Get in the Tokyo Fashion Week Spirit

Tokyo fashion week starts Monday, meaning the city is gearing up for a week of creative affairs. While the runway shows and after parties are strictly invitation-only, there are still many events for Tokyoites to enjoy away from the catwalks. Grab a buddy, a co-worker or spouse and “Let’s go!” through the artistic attractions popping up around the city.

Let’s Go Shopping

Cherry Blossom Night at Opening Ceremony

One of Tokyo’s most popular boutiques is holding a special shopping event in honor of Tokyo fashion week. Shop from the very brands that will be presenting their collections on the runways, and celebration the launch of the second Opening Ceremony x Yoshio Kubo collaboration collection. Kubo himself will be in attendance, and there will also be free drinks, a DJ spinning tunes to get you in the mood, and a 10 percent discount on all purchases.

When: Fri, Mar. 18, 2016, 5–10 p.m.

Where: 3F Opening Ceremony Omotesando, 6-7-1-B Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Anrealage Pop-Up Shop

One of Japan’s most cutting-edge brands has now moved its seasonal fashion shows to Paris, but this spring it’s back in Tokyo with a pop-up shop at Isetan Shinjuku. The concept of the store is to present clothes the way flowers are displayed at a florist. Available for purchase will be limited-edition items designed in collaboration with Liberty, as well as acrylic resin pieces featuring in the brand’s logo. The space will be decorated with white flowers, but take a photo of them with a flash and suddenly you’ll be treated to brilliant colors.

When: Wed, Mar. 16–Tue, Mar. 29, 2016, 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Where: 2F Isetan Shinjuku Main Building, 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Colony 2139 Pop-Up Shop

Colony 2139 is a lifestyle store marrying traditional Japanese artistry with quintessential California aesthetics.  The Tokyo pop-up shop will carry signature items from its stores in Osaka, Saitama and California, including men’s and women’s apparel, home goods, stationery and apothecary products. The convenient location is within steps of Shibuya crossing and right near the entrance to the station. Indulge in one-of-a-kind products, emphasizing high quality and design.

When: Now through Wed, Mar. 23, 2016, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Where: Shibuya Scramble I, Pop-Up Stage A, 1F West Building of Tokyu Department Store Toyoko Store, 2-24-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Let’s Get Artsy

Advanced Style 2 Snapshot Exhibition

After last year’s much-buzzed-about “Advanced Style” snapshot exhibition, the event is now back with even more photos of New York’s most fashionable older women. This time, there will also be shots of women taken all over the world, showing how fashion senses change from country to country. Don’t miss the chance to see some truly inspiring fashion icons express their beauty and confidence through originality and style.

When: Now through Sun, Mar. 27, 2016, Mon–Sat, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun and hols, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m. on the last day)

Where: 7F Event Hall, Building A, Seibu Shibuya, 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

The Tomato Project 25^th Anniversary Exhibition “O”

International art and design collective Tomato is taking over Shibuya’s Parco Museum. The exhibit is the group’s first-ever retrospective, and will include various artworks and mixed media pieces. It will span over 25 years of their collective work, from personal designs to studio experiments. In addition to the Parco Museum, “O” will also occupy other areas of the store, including Parco Gallery X, Cine Quinto, and the exterior of the building. 

When: Sat, Mar. 12–Sun, Apr. 3, 2016, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Where: 3F Parco Part 1, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 

Let’s Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Color Runway

Get into the spring spirit at the buildings that serve as the main venues of Tokyo fashion week, Shibuya Hikarie and Mercedes Benz Connection. Various cafes have incorporated spring motifs, fragrances and colors into delicious sweets, snacks and cocktails. The thoughtfully crafted refreshments will celebrate the blossoming of springtime fashion with seasonal colors, flowers and fresh scents.

When: Sat, Mar. 12–Wed, Mar. 23, 2016, times vary by location

Where: Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs B2F, Mercedes-Benz Connection Downstairs Coffee, Mercedes me Tokyo Haneda Eggcellent Bites