Just one week after Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo had drawn to a close, the capital's fashionistas were drawn back to the runway for a slew of shows that have been gaining in popularity.
The touchMe presentations, now in their third year and seventh iteration, run parallel to both of the city's two seasonal fashion weeks. This time the two-day event showcased an impressive 12 brands from Mark Styler, a fashion group that manages a roster of brands under the motto of "affordable luxury."
Seats were invitation-only and the catwalks were lined with international models. Unlike the shows of Paris, Milan, or even Tokyo for that matter, touchMe delivered on fashion that is financially accessible and readily available — the clothes are sold at numerous retail locations across the country. In short, it was a celebration of Japanese fashion's strong middle class — neither fast nor high — but obtainable and inspirational.