Tokyo Fashion Trends

One of the things that drew me most about making Japan the country of my choice for the Ted Baker brief was the visual culture of Japan, in particular the fashion culture. I already know of several brands that are unique and now famous worldwide but founded in Japan with their unique style and vibe, it's one of things that draws me towards Japan the most. Especially the rise of prominent street-wear brands such as A Bathing Ape being based in Tokyo.

This is a pretty interesting article on http://tokyofashion.com/brands/ which outlines the rise of Japanese fashion and prominent players within separate fashion subcultures.

Notes:

Cornerstone Brands

• Japanese fashion really burst onto the scene with iconic and innovative designers such as Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Misake and Comme Des Garcons. The world had never really seen anything like it. Iconic use of single colours by Yohji and Misake with clean lines throughout the 80s, 90s and 00s.

Japanese Street Fashion

• Street fashion is very popular and huge in Japan, with world leading brands formed out of Tokyo, such as A Bathing Ape, Billionaire Boys Club, partnership between Nigo and Pharrel Williams. Onitsuka Tiger been around since the 50s and famously used in Kill Bill, example of Japanese fashion in western media.
• Graniph are another streetwear brand big on screenprinted t-shirts
• Harajuku and Shibuya are districts within Tokyo with their own unique style and pioneers.
• W(Taps) started and operated by Harajuku fashion pioneer Tetsu Nishiyima, integrates military desin and street style, with bags and denim. Popular throughout Harajuku and Tokyo.
• KIKS TYO is a recent success for streetwear. Started and designed by Japanese icon Shinichi Izaki, producing streetwear and shoes.
• Sneaker Love project, integrates fashion and photography 

High End and Style-centric

• N.Hoolywood combines a western, more upper class style by taking old concepts such as overcoats and tuxedos and reworking with modern flair and Japanese aesthetics. Clean cut clothing, possible Ted Baker competitor?
• Satoru Tanaka taking something people already know and reworking. European menswear is very popular target for these designers.
• Cecil McBee - clothing designers for women in early 20s and 30s - same age group as Ted Baker.
• Samantha Thavasa - quickly become famous for handbag designs and international celebrity promoton, such as Paris Hilton, Beyonce and Victoria Beckham. Lower price point than many European designs made them popular in Japan and International community.

Fringe Tokyo Styles

• Outrageous styles what many people think of when thinking of Japan.
• Gothic-Lolita brands, such as Angelic Pretty, h.Naoto
• Punk styles, denim companies such as Studio d'Artisan, Skull Jeans, Diet Butcher Slim Skin- combining slim fits and 70s fashion with modern developments. 
• Sex Pot Revenge - everything from bags to jacket, band inspired t-shirts and clothing