tokyo trend Update

My first "tokyo trend" report for the Bulletin magazine was for their Jun 2014 issue.  Fast forward to Oct 2016, "tokyo trend" will be taking a break.  I am known to be a hermit at times, but this absence has nothing to do with that.  Am working on something rather sudden & major right now, and will be announcing it once it is ready.

The above are my Oct 2016 and Jul 2016 reports: no-romantic sheers and backpack & midi skirt.  It's been a lot fun writing, illustrating for the Bulletin, focusing on what's new & popular in Tokyo and reporting back to Canada. I hope you all had enjoy reading the reports as much as I have enjoyed creating them!!  Thank you!!

Keeping Warm - Haramaki & Bunny Slippers

For my Feb tokyo trend report: waist warmers--haramaki. I personal wear one at home, and a thinner, black cotton one under my winter clothes when am out.  Am also posting some work-in-progress photos as well! Enjoy and stay warm everyone!!

Goto Tailor

As a stylist, I have always loved menswear more than ladies.  There is a certain classiness to it from the impeccable tailoring that ladies wear tends to lack.  Actually, I wore a full on suit with a customized shirt and Armani silk bow tie to a friend's wedding years ago--that's how much I love menswear!

So, when I heard a friend was getting a suit fitted, I decided to tag along.  Turns out the craftsman of the suit was no other than the famous Goto Tailor in Nihonbashi.  Recognized internationally and by the Japanese government for their craftsmanship, Goto Tailor has been hand making customized suits for clients for decades, from the royal family to politicians, celebrities, and anyone looking to own a special suit to own for a long time.  More than about trends, classic elements, fine details, and the wearer's needs are the focus of a Goto Tailor made suit.

I was very fortunate to have met and spend over an hour and an half with the 3rd generation master tailor and current owner of Goto Tailor, Mr. Kazuhiro Tsuchiya.  Mr. Tsuchiya is as nice as he is skilled in suit making.  He told us many stories about the 1st master tailor, the Mr. Goto, his successor, and himself while fitting my friend's suit to the "T".  Every dart, every detail, down to a millimeter was considered, and not overlooked.  Mr. Tsuchiya was very generous and even gave me a scented sensu, a Japanese folding fan.  Was told that receiving a sensu will bring good luck and many more meaningful meetings!

If you are ever thinking about having a tailor made suit and are not in a rush (since there is a long waiting list and a real suit takes time to perfect), please do visit Goto Tailor at Nihonbashi!

www.goto-tailor.com

tokyo trend - The Bulletin Magazine Jul 2014

I started doing a monthly illustrated report on what is trending in Tokyo for a wonderful Canadian Japanese publication, The Bulletin, back in June.  Was a little caught up with other work, and unable to give it a proper mention here until now.  Apologies!

This is my second report for them, and the trend to note is "ballet a la mode" or "ballet fashion".  It has always been a trend for little girls, but these days, you can find its influences even for ladies in their late 30's to mid 40's!

Am very happy to be a part of The Bulletin family as a contributing illustrator.  Please do visit their website to check out the many interesting articles available!

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-2

Glitter & Gold - Am All Ears

I don't usually like to use metallic or glittery paints, but thought that it would be nice for this illustration in particular.  Am using for the first time metallic gold paint and glitter with my blotted line illustrations.  Though it's hard to tell from the digitized images, the original painting does have another more eye-catching feel to it.

For my July "tokyo trend" report "am all ears" about earrings--large glittering gemstone ear clips that cover much of the ear, and earrings with very large and visible pearl backs are what many are sporting these days, especially as a contrasting element to causal, sportive outfits.

Now, I have to add the text and submit it to the editors!

Tokyo Trend – The Bulletin Magazine Mar & Apr 2015

March's report is about "spring makeup--pastels & whites". What better way to welcome spring then with some fresh, shiny, sheer, and milky pastel colours? the limited edition collection comes in white packaging, making them even more eye catching!

While April is all about "80's blues". High waisted denim look paired with off shoulder lace top. It's the 80's again, but chicer!

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-10/ (Mar 2015)
jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-11/ (Apr 2015)

tokyo trend – The Bulletin Magazine Feb & Jan 2015

Am going to do it backwards this time, starting with my February's report of "midi & midi" where longer silhouettes are popular during the cold winter season--midi coat worn with midi skirt.

January's report featured "japanese twist granola", anything from kinako & matcha, to yuzu & honey granola, with cashews and almonds, and even sakura & sake kasu granola, with whole cherries and preserved sakura flowers!!

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-9/ (Feb 2015)

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-8/ (Jan 2015)

Limited Edition Converse - Japan

I think by now, you all know about my love for leather shoes.  And it goes beyond oxfords.  Converse, especially leather the ones limited to Japan are something that I can't walk without, or so to say.

I starting wearing the "Made in Japan" hard leather One Stars (last two images above) over a decade ago, and still own a pair now.  The company did switch production to Indonesia for a few years at a certain time--which I never bought.  But I was extremely happy when they decided to bring it back into Japan.  They listened to what the consumers wanted.

The first 3 images are of the new pair of Leather All Star Chromexcel Hi I recently purchased to replace the worn out, but much loved All Star QL (OS) Hi (images 4 to 6) that was available exclusively at only one of their Converse store and online store in Japan back in late 2012/early 2013.

Though both pairs are not made in Japan, they have specially qualities, besides being limited, that are totally worth buying.  Both are made of more solid leather to give the shoes better shape of the years, have black rubber soles instead of the dark brown on see on most Converse shoes, and came with black laces.

The Leather All Star Chromexcel Hi are made with high quality leather from Horween Leather Company in Chicago.  And the logo patch is only black and white, whereas the usual one has a blue star and red font.  According to Wiki: Horween Leather Company is one of the oldest continuously running tanneries in the United States, and the only one located in Chicago. Isadore Horween founded the company in 1905, and worked in it until 1949.

The Leather All Star QL (OS) has black quilted stitching, a black leather logo patch, with brass eyelets instead of silver ones, and the rubber soles are off-white, not white.

Well, that's enough of Converse for today, and now, am heading back to work/painting!

A note on the images, they were all taken from the Converse Japan website:

www.converse.co.jp/products

Lottusse Finally In Japan

Am happy to share the great news that the Spanish heritage shoe and leather goods brand, Lottusse, will finally make its official landing here in Japan.  Starting from Feb 4 their leather men's shoes will be available at the B1 of Isetan Shinjuku Men’s building, and slightly later at the beginning of March, their golf shoes on 7F as well.  Now, if we can only get their ladies shoes in stock here too......

The picture here is a tearsheet from the Jan 2015 issue of WWD Japan.

www.lottusse.com/?lang=en

Esprit Dior

Christian Dior is one of the true master of modern fashion, and inspiration of my illustrations, especially for Lala.  It might be an overstatement, but she is my version of "Miss Dior", a little adorable, with a of touch elegance, and playfulness mixed in.

Was extremely excited when I first saw the big windows of the exhibition building announcing the show back in September (see the screen shot at the end of the post).  I finally had the time to see the retrospective show last week and it was simply wonderful.

On display was the famous, gaming changing the "Bar" outfit from 1947 of Christian Dior's debut the "New Look" collection along with numerous other classics and significant pieces, beauty items and accessories. There was even a leather craftsman giving a live demonstration of how a Lady Dior bag is made and craftswomen adding the final touches to each bottle of Dior perfumes bottles. Of course, the show featured photographs by famed fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier. To sum it all up, there was a library on the top floor of the show--there are 4 floors in total.

You have to understand that it was created as an educational marketing opportunity for the House of Dior geared towards the Japanese audience, so not everything was about the House was included. I really wished they had more to talk about Yves Saint Laurent and John Gaillano. However, given that it was free admission, and extremely well thought out, it is a must-see if you are in the Ginza area.  Esprit Dior is on now until Sun Jan 4, 2015.

http://www.dior.com/couture/en_gb/the-house-of-dior/exhibitions/esprit-dior

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!! Warmest Wishes to you and your loved ones, and that the spirit of this beautiful holiday season continues well into 2015!!

Still, I can't believe that there are only 11 more days until the end of 2014......

A special note on the jacket on the left. It was the one I fell in love with when I visited the chic Italian men's fashion store, Astile House, in Aoyama a while ago.  By the label, "THE GIGI", this tailored textured wool jacket is amazing!  It was so impressive that I felt compelled to paint it, and share it with everyone I know!

astilehouse.com

tokyo trend – The Bulletin Magazine Oct & Nov 2014

A bit of catching up: my "tokyo trend" illustrated reports for October and November issues of The Bulletin magazine. Ever wondered what's happening for men's fashion or how Urara-chan would look in glasses?  Well, here are your answers!  See "masculine floral and touches of red" (Oct) and "spectacles spectacles" (Nov).

jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-5/ (Oct 2014)
jccabulletin-geppo.ca/tokyo-trend-6/ (Nov 2014)

A Sneak Preview II: Lottusse - Cambridge Oxfords

Here's another preview for next week's show, otona kyutto.  I was lucky enough to have tried on many pairs Lottusse, the Spanish heritage footwear brand with over 130 years of history, at a special viewing last month.  Was amazingly surprised at the comfort, look & feel, and quality of their shoes.  Fell in love with their "Cambridge" oxfords, and just had to paint it!  Now, am waiting to own my personal pair of customized Lottusse!!

Notice the rougher brush strokes?  That's because the real shoe is of naturally tanned leather, and was individual crafted to have this particular look!

www.lottusse.com

A Sneak Preview: Lady Dior - Pink Alstroemeria Flower

Why did I name my upcoming show "otona kyutto," cute grown up?  It's because there is such a thing as elegant or sophisticated cute.  The SS2014 Lady Dior -  pink alstroemeria flower handbag is one of such example.  So, here's a sneak preview of what is going to be on display next month.  And contrary to what I am usually known for painting--characters and simplified representations, this illustration is more realistic.  Now, you do have to say, it is still cute, no?

A side note:  The handbag Lala is holding in the poster for otona kyutto is also for the same collection, Lady Dior

jodisam.com/otona-kyutto

my favourite things - The Peplum

The Peplum: in "modern" (20th century) fashion history, was revived by the Mr. Christian Dior in his amazing "the New Look" collection of 1947, finally bring back glamour and elegance to fashion in the postwar era, easing the utilitarian look that dominated every aspect of life at that time.

Fast forward to today, it is again fashionable, and the approach of the peplum element/silhouette varies vastly, from the hip fashion to the classical look.  I love love love the peplum, and am happy to see it used again in different styles.  I painted my favourite element in the two different approaches too:

- Ringo-chan sporting a peplum black and white cropped blazer, pairing it with jeans and platforms while listening to her iPod

- Lala wearing a white peplum pencil skirt with her favourite black turtleneck as she is shopping for some new shoes

Either way, I hope more people will come to know of the Peplum, and Mr. Christian Dior's "the New Look" collection.

My Favourite Things - Vintage Moschino by Persol Sunglasses

I own a number of sunglasses, but you will often see me in these: my vintage Moschino by Persol sunglasses from the early 90's.  I got them a few years ago as "New Old Stock" from a wonderful optical store I frequent in Vancouver, and I just love them like crazy!

Actually, the owner became a good friend of mine because I would go into the store, and spend hours looking at the amazing vintage stock he has.  We would chat about each frame: the maker/designer, the colour, the details, the material, the craftsmanship, and etc. Yes, I added "the" to all the words because they are so important! I still see him every time I visit home, and usually come out with a new pair of sunglasses! Hahaha......

Side note, Lady Gaga was spotted wearing a pair of Moschino by Persol from the same collection.  Instead of the key motif on the side, hers had large cut gems.  Funny, as my friend also had that frame in his store!