Hi Cuties!!π
Thank you so much for visiting my blog!!
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Today I want to talk about one of the newest, and cutest styles, gaining popularity in Tokyo, and online; Tenshi Kaiwai... or is it actually Mizuiro?π
In this post, I will break down what it is, how it started, where to shop for the look, and who to follow to see more!
<3
So, let's get started!!
(Hint: Click brand names to visit their sites, click usernames to visit their profile)
First, what is Tenshi Kaiwai? (kaiwai NOT kawaii) I see a lot of people say the style is just "wearing blue and white" which at one point was sort of true, but we all know that this style is sooo much more than that now... right? Tenshi Kaiwai is primarily found in white and blue, due to its origin. However, recently it is becoming popular to see pink/white, purple/white and even sometimes black/white combos. But like I said, it has evolved into much more than just color pallet, so let's dig deeper. Tenshi 倩使 means Angel and Kaiwai ηι means Neighborhood, or Community. The name originated from a hashtag started by an online magazine called Tenshi Zyoshi, who focused mostly on Mizuiro aesthetic. To understand how we got to where we are today, lets also take a look at Mizuiro aesthetic. Mizuiro ζ°΄θ² means "color of water" (ζ°΄ mizu- water θ² iro-color) This style is obviously known for always incorporating blue, the water color, but the pallet is quite inclusive, adding blues all the way from greenish teal to a purplish periwinkle. Color isn't the only thing notable about this fashion. it's also associated with a "slightly pessimistic", moody aura, baggy clothing, gloomy vibes, Sanrio imagery (specifically cinnamoroll), a "burnt out" feeling, and even has ties to the gamer and otaku culture as well. The overall aesthetics of Mizuiro are a little different to what we know as Tenshi Kaiwai today, like two sides to the same coin. They both have a lot of the same visuals present, like the Sanrio characters, jersey maid outfits, cyber visuals, and over all cozy gamer vibe. Personally, I feel that Tenshi is a subgenre of Mizuiro, seeing Mizuiro as an umbrella that Tenshi fits under. Though it seems that much of the English-speaking community disagrees.
(It was at this point, dear reader, that the writer realized this topic is much bigger than she expected. She became very concerned about upsetting people and causing outrage, so after she took a step back and... several hours ... days, no! WEEKS!! NOW MONTHS!!! of research, pages of note taking, interviewing people who are in the fashion scene, and LOTS of caffeine later, she is much more educated and informed, and now she will continue this article... I started this in October... It’s mid-February. oops)
The Tenshi Kaiwai (倩使ηι) hashtag started as a way to bring Tenshi Zyoshi magazine fans together. It all started as a call for all fans of Mizuiro to gather and find each other, and as the name says, have a community. The hashtag has since been taken over and used as the name for the emerging evolution of fashion. Tenshi Kaiwai is absolutely not separate from Mizuiro, it could never be, but it has branched off to become its own substyle. It has its own staple look and unique features.
Nothing stays the same, the world is constantly progressing and changing. I feel like fashion is the biggest, clearest example of that. Tenshi is the newest development of metamorphosis in the jfashion world, and I think its time we recognize that.
It's been said online that Japanese people "do not use 'Tenshi Kaiwai', and they don't recognize it as its own style, its only seen as Mizuiro!" but I feel that perspective might be a bit Tokyo/city centered, as all the fashion girlies I've met in the inaka know about it, recognize it, and enjoy it as its own thing. Even Tokyo based insta girlies use Tenshi Kaiwai as a way to describe their style in their bios, to differentiate from the standard Mizuiro. I think it might come down to online community. I tend to find that some of western "spokes people" of jfashion only take a select few Japanese people's opinions on something and say that's how the whole of the Japanese jfashion community feels. I don't think we should be so quick to generalize and assume! We are all wrong sometimes, and times change, style grows and evolves.
So, with all that being said, lets break down the key components of this style and how you can dress for this aesthetic.
COLORS- I think it's very obvious, with what was said above, that white/blue is the most classic pallet, but I think recently any combo is fine as long as the color is cool toned pastel paired with white (the exception being black and white/blue combo)
Clothes & Styling- Lets just lay out some of the notable features of these clothes before we get into how to style it.
One of the most noticeable things to me is the oversized fit of everything! Think Billie Eilish amounts of oversized and baggy! Of course it's not necessary, but its def a classic way to style it.
I also love the amount of ruffles! Everything has ruffles, where other styles might have added lace.
I think some key elements for styling Tenshi Kaiwai are a little subtle. Small "lazy" things, maybe choose some crocks over platforms, or maybe dress all in jersey material with baggy shorts. An iconic look is the sport jersey hoodie dress. Sporty, but in a cute, cozy way.
The look gives a laid-back feeling, so comfort is expected, the more oversized, the cuter it gets. Long sleeves that go over your hands, loose fitted shirts, with matching sporty shorts, or cute ruffle skirts.
But don't be fooled, there are also ways to dress it up, and break out of the casual vibe, making it have less of that lazy feeling, but keeping the overall vibe of the style. Adding an apron to bring in the waist in, layering, or maybe using fluffy bloomers instead of shorts are all ways to bring it together to keep the aesthetic but with slightly different vibe. There are many one pieces (γ―γ³γγΌγΉ/Dress or overalls) that seem almost maid like that are very cute for this fashion. But the sailor look is probably the most classic. Seemingly obvious, a lot of the jfashion world goes back to a sailor inspired style, and Tenshi is not an exception. Truly giving magical girl!! With less lace, and a sportier material, these sets really do stick out as their own thing, serving cuteness and comfort.
Lately there has been a lot more nurse imagery, which I think fits the style really well... however it does feel a tad reminiscent of Yami Kawaii... but I guess we'll just have to get into that in another blog...
Accessories- They really do make this fashion come to life. I think you can Tenshi Kaiwai-ify any pastel blue and white outfit with the right accessories!
A chunky bag or backpack with tons of dangling charms and pins, flared leg warmers, striped stockings, plushy keychains, buckles, cute bonnets, face masks and eyepatches are only a small example of how to really style Tenshi Kaiwai. There ALMOST isn't a limit, but I think at some point your outfit would be giving Decora π
If you're just starting out or exploring this fashion, I would recommend getting flared leg warmers and the iconic striped stockings for layering and variety.
Hair- A popular hairstyle for this fashion is a short bob, usually black, or cool toned white, sometimes with a pop of blue. A short mullet is also pretty common. but if you don't have the right texture for a straight bob, I think any hairstyle would work pretty well, honestly. Hair isn't the primary focus of the style, so you can fix it however you think suits the outfit!
Makeup- Here is where I feel that a lot of people cause misunderstandings. It's common for people to say, "in Japan you need pale skin for this fashion", which is a problematic issue on its own, but it absolutely DOES NOT mean you need WHITE skin. You do not have to have lighter skin at all to dress in this style, and it's not even necessarily preferred. I think a better wording would be "washed out" no matter your skin tones, the goal is to look drained of natural glowy color. Taking away a lot of the detention, Similar to a dolls face. Almost like you might have seen a ghost! I would describe the look as soft base makeup, simple contour, if any at all, and light blush. (heavy blush if your goal is to look more doll like) The focus is mostly on the eye makeup using cooler tones (usually white or pink) placing them under your eye with the goal of making your eyebags look puffy, adding glitter and shimmer as well. Eyeliner is usually a small wing, only on the top lid, complemented with lashes of your choice.
Lips are completely different per person but most of the time the colors fall close to a cool maroon or even a reddish purple, usually simi-sheer. but to be honest, facemasks are sooo popular in this style, I see more masks than lipstick colors.
I'd also like to add, please never feel bad or let ANYONE tell you that this fashion is only for pale or white people. anyone can enjoy Tenshi Kaiwai AND Mizuiro!! ANYONE!
If you're interested in this style, the next thing you need to know is where to shop for it! All of these brands also have an active social media presence, and post their new releases, and sometimes discount codes!
(Hint: Click brand names to visit their sites, click usernames to visit their profile)
ACDC RAG- You can find a variety of Tenshi Kaiwai clothes and accessories at this store, plus its new location has very cute photo spots (online and in person, sizing varies)
DearMyLove- Starting as a gyaru/Jirai/Ryosan shop, they are still a bit new to this style, but this brand has been releasing more and more items that would fit in any Tenshi lovers closet! (online only, VERY size inclusive See my >last blog< for more details about this brand)
MUMU- A new brand that was releasing Tenshi goods right from their debut. You can thank CapsuleBunny on Instagram for her wonderful designs. (online, pop up events in Tokyo occasionally)
NOEMIE- Though their selection is a bit limited, they have some very cute clothes and accessories for Tenshi Kaiwai! (In person and online shops, sizing is quite limited)
If you want to know who to follow for more Tenshi Kaiwai content, I've got you covered!
CapsuleBunny - YouTube, Instagram, and BlueSky- She is an online personality that is just the cutest! She posts fashion images and cute YouTube videos, from storytime to shop with me, you'll find something you love. She often goes live and is very interactive with her community. And as someone who knows her personally, I'll also add that she is super sweet irl and deserves all the love!
Nu_Ta__Dayo- Known for being THE OG Tenshi girlie, you can find her on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube! Often posting fashion photos and styling videos. Her videos are loved by many for her fun way of breaking down each component of her outfit! She posts for a Japanese audience so obvi all her posts will be in Japanese.
Kurage_15q_ - a moody and muted vibe in all of their posts, their feed is extremely satisfying to look through. Feeling almost nostalgia when scrolling.
Tenshi_Zyoshi- OBVIOUSLY this would be on the list!! You already know!
Aesthetic_Zyoshi_new - You can learn about lots of different jfashion styles and cultures through this profile!
Thank you so much for reading my blog! Hopefully you learned a little more about Tenshi Kaiwai and Mizuiro<3
Until next time, keep up the slay!
Fashionably yours,
Pookie
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