TOKYO FASHION EXPRESS / Archives

Main Feature: 2009 Spring/Summer Paris Collection (1)
Our four-part series looks at the 2009 Paris Spring/Summer Collection, which took place from September 28th to October 6th. Our first installment focuses on globally renowned Parisian brands and maisons. The trend is "ethnic" with a nod to tribal Africa and beyond.

Tokyo Fashion Scene:
1. Exhibition: Indigo Blue: Costume and Textiles from Around the World
Indigo is a plant dye with a long global history. The exhibition introduces a range of indigo garments from Japanese samurai families and commoners to other peoples' from Asia, Africa, Central America and more.
2. Exhibition: 40 Years of The North Face
We discover the 40-history of the popular U.S. outdoor brand, The North Face, through archived products and art.

Close-up: Greece + Sumida - taking on the world
Tokyo is the longed-for gateway to the fashion world for many young designers, including an increasing number of foreign creators, who choose to make their debut here. Michail Gkinis came to Japan from Greece two years ago because he loved Japan's textiles, and launched his aptform brand last spring. The Japanese fashion world has embraced his work's quality, and he has now received an order from an industry that is seeking to revive its own flagging fortunes. The theme: the traditional pigskin of Tokyo's Sumida district. We home in on this collaboration between a Greek designer and traditional Japanese artisans. What use will he make of the old-style product in his new designs? Join us to find what Japanese fashion materials mean in the eyes of this designer from Greece.

Street: Tokyo Street Items (3)
Photographer Keiichi Kudo turns to the hairstyles of Kichijoji in his third report.