Candy Couture

I'm super excited about today's spotlight! We are talking to Candy aka @xxCandyCouturexx. She is a fashion designer, stylist and a Gyaru enthusiast. If you haven't heard of Gyaru it is a fashion subculture that emerged in Japan in the 90s. It includes dramatic makeup, big hair and colorful clothes. There is also different substyles of Gyaru so there is so much inspiration to delve into.

Childhood photo of Candy

What I love most about Candy's take on Gyaru is how she mixes her indigenous style along with it. "My family is de pueblos originarios in Tehuantepec & Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca. After living with family in Mexico in my teens, I developed an intense passion for my roots. Being able to live in my family’s pueblo surrounded by loved ones, community, and connecting with the culture had inspired me."

I was super curious to hear about how she got into Gyaru style and it turns out she has always been into alternative fashion. "One of my favorite scene queens on Instagram at the time had mentioned Gyaru which led me down the rabbit hole and to this day, I’ve never found a style that completes me more." I totally picked up on the scene vibes with her style, especially with Candy's colorful hairstyles. I also asked Candy what Gyaru brands she likes to shop for she suggested brands like Skinny Lip, D.I.A, Lip Service, and Alba Rosa. I'm hyped to do a deep dive on those later. 

"Showing pride for my Oaxacan heritage while also still being true to my self expression was what had me blending the two. What I love about Gyaru is that it rebels against colonial beauty standards and embraces dark skin. It’s the perfect subculture for those who are unapologetically themselves despite living in a time where people like us are made to feel inferior."

Candy between two models wearing her designs

Do you have other Latinas in your life who share your love for Gyaru or kawaii style? It often feels like we’re a bit scattered around the world.

Where I grew up, it was definitely hard finding others and it wasn’t until I started stepping into the underground rave scene that I continue finding other Latines who love kawaii styles. It really is challenging when you don’t know where to start but once you find them, it’s heart warming for sure.

What else has inspired your style?

My older siblings were my biggest inspiration growing up in the early 2000s. I was 13 when my oldest brother took me to my first warped tour. He was emo and loved anime which influenced my own interest. I was binge watching anime back to back while also pirating my favorite band’s music on my tablet. My 2nd older brother and I were also into cosplay at this time, always finding inspo on tumblr which introduced us to harajuku fashion and I think that’s how my spark for my style really came to be.

What has your experience been like being a part of the online gyaru community?

It has been so sweet connecting with others online especially fellow brown gals! Building that community and supporting each other is extremely meaningful to me. I think it’s important that we show love and kindness to one another. I know a lot of drama can go down in some parts but I think that just further proves the significance of finding others who understand the importance of community.

Huge thanks to Candy for letting me pick your brain. Your unapologetic self expression is so inspiring! <3 You can keep up with Candy on Instagram & TikTok for future brand updates as well as Depop @CandyCouturee for pre-loved kawaii fashion pieces. You can also reach out to her to book styling services.