Tokyo is my Paris.
Shopping for "Made in Japan" style in the fashion capital of Asia.
Reading time: About 5 minutes.
When I told my friend Suelina that I had set aside a day in Tokyo to shop for Japanese fashion, she thought I meant the darkly childish “Gothic Lolita” like this:
My friend can’t be faulted for thinking I might go for a style influenced by drama and bygone eras. I have often used iconic fashion and costume style to inspire outfits. Depending on the day, either Aristocrat or Gothic Lolita, shown above, might suit my mood.
Tokyo is my Paris. I have long wanted to explore the fashion capital of Asia. Interested as I am in all kinds of fashion, a walk down the famous Takeshita Street in the heart of the youth-indulging Harajuku District was a must. We saw many different types of “Lolitas,” among other styles. I was tempted to try on some of the wilder things in the shops overflowing with Hello Kitty pinks, rainbow sparkle skulls, and platform Mary Janes in every color imaginable, but I had something else in mind.
My mission was to find a poetic minimalist style that is rooted in the Zen aesthetic. I also wanted to find clothing that was made in Japan with high-quality natural fabrics. I would never find it in the Harajuku District. Most everything there was made in another country of the cheapest quality fabrics. It was Japanese fast fashion. I wanted slower, quieter, more sustainable. So, I hopped on the subway and made my way to the Meguro District.
The Meguro District is a beautifully picturesque neighborhood. The Meguro River runs through it and gives it its name. Each side of the river is lined with cherry trees, peaceful parks, quiet cafes, and fresh boutiques owned by individuals, not conglomerates. It was exactly what I was looking for.
MinaMo was my favorite of these shops.
As a teenager, I worked for a small boutique in a small town in Texas. The owner Cleo, a statuesque gentlelady with an affinity for bright colors and large, jangly jewelry, showered her clients with hospitality. She taught me how transformative it is to tune into a client’s style choices and balance those preferences with what flatters their particular frame. This is how I was treated at MinaMo. The saleswoman Nami had a short blonde bob and was wearing cool, sophisticated layers, complete with sneakers and a casually draped scarf. We didn’t speak the same spoken language, but we understood each other. She immediately tuned into what I was looking for, and made me feel at home.
The shop itself was inviting and welcoming. From the outer stoop to the inner walls, Nami and those at MinaMo have created a space that is tranquil and calming. The large front windows let in the spring sunshine. The white walls and smooth gray concrete floors allow the soft fabrics and spring colors to come into center focus. And their philosophy that “True wealth is not throwing it away. It is choosing what you can cherish,” is a sustainable one I can support 100%.
Outside the shop, delicate cherry blossoms were just starting to peek out from their buds, signaling spring, but an arctic wind was blowing, too. Nami quickly understood I wasn’t quite ready for lighter colors and fabrics. She helped me find something more transitional in darker neutrals with timeless, minimalistic lines.
With two exceptions, everything I bought was from the Japanese label Unfil. Unfil prides itself on using high-quality natural materials and traditional techniques to craft their comfortable, modern silhouettes.
The design details in each piece are unique and thoughtful. For example, the lightweight, wide-leg jeans shown in all these photos are the only pleated trousers I have ever liked. Pleats usually stretch across my lower belly and make me self-conscious, or the extra fabric pooches out in an unflattering way when I sit down. These don’t. The waistband has buttons that allow me to adjust the size, and the fabric folds flush against my lap when seated. The inner buttons are a particularly nice feature, especially after eating all that delicious Japanese food during our tour!
I purchased two identical cardigans from Unfil—one in cream, shown above, and one in black. Their cropped length, blousy sleeves, and giant silver snaps set them apart. They paired easily with everything in the shop, so I knew they’d also go well with things I had back home. In addition, I bought mock turtlenecks in cream and black and a gray long-sleeve waffle tee, all of which looked great with both cardigans or on their own.
The trenchcoat and scarf seen above and below are the only pieces I purchased at MinaMo that were not made in Japan. They were made in Italy by the brand Transit Par Such. I made an exception to my “Made in Japan” rule for these items because they fit the spirit of what I was looking for—natural materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and striking but straightforward design.
Tokyo is my Paris. For years, I have dreamt of shopping in that great city for fashions I have admired on modern Japanese women. In MinaMo, my dream came true. Now I’m dreaming of the day I can return. In the meantime, I have several outfits that are made in Japan (and Italy) that express my personal style and remind me of my delightful adventures in the fashion capital of Asia.
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I hope it warms up soon!
I love all of it! Your cardigan in particular made me drool. Trenchcoats are on my mind, as well - they were all over the place in Paris. I returned to Arizona wishing that I needed one. :)