CAPITAL CONDUCT

A look at two of the world’s favourite cultural city hubs.

Tokyo

Japan’s capital Tokyo is representing new forms of fashion. Mixing the traditional Zen Buddhist culture with futuristic tech trends, Tokyo has a particular eye like no other. Gwen Stefani gave western culture a taste of the Harajuku girls when enlisting them to her gang, luxury brands have been trying their luck in Japan for years. So what is it about this capital that is so visually unique?

Compared to the UK’s visual merchandising scene, Japan pushes creativity and develops imagery through stores. Dover Street Market in Ginza is a prime example of how Tokyo is exceeding our expectations within the fashion industry. Rei Kawabuko, the founder of Comme Des Garcon, developed this installation in 2012 allowing designers and collaborators to showcase their work. With DSMG being more like an interactive piece of art, designers are allowed to inventively take advantage of space. From Louis Vuitton to Nike Lab, brands are beginning to do more then put clothes on a rack. It is clear that brands such as these can see the importance and difference in the Japanese market. High fashion Tokyo goers are no joke. If you’re travelling to Japan do not miss an opportunity to visit DSMG and embrace this piece of modern fashion retail.

Berlin

Whilst Style Biblio was travelling to the other side of the world to search for the latest and greatest fashion destinations, we stumbled across a gem that was not so far. Bikini Berlin is a pop up retail space that features designers and exhibitioners that display ambitious installations throughout the store. Bikini Berlin is the world’s first ‘Concept Mall’ and is integrating trends and delivering a quality shopping experience. Berlin as a city already offers heaps of inspiration; from the street art to the hipster bars, but Bikini Berlin is one not to miss.

Over looking the Zoo (which was also incredible) and allowing visitors to access the open terrace for an exceptional view feeds this retail space a dialogue that is experiential and consuming. The theme is wooden shack like and has pop up frame work which adds an unfinished element, the structure invites people to explore and wonder round the space. The core colours also work hand in hand with the Zoo’s back drop. Bikini Berlin is not one to miss so if you’re visiting make sure you drop in and enjoy the architectural highlights along with admiring the collections.

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