High-end Harajuku

January 5, 2010 by Fiona McCoss
Filed under M. Accessories, News, W. Accessories

Ever the fashion forward, Japan has always held a firm place in the trend-setting world. Experimental and eccentric, the Japanese love to mix and match patterns and textures, new cuts and daring shapes; exploring and exploiting style to the fullest. Also renowned for their gadgety and high-tech knick knacks, the country has consequently created a booming niche for accessories that go hand in hand with their adventurous à la mode.

Tchie Michiels-Aoki has been living in France for the past 15 years, and felt conscious of the stereotype that some Westerners had of Japan, referring only to the “Kimono” and the “Geisha” as cultural codes. Nowadays, Kyoto is considered the origin and symbol of Japanese culture, tradition and history; whose avant-garde fashion embraces our new generation. Tchie decided to build a company that would allow up-and-coming designers to demonstrate their creativity and ideas, exposing the true, authentic style of Japan to the rest of the world.

Based in a gorgeous 1930’s building in the 9th “quartiere” of Paris, Tchie encourages her customers and craftsmen to engage with her so that she can really offer what’s true to the heart of Japanese culture and fashion to the public, via her website www.ExpoShop-Japon.com. It’s an online catalogue of quirky collections, ranging from tableware and home decorations to clothes, jewelry and accessories. All the items she sells on behalf of the designers are one-of-a-kind pieces made by unique, Japanese artisans; such as traditional, handmade leather Getas, a rectangular Japanese shoe, or hand painted, uniquely designed, clog-like Waraji (sure to be the Croc of 2010). The site also features an array of handmade cashmere and silk stoles and Japanese style Obis (traditional belts) – which you could easily use to jazz up any plain shirt or jacket. Gorgeous bamboo and silk fans can add ornament to any outfit, but if you’re of the more practical type, mobile phone holders and leather chopstick cases might be more your thing. And if you’re a dog lover, there is even a range of hand painted collars and leads to treat your pooch. Expo Shop Japon has something for everyone. Isn’t it time you brought a piece of Harajuku home?

www.ExpoShop-Japon.com