When Japanese model-singer Tsubasa Masuwaka met the media at the Mandarin Orchard Singapore last Friday, she drew admiring gasps from a few of her doe-eyed lookalikes.
One was even close to tears when Masuwaka shook her hand.
The brouhaha was understandable. The 27-year-old is creator of the popular Japanese eyelash and eye make-up brand Dolly Wink and is considered the ultimate Gyaru icon whom many Asian girls model their looks after.
Gyaru is a rough translation of the word “gal” in Japanese. Girls dress up to look like Bambi-eyed manga characters with the help of gravity-defying fake eyelashes, iris-enhancing contact lenses, a generous amount of eyeliner, long blonde flowy hair courtesy of hair extensions or wigs and embellished nails.
The petite and cherubic-looking Masuwaka, who rose to fame in the Gyaru scene after modelling for Japanese fashion magazine Popteen, resembles a life-sized doll with her golden curly locks, rosy cheeks and pouty, “kissable” lips.
She was in town to judge the inaugural Shibuya Gals X Dolly Wink Lookalike Contest held at *Scape last Saturday, where 15 women aged between 17 and 28 competed to see who could best emulate Masuwaka’s looks. It was organised by Mandom Corporation Singapore, which distributes the Dolly Wink brand here, and eye make-up manufacturer Koji Honpo Japan.
The winner was 22-year-old physiotherapy student Kelly Tay, the one who was close to tears at the press conference. She impressed the judges with her angelic pastel pink get-up and bubbly personality.
She won an air ticket to Japan and $150 worth of Dolly Wink products.
Masuwaka, who was in Singapore for the first time, told Life! that she started wearing the Gyaru look when she was 16 or 17 years old.
Her style inspiration? Not a celebrity but Barbie the doll.
Read the full story.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.
Click on to find out more about the Jap star who takes style tips from Barbie herself, and other girls who aspire to be 'living dolls'.
