One of the first Japanese brands I instantly fell in love with it is without any doubt SOPH. The brand has been founded by former A.P.C. Japan head designer Hirofumi Kiyonaga in 2000. In a world where things are changing at an uncontrollable pace, the Tokyo flagship store feels like an oasis. One can see the passions of Kiyonaga through his designs: vintage, army, preppy and football (the latter most apparent in the subline FC Real Bristol). Another sublabel – Uniform Experiment in cooperation with Hiroshi Fujiwara – focuses on more eclectic designs and bold graphic prints. Every November, SOPH celebrates its birthday with a limited edition capsule collection, and collaborations with other brands, resulting in unexpected combinations. As always, the beauty can be found under the hood, with hidden pockets in your shirts, cut&sewn items with a nod and same fabrics throughout different collections. For us Europeans, some SOPH items might look like a crop-top, but please make sure to check out their collection via European retailers such as Slam Jam, End and Browns Fashion.
Wacko Maria – The Guilty Parties
One of the Japanese brands I’m most fascinated by is Wacko Maria. The brand has been established by retired J-League footballers Nobuhiro Mori and Keiji Ishizuka in 2004 and operates at the intersection of fashion, music and art. The brands’ hub is situated in the Nakameguro area of Tokyo and functions as shop, showroom and exhibition space. The brand focuses on bold, graphic prints, but also produces beautiful suits with fabrics sourced from Loro Piana and Zegna. Last December, I picked up nice white t-shirt from their ‘Guilty Parties’ subline with a slubby texture. Go and check them out when in Tokyo, or find their clothes online at endclothing.com or mr.porter.com
Wacko Maria – Paradiso Tokyo 3-2 Higashiyama 2-chome, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0043
JAPAN ROUTINE 