Gurokawa

Gurokawa describes a fashion and aesthetic trend that combines grotesque elements with the kawaii culture.

It is often confused with the Yami Kawaii trend, which revolves about cute medical and dark themes, but Gurokawa has more of a horror theme to it and is rarely in pastels.

The Name[]

The name gurokawa (グロカワ) takes "guro" (グロ) from "grotesque", and "kawa" (カワ) from "kawaii", the japanese word for cute, pretty or small.

Style Basics[]

The style revolves around horror and gore, with a goth or pastel spin to it. Outfits are usually very casual with a focus on prints, and often feature eyeballs and other human body parts as accessories. Fake blood is commonly used not only for the clothes, but also parts of the make-up. ^[1]

Eyeballs[]

Eyeballs as motifs and accessories are popular within the gurokawa fashion and other similar fashions such as decora. Popularised by music and fashion icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who often features them in her outfits and music videos. Eyeballs can be seen on prints, hair accessories, and jewelery. ^[2]