On a table lay a display of Stefani’s signature scent “L”. Sales associates, wearing specially designed L.A.M.B. cheetah print coats, passed out “L” samples to everyone waiting. At around three-thirty the girls arrived, eager to meet the fans and looking bishoujo vogue in their outfits with their Stefani-given monikers emblazoned on their caped sweaters. Angel, who is currently on tour with Madonna, was not able to attend due to illness. Nevertheless, Love, Music and Baby participated in each signing and stayed until each and every fan had the chance to get an autograph. They smiled, posed for pictures, and genuinely enjoyed engaging with the fans. As adolescent girls stood in line with their mothers, it was evident that this was a bonding experience, something that they can enjoy together and fashion that they can both appreciate.

Despite the excitement and enthusiasm that this line has created amongst its fans, there has been some dispute over what this line represents on a cultural level. There was controversy surrounding Stefani’s Harajuku Girls amidst the release of Love, Angel, Music, Baby. Stefani had been accused of being an Orientalist by her use of these Asian girls in her videos, stage shows and now her Harajuku Lovers line.

One must guffaw at such claims. It seems counterproductive to criticize something that was intended to shed positive light on another culture, and to accuse Stefani of the very thing that she is so vehemently against – racism. It does make one wonder if her accusers were speaking of the same Stefani who sang the empowering lyrics against sexism and racism on “I’m Just a Girl” and “Long Way to Go.” It is well documented that Stefani has been vocal about the need to end sexism and racism and other global issues, as all fans know. Harajuku Lovers has been successful in part to America’s open embrace of what it represents: another culture and freedom of creative expression. The line has credited the Japanese culture for its contributions to the world of fashion. And four years after its launch, it is well on its way to do more of the same. Super Kawaii.