Tokyo Fashion Week Review Vol. 7: Osawa (Buyer) "Tokyo also has brands that are capable of competing on equal terms with imports"

Dec 28, 2012
In "FASHION HEADLINE," we asked journalists and buyers for their reviews of the 2013 Spring/Summer Tokyo Collection.
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Our seventh guest is Mr. Osawa, a buyer at the long-established select shop "Midwest."
Respondent:
Osawa (Buyer)
Q1. Which brands did you like best?
A:
・mame
These are clothes that only designer Kurokawa-san could make. And their clothes have a strong core, which is what makes them so appealing. I think it's Mame's unique, addictive worldview and quirks that captivate its fans. This brand has a strong fan base at Midwest as well.
AKIRA NAKA
I also found their affordable pricing appealing, while maintaining a sophisticated, sophisticated adult style. I've followed their collection every season, but this is the first time I've actually chosen to select their collection. The lineup was brilliant, with a relaxed feel and a contemporary take on the brand. I was drawn to their international flair, which is rare among Japanese designers.
TOGA VIRILIS
This brand has been extremely well-received, even among men who love imports. In November, TOGA held its first advance order event for SS13 at Midwest. We've been carrying their brand since they first launched, but this Spring/Summer collection is by far the best. Even customers who don't normally buy domestic fashion can sense that TOGA VIRILIS is something special!
ANREALAGE
This was the easiest show to understand of all the previous shows. I think this collection really captured the world of ANREALAGE. It's a rare brand these days, with a unique theme and approach, and a distinctive concept. I thought it was typical of ANREALAGE to see them offer a new take on the laser cutting technique they tried last season in their men's collection, lowering the price and improving the technology and quality.
・Yoshio Kubo
This brand can confidently expand overseas. I think they're closest to the Parisian style.
Q2. What brands can we look forward to in the future and why?
A:
Same as above
Q3. Items I want, things I've ordered.
No answer
Q4. What are your thoughts on this season's collection as a whole?
A:
It's getting more popular every year, which is great!
Q5. What are your thoughts on Tokyo Fashion Week?
A:
What I feel about Tokyo Fashion Week these days is that the difference between imports and local brands is becoming less noticeable. There are definitely brands in Tokyo that can compete on equal terms with imports in terms of price, quality, and design.
Also, since Tokyo Fashion Week is a long event, I think it would be good to make it a short, intensive event of around five days, and create a city revitalization atmosphere all at once. It seems that foreigners are often unsure about when it's the right time to come to Tokyo.
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