Next week is Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo but, chances are, you’re not invited. Before that teen trauma of being excluded sets in, don’t panic — there’s a ton of alternative events to get dolled up for.
The twice-yearly Tokyo fashion fest will run Oct. 14-19 and include shows by Missoni, Dresscamp and Matohu. The guest lists are strictly a Who's Who of celebrities and industry people, and the whole thing is run by the Japan Fashion Week Organization.
For those in the fashion-hungry public who don't have industry connections, a parallel series of shows will be held beyond the corporate-sponsored runways of the Fashion Week venue of Shibuya Hikarie. These shows, which comprise mainly urban and experimental fashion, are just as exciting as the main event; Tokyo is known worldwide for its street fashion and freshman designers. There will also be plenty of entertainment to go with the outfits.