#makinero

Round 1, Match 49 — Amekaji vs. Bakala

Amekaji (アメカジ), a portmanteau of "American casual," is a substyle of Japanese Gyaru fashion that was popular during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The aesthetic is an energetic and exaggerated interpretation of American West Coast streetwear, drawing heavily from surf, skate, and hip-hop culture. The look is defined by its use of bright, bold colors, extensive layering, and a focus on prominent brand logos. A typical Amekaji outfit might consist of an oversized hoodie, a puffer vest, flared pants or a mini skirt, and Ugg-style boots. The style was popularized by brands like COCOLULU and ALBA ROSA and was heavily featured in Gyaru magazines like egg. Like other Gyaru substyles, the clothing is complemented by tanned skin, dramatic makeup, and styled, often bleached, hair.

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Bakala (often used interchangeably with Makinero) is a Spanish youth subculture that emerged in the late 1980s and flourished throughout the 1990s. It refers to the primary demographic of the Ruta Destroy (or Ruta del Bakalao), a massive nightlife phenomenon centered in Valencia that involved partying in macro-discotheques for 72 hours continuously. The aesthetic is characterized by a "hard" appearance influenced by Gabber and Skinhead fashion, a devotion to high-BPM electronic music (Mákina and Hardcore), and a specific grooming style known as the "Cenicero" (Ashtray) cut.