Discovering Tokyo...ID Dailywear

Whilst discovering one of the real highlights of my Tokyo trip in Labrats, I encountered another label of real interest just on the other side of the room. Good friends of Labrats, ID Dailywear have cultivated quite a following over the course of their first few seasons. The label evolved from from a seemingly simple search (in theory not practice) for the perfect white cotton t shirt. After the shirts were snapped up by friends and family, the team set about expanding their offering without compromising their core values of simplicity and function. 

As with so many Japanese labels that catch the eye, there seems to be a lack of information (atleast written in English) but I was able to have a quick chat with one of the designers. Ever since its first collection of tee shirts and lounge wear for SS09, the label has slowly added understated products that place great importance on comfort and quality. For AW11, ID Dailywear have crafted a seemingly complete wardrobe of well tailored staples....

A number of my favourite AW11 looks

During my visit I was able to take a closer look at the AW11 collection and had ample opportunity to marvel at the fabrications and attention to detail. Over three rails, the label exhibited a real show of well made staples that would easily slip inside and liven up any wardrobe...

A closer look at ID Dailywear's AW11 collection

Assistir Filme »

Exploring The Contemporary Fix

When I finally decided to make the trip to Tokyo, a place I have been day dreaming about visiting for the last ten years or so, there was one aspect of the city that I was most excited about exploring for myself. Of course, I was eager to eat my weight in all of its delicacies and was intrigued by its cat cafes, lavatory systems from the future and the limitless possibilities of its vending machines. However, I was eager to explore its retail landscape above anything else. There are certain things that the Japanese do better than anyone else. Retail (despite a recent slump in sales) is one of them. During my time in Tokyo, I enthusiastically pinballed my away across the sprawling city and discovered a myriad of concept spaces both large and small. One of the real highlights was The Contemporary Fix.

In 2008 Yuichi Yoshii, the charismatic buyer behind the Celux multi-label boutique and cult store Loveless, added yet another fine string to his bow. He opted to gut his popular Aoyama restaurant Pariya and created a concept space that celebrates the labels that it stocks. Eschewing the elaborate decoration that characterises Loveless, Yoshii kept his new haven minimal, yet still full of wonder and designer discovery. The two floored space takes a gallery approach, installing limited-time exhibitions that spotlight individual brands. The ground level is an inviting cafe and bar that rewards  and rejuvenates customers with a welcome respite from consumerism whilst the second is dedicated to offering a selection of the finest Japanese labels. During my visit I was afforded the opportunity to examine a vast offering from Phenomenon, Visvim, Bedwin & The Heartbreakers, Facetasm and SASQUATCHfabrix to name but a few. Now, I could rattle on and on but I'll save you my waffle and will instead cut to the pictorial chase.

----------

First up, Phenomenon. Established in 2004 by Takeshi Osumi (or BIG-O to his friends) as the more hi end branch and upscale brother of Swagger, Phenomenon has since been something of a cult streetwear brand that purports to fuse elements of American hip hop with that of the most enviable Japanese men's street style. The label has continually showcased a wide spectrum of intricate patterns, cuts, and overall quite out there and wild themes. The Contemporary Fix has the widest selection imaginable...

----------

The highly respected Masafumi Watanabe is the Bedwin and the Heartbreakers creative director and mastermind. The Bedwin motto is "Paramount Quality" and this drive for the very best is evident in each garment. The attention to detail and garment construction is second to none.

----------

SASQUATCHfabrix is an another avant-garde label coming out of Tokyo that has peaked its head out of the underground to widespread acclaim. The label expresses aggression and fearlessness in their approach. The brand are influenced heavily by 90’s Tokyo streetwear, and the clothing of that period. importance on the enjoyment and fun of wearing a garment.

----------

Two pairs of playful, well crafted laceups by Steam and Thread caught my eye. The combination of the smile inducing prints and the welted sole really captured my imagination. I tried to convince Streetpeeper Phil to plump for a pair but sadly to no avail.

----------

Today, where almost anything and everything can be purchased on the Internet, the onus on physical stores is to offer and provide added value. This includes things like the background music playing in the shop, flowers that please the eye, decorative books, even the mood created by the staff. It is the entire  process and cumulative effect of countless little touches that leads to the purchase of the desired items and ensures a return visit. The Contemporary Fix entertains the customer with a complete and enchanting narrative whilst facilitating the discovering of a new designer or three.

----------

Now, I did not leave the store empty handed. I left with a knit by yet another new discovery by the aptly named Tokyo label, Discovered. The local label was founded in 2001 by Tatsuya Kimura and Sanae Yoshida. The pair like little else than juxtaposing contradictory themes. For SS11, in a collection entitled 'Four You', the design duo cross check various youth culture movements. Union Jacks, dots, paisley, and leopard print all feature to dazzling effect. The knit I chose has more than a hint of the Christmas jumper about it but as you know, I'm still trying to experiment with prints and I see no harm in wearing it on a balmy day in May.

 

Discovered jumper worn with gingham shirt by b Store and trousers (another new purchase) from Ganryu.

A couple of close ups of the eye catching design.

Next time I'm in Tokyo, I will stop by The Contemporary Fix once again, if not to buy or discover but to simply sample another flavour of its tasty gelato. In the meantime, I will continue to champion well considered retail spaces.

Assistir Filme »

Double Trouble.

I feel so #A*W@^)E(,m+$#* right now. It can't be describe by words. It just CAN'T, you know why??

My lappy's charger was burnt last few months. I didn't feel really worried about it at that time because I have other charger to use as a substitution of my charger, HOWEVER...

that one also ermm I don't really know what its problem actually but it stopped working! And this is actually driving me mad because I really need to use my lappy.. and because of that, right now I'm using my dad's lappy and I need to wait for my turn to use it (due to this-is-not-my-laptop-so-I-need-to-share-with-others).

Since I'll be going KK again on the next Tuesday, I do really think that this problem will be a major matter. I need to re-arrange everything in my lappy before I get back to class! I need to do everything a.s.a.p. Without a charger, how can my lappy is going to work? oh man~

Assistir Filme »

Handphone.

Argh. Urghhhh.



As you can see from the title, you guys can predict right what's stressing me out lately. It's not because of the misses towards my family, it also isn't because of the insecure feelings of me towards my boyfie's feeling onto me (which is I totally don't know why I feel like this), and of course it isn't related to any financial problems too (I guess).

The real reason is, it's because of my current HAND PHONE. I'm totally fucked up with it. I need a new hand phone right now. Mine is sucks to death. It has LED problem, I know I can repair it but instead of repairing it, I think its better for me to buy a new one because I do need a new hand phone. I really DO.

HOWEVER, parents refuse to buy me one. Double trouble, huh. =.='
So instead of faking a cry in front of them (which is I know it still doesn't work for me to do that), it's better for me to find a temporary job for this semester break, get the salary, and buy my dream hand phone, right? Be independent to get what you always wanted is always the good choice :)

So, what type of hand phone do I want to buy? Actually, I have a few in mind, but let me keep it by myself, shall we? It's just that, I don't think I really need to write it down. After I manage to buy a new one, I promise, i'll make a review of my new baby in here, deal? :D

Assistir Filme »

Gossip Girl.

I know I know, I am so yesterdayyyyy..! But the truth is, I'M SO IN LOVE WITH GOSSIP GIRL the series... Damn, Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf are so sweet <3 <3 I admired their love story, they were so sweet. How I wish I had mine like theirs. Lol!:D but I swear, that is soo not going to happen in real life, and I actually love my life right now, I mean my love life.

Anw, for those who might be wondering what this series is all about, Gossip Girl is about life of a group of elite people who life in Upper East Side. That's all I can say. haha. You can Google it if you want to know more.

Okay, 3 most reasons why do I like to watch Gossip Girl?

#1 The actors and actresses are so charming. I mean, real charming. They are beautiful, look so elegant, so hot chicas, and for the guys, they're looked so cool, so good looking, so bla bla bla.. 

#2  The storyline. I just love to see how people like Paris Hilton's life look like. And this story tells about how Serena van der Woodsen handles her popular life, where almost all her life story were stalked by people, and posted on a blog called Gossip Girl. Urgh, for me, it seems good to be popular but at the same time, it's annoying too, you can't have your privacy anymore, you still can, but it's hard.

#3 Final reason why I like Gossip Girl is because of their fashion and their appearance. I love the dresses, I love the bags, the shoes, the make-ups, the hair, the everything about their appearance.

Okay, let me introduce you guys the actors of this series.

#1 Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively)

 

Blake Lively, who plays the role as Serena van der Woodsen is a real hot chic, with a hot body and height, she deserves to get this role. I wish I have a body curve like her but naaahh, stop dreaming, that's not going to happen until forever. I'm too short compared to her. Blame on my Asian blood. T_T

#2 Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester)

Also known as Queen Bee, she is the mastermind behind almost all 'tricks'. She always comes out with brilliant plans, even Dan Humphrey, who is actually her enemy in the earlier seasons also once go meet her and asked for her ideas. She hates it when someone mess up with her, and of course, that person will be paid for all they've done towards her. B and S are best friends, they're sometimes got conflicts with each others, but that's doesn't stop them from being BFF.

She is my most favourite character in this series, and the love story between her and Chuck Bass makes me love her more. Aww~

#3 Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick)

He is one of my favourite character in this series other than Nate Archibald. He is too cute to be true, I mean his character. At first, I don't really attracted to him, he is evil, you know, like a real evil with his manipulative attitude. He is kind of mischievous and spiteful and arrogant, but despite of it, he is actually has a likeable character. Although he seems to be playboy and naughty in this drama, he is actually a boy who is very loyal to his lover, and this is why I like him. I like a boy who is naughty but at the same time, he is actually kind-hearted and sweet. My taste is weird, huh, but whatever.

Anyway, Charlie Bass or Chuck, is one of the bad boys in Upper East Side. His father married to Serena's mother.

He also plays a role as Blair Waldorf's boyfriend, and their love story has been one of the reason why viewers love to watch this series. They were looked really realllyyyyyy good together, trust me. And if they were a real couple in the real world, I bet it'll be better but unfortunately, it's not happening. In the real life, Ed is actually hanging out with Jessica Szohr and Leighton is with Sebastian Stan, who plays a role as Carter Baizen in this drama.

#4 Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford)

Yes, he is also one of my favourite. As for me, I think he got a sexy voice, I don't know about you guys, but for me, yes he is. He is a BFF of Chuck Bass. In the middle season of this drama, we can see that Nate's family was having a conflict. His family happened to be bankrupt because of his father. Due to this, he desperately needs money and having a scandal with a woman who is older than him and keep it a secret. But yahh, the story can't be keep forever. His friends found out about it. 

Because of his family problem, he thought that he shouldn't hanging around Chuck Bass frequently as always since he got no money to party everyday with him. He befriend with Dan Humphrey, Chuck Bass most-hated person and Chuck really can't accept it. 

He also once became Blair Waldorf's, Serena van der Woodsen's and Vanessa Abrams's boyfriend in this entire series (it's clearly to see that he is attractive, hello, he is an ex of the most popular It girls in Upper East Side, well that's impressing), and almost be with Jenny Humphrey too.

Other important characters that we can see in this drama were:-

#5 Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley)

 

 #6 Vanessa Abrams (Jessica Szohr)

#7 Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen)

Lol. Blame me for my laziness to explain more about this other 3 characters. My laziness suddenly attacking me and I can't help myself, so...

Btw, I think that's all for now. I can't wait to watch the new season of this drama. Heart much, huh. Of course I am.

haha. Good night, peeps. Have a wonderful day tomorrow. :)

Assistir Filme »

Details: Real Vintage

The way in which sections of Tokyo enthuse over and embrace vintages, both in terms of a retail and consumer point of view, is very special indeed. This guy was head to toe in garments that were atleast one hundred years old and looked wonderfully fresh. Each item told its own story but I was particularly drawn to the long coat.

Assistir Filme »

Discovering Tokyo... Labrat

Discovering Labrat

Now, you might have noticed that the blog has been quiet recently. I landed in Tokyo on Saturday afternoon and I've since spent the last few days drunk on food and shopping. When I've not been stuffing my face with sashimi, gyozas, tonkatsu or yakitori, my mind has been blown by the myriad of retail opportunities and discovering designers at every turn. Alongside my recent trip to Singapore I have amassed enough content to keep the blog busy for weeks to come. Whilst I promised myself (and EJ) that I would use this time to take a little blogging holiday to just enjoy myself, I just couldn't resist sharing a few of my finds with you. First up, Labrat via BerBerJin.

BerBerJin are a chain of vintage shops in that have been at the heart of the thriving men’s vintage scene in Tokyo for well over a decade. They have always stocked museum quality examples of international vintage, but recently they creative minds behind it have collaborated with like minded brands to produce items that compliment their beautiful back catalogue and archive. Under the moniker Labrat, the talented bunch romanticise the hardcore and celebrate the underground. Thanks to the well informed Mai, I was pointed in the direction of an exhibition of their AW11 collection and excitedly jumped at the chance to inspect the pieces up close. I was blown away by the attention to detail, fabrications and sheer diversity of their offering. For this season alone they have collaborated with the likes of Blackmeans, George Cox, Porter, Vision, CA4LA, Black &Blue and Discovered. I think the best way to explore the full AW11 line is to introduce the collaborative lineup whilst taking a closer look at the designs...

With each season, Discovered turn to the streets of Tokyo for inspiration. From Shibuya down through Harajuku, the designer duo Tatsuya Kimura and Sanae Yoshida collate and reinterpret the varied styles to create multi faceted designs. The pair like nothing more than juxtaposing contradictory themes and here they have created stunning Aran knits for oversized shorts and jumpers...

The Aran knitted shorts and jumpers in collaboration with Discovered.

----------

One of the more familiar brands of Tokyo native labels involved with Labrat is Porter. Now, everyone should know this maker of well crafted and elegantly designed accessories so I will fast forward on the introductions. Here, the minds of Labrat and Porter combine to create MA1 jackets, matching shorts and laceup backpacks...

The varied fruits of the collaboration with Porter
----------

Blackmeans is a local leather specialist that started out in 2005 as a leather goods manufacturer but soon evolved and began producing their own lines of leather motorcycle jackets, belts and accessories. Here, they continue their successful partnership with Labrat to create a number of jackets and a leather skirt...

The Lightning Leather Jacket with fringe detail beautifully modelled by a member of the Labrat team.

----------

Having first produced brothel creepers in the 50s and winkle pickers in the 60s, George Cox gained notoriety in the 70s when these looks were resurrected by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren to become the uniform of a generation of punks. Now, one hundred and five years old, the company still continues to grow and develop thanks to their archive of lasts and hunger for product development. Here, the collaboration with Labrat produces the Cross Boot...

The Cross Boots in collaboration with George Cox
----------

Despite my enthused murmurings above, Labrat constitute more than just a number of successful collaborations. In addition to working with some of the finest names in Tokyo, the label have created a number of covetable pieces on their own. Highlights include double cloth basics, kilting and even a Chester coat...

Labrat's own mix of underground classics.
----------

Assistir Filme »