Tiffany gets tough
Tiffany needs no introduction. Its legacy of dainty diamonds and charms, hanging off the necks and wrists of so many women, is known across the globe. That quaint image, though, is about to be toughened up a bit, with a new line that was revealed in Tokyo at the end of July.
Simply called T, the new pieces feature industrial elements, such as chains and hardware-cum-jewelry styles, but with a twist of modernity and sophistication. The use of Tiffany’s signature mirror-silver and rose gold also keeps it in line with the brand’s famous aesthetic.
T’s launch also fetes the appointment of the brand’s new designer Francesca Amfitheatrof, formerly of Chanel and Fendi, who was in Tokyo for the preview of the line, which will be available from September. (M.J.)
High-flying Kolor collaborations
Japanese brand Kolor is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a few good friends in high places.
Especially known for its twists on casual menswear, Kolor often mixes high-tech textiles with luxury classics. Its collaboration with Puma features a retro, high-top SKYII sneaker with a zippy green neon tongue (¥36,000), while a backpack from the Porter brand has a rolled-top design and is made from textiles from Kolor’s fashion collection (¥58,000). Lastly, a sweater is being produced by luxury cashmere brand Cruciani in high-gauge knit with a taffeta racing stripe (¥71,000).
These are all limited editions and are available at Kolor’s Aoyama store and Dover Street Market in Ginza from Aug. 13. (M.J.)
Kolor: kolor.jp
Paryuco offers the newest of the new
If you’re tired of wandering Tokyo’s back streets looking for those boutiques selling unique and characteristically Japanese fashion, then its time to visit the Shibuya Parco shopping mall’s fourth floor.
There you’ll find Paryuco, which was once known as Pyaruco. But this is not just a slight name change, the re-branding has brought with it a slew of new ideas and brands. Every day the sales assistants will be different, along with the brands and goods, and it stocks the newest of new, including some brands that don’t even have names yet.
On the weekends, it transforms into a gallery featuring the work of students at the small but buzz-worthy fashion school Coconogakko and visitors will be able to meet some of the designers. (M.J.)
Paryuco: Parco Part 1 4F, 5-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku; 03-3464-511. www.parco.co.jp
Dress like Dempagumi.inc
Dempagumi.inc, the Akihabara idol group on the cutting edge of fashion, has managed to court the upper circles of the Tokyo fashion world thanks to its celebrated appearances on the city’s catwalks. Now everyone has the opportunity to don the band’s alternative take on the Japanese school uniform via Clear Stone, who are set to release an affordable version of the group’s stage costumes.
Originally designed by Mikio Sakabe and featuring the artwork of illustrator Ai Madonna, the costumes are priced between ¥7,900 and ¥9,900 for a complete ensemble — a price that would probably only get you a T-shirt from the Mikio Sakabe mainline. They are available in six versions, one for each member of the group, and are limited editions of 150 per ensemble. (S.T.)
Clearstone: www.clearstone.co.jp
Vanquish bad home style
Fashion does not stop at the wardrobe. At least so says Vanquish City?, a new interiors sub-brand from Ryo Ishikawa’s popular Shibuya street label Vanquish. This line of room wear, furnishings and home essentials echoes the core brand’s mission of making its wearers more appealing to potential partners. The first collection, titled Can I Take You Home?, will be launched in September and features some rather suggestive language emblazoned on a number of items that are likely to appeal to the young man looking to style a bachelor pad.
More and more fashion brands are also adding interior lines, including edgy style-hub Fake Tokyo, which, banking on a growing clientele of fashionistas looking to not only dress themselves but also their home, opens its “Fake Furniture” store this month. (S.T.)
Vanquish: vanquish.jp/city Fake Tokyo: faketokyo.com