CALLING THEMSELVES the 'rainbow squad', this group of colourful individuals in Paris became friends after sharing the same passion for the Japanese alternative fashion. Coco, one member of the rainbow squad, said: "Wearing decora fashion makes me express that weirdness that's inside of me." Covered in bright and shiny accessories from head to toe, they certainly turn heads and catch everyone's attention wherever they go. But the attention isn't always pleasant - the group said that people often take photos of them without asking for permission or get defensive if they refuse to be photographed. Qween Emi said some of the judgement she has received comes from her own community, with people accusing her of 'acting white' and 'not being a real black person'. "I think most of the time it is racism, the problem with me," she added. Although their fashion isn't appreciated by everyone, the group is proud of being their authentic selves. "We just embrace our weirdness and our creativity. It's not cultural appropriation, no."
Follow Asbel: https://www.instagram.com/asbel.lab/
Follow Qween Emi: https://www.instagram.com/qween.emi
Follow Coco: https://www.instagram.com/cocoslo_whiterabbit/
Follow Rehab: https://www.instagram.com/notmith/
Follow Elsa: https://www.instagram.com/elsaazulejos/
With thanks to Princess Crepe: https://www.instagram.com/princesscrepe.fr/