It’s no secret that throughout the last few decades a number of global fads and pop culture touchstones have originated in Japan. Hell, those damned Tagamochi are actually making a comeback. However, this article on Japanese pop culture is somewhat disturbing. Giant robots and oversized eyes as fashion statements and pop icons I can understand, but babies as fashion accessories? That’s just wrong.

So what’s all the rage at the planet’s ground zero for hip? Hang on to your Yves St. Laurent cell-phone straps, style victims — one of the latest fashion statements is … dogs and babies.

“At the beginning, dogs were like fashion accessories,” said Mr. Bizel, but “now they are accessorizing the dogs with more accessories, like clothes and bags.”

A reporter’s gaze was directed to a Chihuahua resplendent in Burberry.

Another precious pooch was being transported, like some prince in a royal palanquin, via Louis Vuitton dog carrier.

Babies are also wearing a lot of chic colors nowadays, Mr. Bizel noted. “They are like small dogs.”

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