Avant-garde, anime fashion fills Harajuku

By Ray Bartlett, Special for USA TODAY TOKYO — It's easy to watch pop-idol and No Doubt lead singer Gwen Stefani and think her innovative outfits — from zebra-striped jumpsuits to demure, 1950s-style throwbacks — and new fashion line, L.A.M.B (Love. Angel. Music. Baby.) come from inspirations all her own.

But many of her flourishes are straight out of one famous Japanese neighborhood, Harajuku. Tokyo's hippest teen and twentysomething hangout district has long been known among locals for its shoppers' outlandish outfits.