Japan
is by far one of the most stylish countries in the world. The fashion you see
here is replicated, often months or even years later, in Europe and North
America. Tokyo’s Harajuku, Shibuya and Ginza districts are fashion capitals in
their own right and designers and stylists such as Louis Vuitton’s Kim Jones
and Patricia Fields (stylist for Sex and the City) often make trips to Tokyo
for inspiration and design ideas.
Ichikawa
and Funabashi, being satellite cities, don’t have the same sartorial choices
you see in the capital but there are many places to buy affordable and stylish
apparel. Ichikawa’s Colton Plaza deals more in family fashion and has a small
roster of outlets such as cheaper chain stores like ABC Mart (sports shoes) and
fast fashion king Uniqlo. Funabashi, however, has a much more impressive array
of stores from high street chains to designer names.
Funabashi’s
Seibu department store (next to JR Funabashi) includes menswear brands such as
Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Burberry and domestic labels such
as Takeo Kikuchi. The womenswear is equally as impressive with well respected
names such as Issey Miyake, Margaret Howell and more affordable local brands
such as Human Woman. Towards the Tokyo Bay area of Funabashi, however, you’ll come
across LaLaport which is one of Japan’s most famous and biggest shopping malls.
In addition to restaurants and a Toho Cinema (which we’ll cover in a separate
post) there is an amazing selection of shopping on offer including areas devoted
to childrenswear, sportswear and contemporary fashion.
The
list is endless but LaLaport includes Agnes B, Coach, Furla, Armani Exchange,
Tommy Hilfiger, Stussy, Camper, Uniqlo, Forever 21, Mango, Banana Republic, Gap
and the newly opened American Eagle Outfitters. The real gems, though, are the
Japanese stores such as United Arrows, Beauty & Youth United Arrows, Fredy &
Gloster, Nano Universe and my personal favorite Good Deal General Factory which
has a compact yet very on-trend selection of menswear and womenswear. This
select store, which is a Tribeca apartment transported (floors and all) to
Japan, includes stock from John Bull, Trickers, Ralph Lauren and outdoor brands
such as Duluth Pack and Danner. Props to the buyers for having such excellent
and refined taste!
The
best thing to do, however, is to get your credit cards ready and spend a day
walking around LaLaport. It’s a shopping paradise like no other and when you
need a bit of respite there are a few Starbucks and numerous other cafes and
restaurants to give you some well-deserved sustenance.
LaLaport
Tokyo-Bay: 2-1-1 Hama-cho, Funabashi City, Chiba
