Event: 2008 International Fashion Fair in Tokyo

With over 800 exhibitors, the 17th edition of Tokyo’s International Fashion Fair was the largest yet, attracting over 30,000 visitors, mostly buyers from department stores and select shops in Japan and East Asia. The twice-annual event, organized by influential domestic fashion trade newspaper Senken Shimbun, took place at Odaiba bayside convention hall Tokyo Big Site from January 23 to 25.

Rather than try to make sense of the event, which featured everything from bohemian rags to scary fur coats for rich obaachan, plus a number of foreign brands, CScout Japan brings you some of the highlights, in no particular order.

First up, in accordance with the recent global fascination with Japanese denim, the fashion fair featured a booth from premium denim manufacturers in Kurashiki, a small city in Western Honshu with a continuing tradition of hand-dyed indigo craftwork.

Many other Japanese denim labels had representatives at the event, like this guy (above right) from internationally prized Yen Jeans.

We also liked these traditional geta and happi coat with a punk makeover from Tokyo-based yukata manufacturer Ando Trading Co.

And these custom re-designed converse sneakers from MCW, who came all the way from Mie prefecture.

Speaking of shoes, after the unfortunate popularity of rubber sandals, a la Crocs, last summer in Tokyo, we anticipate that these (thankfully much cuter) jelly slippers from Brazilian brand Grendha will be a hot item when the weather warms up.

While fashion seems to be leaning towards a bohemian, earth friendly look this season, we did find a few remaining vestiges of bling, like these deco-office supplies from Abiste and these dog-in-a-handbag key chains. Long live Paris Hilton in the hearts of Tokyoites!

In general, the majority of the designs featured at the show were rather mainstream and ultimately sellable, so we were happy to see the area, called the Creators’ Village, set aside for new labels and design students.

Pictured above are displays from Nagoya-based new label Sanatorium and Vantan Design College’s Misa Ookubo. Good luck guys!

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