Tokyo Fashion Week for All

As the European fashion weeks are coming to a close, Tokyo is gearing up to follow suit with its biannual fashion fete. Taking place primarily at Shibuya’s Hikarie building from October 13 to 19, the weeklong event will see a total of 48 brands debuting their spring 2015 collections to buyers, journalists, and fashion professionals. Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Tokyo is among the top five fashion weeks recognized internationally, yet still humbly resides under the radar here in Tokyo. Apart from the private runways, many are surprised to know that various events that are open to the public will also be held around the city.

Check out the details below to see how you can take part in one of the biggest fashion fairs in Tokyo. Wander through Shibuya’s largest department stores for fun promotions, hit up a few select pop-up shops, and enjoy some fashion infused cocktails!

Exhibitions and Special Events

Shibuya Fashion Week

When: Thu, Oct. 9–Sun, Oct. 19, 2014

Where: Around Shibuya station and Bunkamura Street

What: Taking place for the second time, this event aims to promote the Shibuya area through fashion. Some of Shibuya’s largest department stores such as Seibu, Tokyu, Parco, Marui, Shibuya 109 and many more will collaborate with various events and promotions. There will also be a street runway show on Bunkamura Street on October 19.

Ikesei Fashion Weeks 

When: Wed, Oct. 1–Tue, Oct. 14, 2014

Where: 3F-6F Tokyo Seibu Ikebukuro, 1-28-1 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

What: The season, the fashion week events extend well beyond Shibuya, Aoyama and Ginza. The Seibu department store in Ikebukuro is also joining in, with this event that introduces the newest styles in luxury brands for women and men.

Zakka Runway Vol. 3

When: Thu, Oct. 9–Wed, Oct. 22, 2014

Where: B1F-4F Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

What: This season, Zakka Runway will debut “retro-modern” trend items from various brands, shops and designers. Have fun trying on the newest accessories and add a touch of mod to your ensemble.

Exhibition of Studio Cooca

When: Mon, Oct. 13–Mon, Nov. 3, 2014; 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Where: Itochu Aoyama Art Square, CI Plaza B1, 2-3-1 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

What: Studio Cooca is a welfare organization that supports people with disabilities in developing and prospering in their artistic talents. This exhibition will present whimsical drawings and paintings all by Cooca artists. A short film showing the daily interactions at Studio Cooca will also be shown.

MBFWT Designer Cocktail Runway Vol.4

When: Thu, Oct. 22–Wed, Oct. 9, 2014; 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Where: Participating cafes and restaurants in Shibuya Hikarie (2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo), as well as Mercedes-Benz Connection Upstairs (7-3-10 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

What: Indulge in some fashion libations inside various restaurants in Shibuya’s Hikarie, as well as the bar UPSTAIRS located at the Mercedes Benz Connection. Designers participating in MBFWT have channeled their creative “juices” into signature cocktails, whipping up colorful beverages under a “Retro-Modern” theme.

Pop-Up Shops

Gardé Collective

When: October 9(Thu) – 15(Wed), 2014

Where: 1F Tokyu department store, 2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

What: Check out exclusive pop-up shops around the city such as Gardé Collective. Aiming to provide clothes that are comfortable and easy, Gardé Collective brings you simple yet fresh pieces that will fit seamlessly into your current wardrobe.

Hello Tokai

When: Fri, Oct. 10–Sun, Oct. 19, 2014; 12–8 p.m.

Where: 4F W. Nakameguro, 2-12-2 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

What: Collaborating with some of Japan’s edgiest designers, the brand Hello Tokai focuses on traditional techniques from the Tokai region. The final garments are a fusion of modern designs and classic tradition. A souvenir will also be given to shoppers during the event.

Under Bar Raw

When: Thu, Oct. 9–Wed., Oct. 22, 2014; 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Where: Shibuya Scramble I, Pop-Up Stage A, Tokyu Toyoko department store, 2-24-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

What: Bringing simplicity to a woman’s daily life, Under Bar Raw debuts a series of garments that go “beyond basic” while still adding sophistication to your everyday wardrobe.