Alexander McQueen opened its first flagship store in Japan, the Alexander McQueen Aoyama Store, in Aoyama, Tokyo, on June 8th.
Last April, McQueen opened its world's first specialty accessories store in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo. Until now, McQueen has mainly operated in-store in department stores in Japan, but the Aoyama store fully expresses the brand's worldview and marks its first street-level store in Japan.
The two-floor, 390-square-meter store was designed by David Collins Studio under the supervision of the brand's creative director, Sarah Burton.
The space is unified in pale hues, including dove gray, soft gold, and various shades of white. The curvaceous seams of the brand's signature heritage tailored jackets and armadillo shoes are reflected in the plaster paneling. The fitting rooms feature clothes racks inspired by Francis Bacon's "Portrait of the Screaming Emperor," and the brand's unique aesthetic is evident throughout the store. The scarves, eyewear, and other fixtures are unique to the store. Hanging from the ceiling above the marble staircase is an artwork created by Japanese painter and sculptor Takeo Hanzawa and lacquer artist Takao Togashi. This piece, which combines the brand's signature with Japanese traditions—gourds, catfish, and abalone-covered skulls, decorated using traditional Aizu lacquer techniques—is also the store's symbol. The first floor stocks the women's collection line and popular scarves and accessories. On the second floor, the left side features women's bags, eyewear, and pre-collections, while the right side offers the men's collection line and accessories. Aoyama store-exclusive items, such as the women's skull lock clutch bag and men's backpack, are also available.

Sarah commented on the store, "The unusual and luxurious space, which is filled with unique and exquisite elements such as a dramatic marble staircase, bespoke wall panels, and antique brass displays, reflects our beliefs about offering our collections." She is also scheduled to visit Japan in July.