Tokyo streets
Hi, you’ve already heard about me from Ducky, but I’d like to tell you something more about my job. I’ll try to explain how projects and ideas take shape and become Mandarina Duck’s products. We’ll talk about trends and about my favorite places for shopping around the world.
There are no city squares in Tokyo. Shibuya, however, is the exception as there is something that resembles a square in front of the railway station. This area is populated by trees and Hachiko. Or rather by a statue of this famous, faithful dog. In my mind, Hachiko has become the symbol of one of the most trendy districts of Tokyo, where it’s rare to find people over the age of 25.
My work has taken me to Tokyo, London and Paris, where I have strolled along the city streets and come to love the spontaneity and informality of Japanese style.
It’s very easy to see that Shibuya street style is casual and irreverent. The “Layered Style” - wearing a mix of various styles and garments in layers to create a unique look - was born here.
This is the look worn by moga [modern girls]. You can find them on the move in the most fashionable districts, such as Harajuku, Aoyama, Shiubya, Shinjuku and Daikanyama.
My research trips are an endless source of ideas to feed into our concept meetings.
When in Shibuya, you must stop at Tokyu Hands Creative Life store. It’s a seven storey “do it yourself” department store.
Harajuku district amazes me with its labyrinth of narrow streets and collection of shops. Harajuku girls are famous all over the world and were immortalized in a song by Gwen Stefani.
They have a fun way of mixing different styles and garments, such as traditional Japanese costumes with brand name clothing.
The myriad of colours and shapes of sneakers sold in street shops there are almost indescribable.
My shopping list is not complete without Porter Tokyo and Beams, the “time mirror”, where new Japanese and international brand names and fashion trends are transformed into everyday life.
See you soon, from the next city with some new suggestion for shopping and trends.
Technorati Tags: Tokyo, Shibuya, Harajuku girls, style, travel, fashion, Roberto Mineo
