Hikaru Skirt Launches Crowdfunding Project in Japan

Kiyoyuki Amano, the designer of the sensual LED mini skirt Hikaru Skirt, has kicked off a crowdfunding project for the skirt on Japanese crowdfunding platform Makuake.

A model posing in the Hikaru Skirt. (All photos courtesy of Kiyoyuki Amano via Mukuake)

The dress first caught media attention in Asia in late January this year. Its special lighting effects on a girl’s "zettai ryoiki" or also known as "absolute territory" (area between where the girl's skirt ends and her stockings) walks the fine line between fashion and fetishism.

The skirt has made an appearance in six member Japanese JPop idol group Moso Calibration’s music video, with members of the group dressed up in colorful Hikaru Skirt costumes. According to a report from Anime Newsnetwork, the group has performed in the dresses on May 15 at Mōsō Fantasia event.

Designers Amano and Miyabi stated on the crowdfunding webpage the dress was designed with the intent of being cute and unique, but at the same time comfortable enough to wear on a daily basis. Amano hopes to see people wear the dress in Tokyo’s fashion conscious Shibuya or Harajuku districts.

The colors of the dress can be controlled using a smartphone.

A smartphone can be used to control the skirt’s colors.

Supporters of the campaign will receive a thank you letter from the design team if they opt for the 1,000 Japanese Yen package, while those donating 18,000 Japanese yen will receive the skirt in October. Those donating 23,000 Japanese yen will receive both skirt and vest. So far the team has received 385,000 Japanese yen out of its goal of 3.9 million Japanese yen.

The dress from different angles and colors.