Ever found yourself wondering why the heck do these so called J-rock bands wear such weird costumes? And what the heck is this Visual-kei thing?...well, your questions have finally been answered!

The J-rock fashion trend known as Visual-Kei whose origins could be dated back to the
days of the legendary X [Japan] who could have been very well responsible for this.
The band took took inspired origins from American hair and heavy metal bands of the 80's.
Not only has these creative japanese artists borrowed hair and music inspiration but also
the more elaborate stage productions of the rock age in 1980.

Needless to say that J-rock is not bounded by the restraints of pure 1980 rock but a good
fusion of goth, punk, electric and even instrumental classics to form a rather appetizing recipe for music.
However, despite western influence in Japan, J-rock like it is in the western counterpart are not mainstream. Like music and fashion it had its own moments in the spotlight. Overshadowed by the world of Pop. -whats new, whats popular, whats in.

As if you have no noticed by now, most, but not all J-rock Bands follow a pattern
With each member taking on an assigned roel within the band, (this is most common with Visual Kei Bands)
with the ever popular and 'tradition' of one member among the all male band, there will be a certain person to take on the part of portraying themselves as a woman.

These visual kei fashion amazingly covers trends of everything rock
From punk to pure rock trends to full blown baroque periodic gowns all the way to unheard of fashion.
Subsequently pure emphasis on this would have been elegance, style and of course, decadence.

Such bands that can be named for best representation of this fashion,known to have legendary status'

Malice Mizer; pulling most of their inspirations from the 17th century era, from music and style
Members of this elaborate band has spanned clothing from Japanese military all the way to porcelained dolls dressed in clowns and gowns. With their image changing depending on the album's theme.
Founding member, Mana has always been recognized for founding this image known to many as the Elegant Gothic Lolita, despite this, his role as the porcelain doll has won him great attention and unspokened awards for being the best cross dresser in the history of J-rock.
He has astoundingly played this role extremely well to the point beyond recognition. With such roles in Garednia and Illuminati.

Shazna's Izam an Velvet Eden's Dada. These men unshamelessly swallowed their pride to reveal how music truly should have been portrayed. Style, elegance, beauty...decadence...

If you have not noticed by now, but most follower's of the Visual-kei field in and out of Japan have mostly been of the female gender.
As predominately each band/artist are compoesed of very gorgeous men.

References for visual kei fashion staples on such as the Elegant Gothic & Lolita Bibles

which contains patterns and a catalog in which you can order from. As well as special appearances by many J-rock artists from Psycho le Cemu's Aya to solo indies artist (former Due le quartz) Miyavi, as well as the resident founder of the lolita look, (ex-malice mizer) Moi Dix Moi's Mana with his line up from Moi-meme Moite
a collection of well designed clothing to fashionable accessories.

These elegant dresses and accessories can also be yours, via import at a great price.
Items imported directly from music magazines such as Shoxx and/or Arena 37c can range up to as high as $175-300+ within the U.S alone.

EGL items may cost far more than this,
Even such a simple dress carefully constructed can run to hundreds of dollars and may require massive maintenance.
But with the growing number of fans and with the help of their talented hants they themselves brew up one of the best designs or ones to closesly immitate its original counterpart, and at a much cheaper price.
sites such as e-bay, Cosplay.com (and more...) are one of the few who carry E.G.L items.
But be warned that most of these items are fan made and rarely are these items auctioned off with the trademarkings from E.G.L retailers (i.e: Alice Auaa, Aetlier-Pierrot)

Though the cost of all this may seem heavy on your pockets
but all is worth once you step out to venture the streets with such grace you cannot help but feel all eyes on you and the delicately sweet look on peoples faces.... simply priceless.