In New York City, Blessed Pudding uses Decora as a form of wearable storytelling. Pudding turns color, memory, and personal meaning into everyday expression. As part of TEN TEN NYC Magazine, he helps document and nurture the city’s growing Decora and Kawaii community. This interview is a reflection on discovering Decora through Japanese pop rock, Oshare Kei, and the pages of FRUITS, tracing those influences back to the street style culture of Harajuku and forward into a joyful, deeply personal life in color.
DC: How did you find the Decora community?
BP: When I was about 16, I discovered Japanese pop rock, where they would dress in a style called “Oshare Kei” and from there I would look up pictures online through Google or Pinterest – all different colorful looks. Then I came across scans of a Magazine called FRUITS, where I learned about Harajuku and the many styles that fell under that umbrella. One of them got my attention immediately – Decora.
DC: What part of Decora’s early Harajuku history resonates most with you?
BP: When I found Decora, I saw all these cute, bright and colorful things! It immediately made me want to try the style! I was already dressing colorfully at that point, but this style in particular really called to me. You could wear all of your favorite things and be bright and colorful, while still calling it a style. I loved how DIY the whole style was, and how creative you could get with it. How you could wear your favorite plushie, toy, or whatever you want!
DC: In what ways does your style function as wearable art or storytelling?
BP: I love how you can create your own accessories with whatever you want. A lot of this style is very personal, it’s all the things you love thrown into one look! You can tell what kind of person I am just by looking at the things I’m wearing!
DC: How has the Decora community shaped your life?
BP: Since moving to New York I have created my own Decora community and I’ve found incredible life long friendships. We all truly understand each other and have similar interests. I’m not alone anymore and I feel seen. I am incredibly blessed to have a community I feel absolutely comfortable in, a safe space where I can be myself and where I can constantly be inspired.
BP: What ideas or values do you hope people understand when they see your style?
DC: I hope that people see me and realize that life doesn’t have to be serious, and remind people, and myself, that life can be fun and silly! Decora really keeps me grounded in so many ways. It sparks joy in others simply by looking at me. Maybe I’m wearing something that reminds them of their childhood and it brings a sense of comfort, or it’s reminiscent of simpler times. In a world where everyone is glued to their phones, where people rarely start up a conversation with a stranger, I could simply pass by them on the street and say a thousand words without actually saying anything.