TOKYO CALLING

Over the last decade, fashion has taken on a more global perspective. Travel and the internet have given unprecedented access to brands that appeal to diverse tastes — whether street style or quiet luxury is more your speed. Japan has long established itself as not only Asia’s hub of all things fashionable — from luxury houses to independent brands — but has also redefined our opinions about the way we dress, and what to do about it. Less cookie-cutter, and more sartorial plot twist.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to get you through a fashionable jaunt through Japan.

Let’s start with the basics. Literally! In what could be everyone’s go-to, Uniqlo tops the list for easy pieces that go with everything. What is interesting is that the brand is stepping up their game with more on-trend pieces in their new collections. And possibly more, given the Uniqlo’s largest store is right along Ginza. Muji is another favorite, which can be described as basics giant’s minimalist cousin. Gu comes in with more seasonal pieces that appeal to a hipper, but still chill, aesthetic. Pushing utilitarian fashion up a few notches is Sacai, founded by designer Chitose Abe in 1999. With a razor-sharp focus on tailoring, the brand has a cult following, owed in part to its deconstructed trench coats, and androgynous silhouettes.

Japanese streetwear brands are an interesting study in contrast, as they walk in parallel lines with each other. On one end, you have A Bathing Ape (BAPE), founded in 1993, which has become a favorite by celebrities from Hollywood to Manila. Considered one of the pioneers in this space, they have made joggers and hoodies chic even for a night out on the town. Another brand to look out for is And Wander, by designers Keita Ikeuchi and Mihoko Mori, serving up a refined and rugged aesthetic. Think hiking gear, but hitting that sweet spot between form and function, thanks to precise pattern work and use of technical fabrics.

Of course, one cannot talk about Japanese fashion without paying homage to the great designers who have not only shaped the local scene but have made waves all over the world. Who can forget Issey Miyake’s Pleats Please — a collection of timeless pleated pieces that is must-have in every stylish woman’s closet with its time. Yohji Yamamoto is another groundbreaking designer who has hit high marks with his signature draping as well as his always-coveted Y3 collaboration with Adidas. Junya Watanabe, who trained under Comme de Garçon’s Rei Kawakubo, has made a name for himself via garments that are inspired by architecture, presented in layering and non-traditional textiles. His reputation has led to design collabs with the likes of New Balance, Loewe, and Converse, to name a few. And if Watanabe is on this list, so must Comme des Garçon, which Kawakubo has transformed into one of the most innovative design houses to come out of Japan. Founded in 1969, he has become known for his avant-garde pieces that mimic works of art. Now the only question is, are you brave enough to put it on?

Lucky for us, Asia’s fashion hub is just over a three-hour flight away. Should you feel the urge to go a for sartorial walk on both the wild and subtle side, they’ve got you covered. Even vintage girlies will find more than a gem or two along Tokyo’s hidden alleyways. Just remember, fashion is really all about emotion, and Japan is serving up all the feels. Keep an open mind, take your time to browse, then dive in and give your credit card a really good workout.