From the Rococo daydreams in Kamikaze Girls to the infamous pirate outfit in Gankutsuou, Japanese culture has always been enamored with the ornate 17th, 18th, and 19th century fashions and aesthetic of European culture. Ranging from the days of the raffuru, a European style pleated and starched ruff, western fashions have fascinated and inspired Japanese designers and artists. Take a look at why this might be and discuss some of your favorite examples.