Visual Kei is a Japanese music movement and subculture that has been popular since the 1980 ’ s . The artists wear makeup , have elaborate hairstyles and costumes , usually coupled with androgynous aesthetics . Visual Kei began in the mid-1980 ’ s , with bands such as X JAPAN , D ’ ERLANGER and COLOR . Inspired by the punk , glam metal , and gothic rock movements , the first wave of bands put emphasis on shocking visuals , often done through elaborate stage performances , eccentric hairstyles , and flamboyant attire , traits that would become staples of the entire movement . Visual Kei artists are easily identified by their outward appearance , consisting of shaggy or spiky anime-esque hair , gothic or punk-inspired attire , makeup , and accessories , traits that form the basis of the archetypal VK look . However , like the music , the style has no limits . Visual kei fashion draws influence from a wide variety of well-established fashion styles and can range from the subtle to the extreme . Visual kei fashion is characterized by individuality , aesthetic appeal and different clothing combinations . Visual kei fashion is based around an ecletic fusion of rock , punk , metal , and contemporary fashion , however , there are very few , if no rules or limits at all , as to what visual kei artists can wear , and it is very common among the subculture for artists to experiment with different fashion styles . Common outfit choices include vests , formal suits , skinny jeans , jackets , capes , and coats . Bondage gear and leather clothes are popular choices as well . Some bands , wear anime-inspired attire , even going as far as wearing costumes . Visual kei puts a huge empasis on artistic freedom , shock value , and metrosexual aesthetics . It is a unisex style , and as such , many artists opt for an androgynous look , which adds shock value and fan appeal . Male artists in visual kei
often have lean , slender figures to fit the demands of the style , and it is not uncommon for male artists to adopt a semi-feminine appearance , complete with long , stylish hair and feminine-looking attire . It is quite popular among visual kei artists to cross-dress or take an entirely feminine appearance , with examples like HIZAKI and the late Jasmine You of Versailles , Mana of Moi Dix Mois ( ex-MALICE MIZER ), Isshiki Hiyori of Kiryu and , formerly , Toshiya and Shinya of Dir en grey . On the other end of the spectrum , VK bands such as The GazettE opt for more aggressive stylings , characterized by dark , BDSM-inspired clothing , spiky hair , pale / natural-looking makeup and a more punk / metal image .
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