OS: POSTCARDS FROM TOKYO
Last week I returned from a quick trip to Tokyo. Throughout my career, I’ve visited many times, and it’s always been a powerful source of inspiration. After a few years between visits, I was excited to be back.
Travelling to the Northern Hemisphere in September is always creatively energising. The season is shifting, and with that comes a fresh wave of deliveries across fashion, interiors, and retail — all signalling new colours, new messages, and new ideas. Add to that the people-watching, and it becomes a visual feast.
And Tokyo just does it better. You’ll find Japan-only exclusives from international designers (often not available online), incredible visual merchandising, and some of the coolest in-store activations. Fashion Weeks had also just commenced, and with New York shows underway while I was in Tokyo, I found myself observing early-season arrivals in-store while simultaneously reading broader themes — colours, silhouettes, and commentary — from New York for the following season.
Below are a few takeaways — the ideas and visuals still living rent-free in my mind since I returned. Enjoy!
From a trend perspective, checks are everywhere right now — think Western, Preppy, Ladylike, even ‘90s minimalism meets grunge. While I don’t tend to lean into literal trends, I was drawn to the way colour and pattern were being used, and how effortlessly these pieces were styled.
Low-effort wins: a check shirt tied around the waist or over the shoulders in place of a cashmere crew. Or a classic outerwear shacket in plaid or flannel to inject subtle colour into a more neutral look. I’m still thinking about this one from Jamie Haller.
Dark denim is on my radar. Maybe it’s because of how beautifully it pairs with leather and suede jackets (more to come on this!), or the clean silhouette it creates. This is a great read that dives into dark denim styling through a Western yet wearable lens. What stood out to me most is the way this timeless shade continues to hold relevance. It’s not so much a trend, but a quiet staple you may already have in your wardrobe that be re-introduced.
I leaned into this in Tokyo (after regrettably selling the pair I had) and picked up a pair of dark denim jeans and a brilliant shirt — which I plan to wear both together and separately with leather (of course) when I pick them up from the tailor.
There’s a lot of discourse around colour theory and the “right” or “wrong” way to combine colours.
Personally, and as a brand I lean toward a neutral palette: black, white, grey, navy, denim, stripes. But I’m always drawn to the way colour is layered and styled in a way that feels organic. Whether in prints, texture, shoes and accessories or tonal combinations — when done right, colour injects just the right amount of newness into a minimal wardrobe.
That’s what I loved about the checks and ways colour can be injected into a minimal/neutral wardrobe to create a feeling of newness with just one item.
Since my last visit (pre-Covid), Tokyo’s vintage and secondhand market has grown exponentially.
I spent more than 50% of my time in these stores — from high-end, luxury resale boutiques to true thrifting. I had to exercise serious discipline around the handbags… I could’ve spent the whole trip there.
I could genuinely go back just for a handbag mission — the offering is that good. From classics to rare finds, all strictly curated and authenticated, and the tax-back scheme makes it even more worthwhile if you’re in the market. Or if you're curious, follow Sim’s next trip for a peek into the scene.
There are gems at every level. I walked away from a dove-grey Prada nylon parka that may haunt me forever. If you (or a younger person in your life) are craving classics, this is the place: vintage Levi’s, Ralph Lauren, and serious Collegiate/Taylor/Travis/Belly-core energy. If you know, you know.
Have you been to Tokyo? Did you love it? Are you planning a trip soon? I’d love to hear what you saw, where you went, and what stayed with you. Hit me up — I never tire of chatting all things Tokyo.