stylist’s Own Vintage Padlock Chain
The subculture served as an explicit way to shirk social conformity and explore individuality, with a general acceptance of androgyny within the movement itself. The explosive discussion on forums during the 90s and noughties about the bands’ ‘gender bending’ only added to their commercial success. Their controversial style came at a time when most people didn't possess the language around gender identity, and transgender awareness was nothing like it is today.
Headpiece, Gloves & Shoes – CLAUDIA GUSELLA Jumpsuit – LYNN LA YAUNG Latex Choker – INSATIABLE LUST Shibari Harness – FIGURE OF A Chain Garters – NATACHA MARRO Stylist’s Own Vintage Padlock Chain
Two camps of Visual Kei fandom formed - those who were encouraged by their musical idols to explore their gender identity and those adamant that the genre had absolutely nothing to do with gender or sexuality.
Ruffle Harness – COMME DES GARCONS X NOIR KEI NINOMIYA Chest Piece & Bracelets – JIVOMIR DOMOUSTCHIEV Star Duster Rings – KATZ LITTLE FACTORY BY EKATERINA VIDEVA Sculptural Nail Rings by ROHAN MIRZA Neck Ruffles (Styled as trousers) – ILARIA LEPORE Saddle Shoes & Bag – NATACHA MARRO
Photographer & Creative Director - Luke Nugent @lukenugentstudio Makeup Artist - Callista Thomas @callistalorian Makeup Assistant - Lara Weidman @bylaraweidmann Hair Stylist - Alex Sarghe @alexsarghe Nail Artist - Kezia Parkins @nailoccultist Stylist - Kay Altamira @kayaltamira Styling Assistant 1 - Sheila Mendes @sheimende Styling Assistant 2 - Sadie Davies - @sadie_davies Set Design - Luke Nugent @lukenugentstudio & Kay Altamira @kayaltamira Text/Story - Kazuma Hashimoto @justicekazzy
Models: Kairi - @kyrietkxr @ XDIRECTN Alan - @ufokink Haruhi - @uglyxxx Joe - @joejoden @ Phoenix Models
(From Left To Right) Latex Neck Piece – INSATIABLE LUST, Knitted Dress – HANA MINOWA, Bow-front Dress – CONNOR BAXTER, Latex Harness – HOUSE OF HARLOT, Trousers – ROHAN MIRZA, Lace Sleeves – CHRISTOPHER REID, Repurposed Model’s Own Silver Cross, Top – TOKYO JAMES, Jacket – JIVOMIR DOMOUSTCHIEV, Gloves – MING, Trousers – TEODORA MITROVSKA, Tulle Skirt – LAVANDA CONTRABANDA, Cross Choker – HOUSE OF HARLOT, Model’s Own Single Earring
Latex Neck Piece – INSATIABLE LUST Knitted Dress – HANA MINOWA Bow-front Dress – CONNOR BAXTER Model’s Own Repurposed Silver Cross
Top – TOKYO JAMES Jacket – JIVOMIR DOMOUSTCHIEV Gloves – MING Trousers – TEODORA MITROVSKA Tulle Skirt – LAVANDA CONTRABANDA Cross Choker – HOUSE OF HARLOT Flats – OLIVER FAIRHURST Model’s Own Single Earring
(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) Dress – PAM HOGG, Headband and Cuffs – JIVOMIR DOMOUSTCHIEV,, Fishnet Tights – PAMELA MANN, Boots – NEW ROCK, Sculptural Finger Tip Rings – ROHAN MIRZA, Dress – PAM HOGG, Shibari Harness – FIGURE OF A, Headpiece – JIVOMIR DOMOUSTCHIEV, Tights – FALKE, Split Toe Platforms – NATACHA MARRO, Sculptural Finger Tip Rings – ROHAN MIRZA, Headpiece – KATZ LITTLE FACTORY by EKATERINA VIDEVA, T-shirt – PAM HOGG, Harness – INSATIABLE LUST, Top (Styled as Corset) – RUBEN SELBY, Ring – ANGOSTURA, Choker (Styled as Bracelet) – HOUSE OF HARLOT, Trousers – ROHAN MIRZA, Western Shoes – NEW ROCK, Sculptural Finger Tip Rings – ROHAN MIRZA