Fairy-tale beginnings
RED Valentino, an affordable offshoot line of the Italian couture label, has launched its first flagship shop in Tokyo's Aoyama district. Behind the modern glass-fronted exterior, wall-length oval "Snow White" mirrors, iron castle-like door handles and vintage memento boxes are matched with 21st-century acrylic floors and a giant LED video screen — it's a techno-princess dream world. Even the dressing rooms — which are spacious, bright and furnished with quilted vinyl chairs — are fashioned like a bedroom from a futuristic fairy tale.
The clothes are in the same vein: ruffles, endless tones of pink and bows abound. An original jacket and skirt made from paper nylon, detailed with tuxedo tucks and lace trimming, was a standout among the offerings. Prominently displayed in the front windows is a point d'esprit pinklace dress, an Aoyama store exclusive, available for ¥111,300.