Style & Design | ON: FASHION May 16, 2021
Kawaii, but make it subversive: Japan’s latest fashion is more than its frills
The country’s over-20s are embracing cute clothing in a subversive push against adulthood.
Samuel Thomas
Samuel Thomas is a fashion writer and lecturer at Bunka Gakuen University. He regularly contributes to The Japan Times, among other publications, and has his own site TokyoTelephone.com. He is currently pursuing his research in fashion at the University of Tokyo.
For Samuel Thomas's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Style & Design | ON: FASHION Apr 11, 2021
Pop culture paraphernalia is where fashion is at — if you can afford it
After many stores shut their doors last month, there’s now a pop culture-tinged positivity imbuing Japan’s fashion scene.
Style & Design | ON: FASHION Mar 13, 2021
Practical workwear bucks the trends and brands turn to digital talent
Utility wear brand Workman is enjoys rise in sales despite a downturn in the fashion industry. Meanwhile, Valentino and Wego sign on virtual celebrities to appeal to specific demographics.
Style & Design | ON: FASHION Feb 13, 2021
Japan’s fashion scene gets smaller in more ways than one
Boutique shops and small brands face closure, while beauty influencer Akiico steps up to promote petite sizes.
Style & Design | ON: FASHION Jan 9, 2021
Flashbacks and fantasy kick off Japan’s 2021 fashion scene
As department stores try to make up for a dismal 2020, recently released capsule collections turn to feel-good, nostalgic escapism.
Style & Design | ON: FASHION Dec 13, 2020
Made-to-order luxury for the 2020 holiday season
This season’s shopping trends? Artisanal gift wrapping and glamorous jewelry for you and your mask.
Style & Design | ON: FASHION Nov 15, 2020
Japanese fashion tackles the issues of the moment
From practical masks and saving sento culture to provocative commentary on gender, brands and designers find their moment.
Style & Design | ON: FASHION Oct 11, 2020
Tokyo’s fashion weeks kick off live (and with precautions)
It’s business as usual, save for sparse seating and masks. But the streaming options mean this is the most accessible these events have ever been.
Style & Design | ON: FASHION Sep 13, 2020
As the industry goes online, fashion trends go retro
Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo is still on schedule; Animal Crossing is haute couture; and Wacko Maria celebrates 15 years.
Style & Design | ON: FASHION Aug 9, 2020
The limitless energy of Japanese fashion
Legendary designer Kansai Yamamoto’s legacy lives on, and the fashion world starts to adapt to consumer needs in Japan’s new normal.