[FASHION][JAPAN] The “Happy Face” re-emerges

Daily Yomiuri reported, “The little yellow happy face that was all the rage in the 1970s is back, and surprisingly, without any irony.”

“The latest incarnations of the beaming icon take inspiration from smiley-face emoticons that can often be found used by young people on blogs and e-mail.”

“Such faces have been altered to convey feelings and sentiments other than simply “Be happy!” Some have crosses or stars for eyes, while others have their tongues sticking out.”

“Don’t think the symbol has been relegated to lower-tier designers. Major brands such as Italy’s Moschino Cheap & Chic, have added sketches of happy faces to skirts and T-shirts from their spring/summer line. Popular New York label 3.1 Phillip Lim, too, has printed a crimson-lipped smiley on one of its shirts.”

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