Tokyo's fashion stores slowly reopen

Relaxnews
Monday 21 March 2011 21:00 EDT
Comments
(AFP PHOTO / VOISHMEL)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

According to local and international media, Tokyo's fashion business is gradually getting back to usual.

After the earthquake hit Japan on March 11, many brands including Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Cartier acted to bring some of their executive staff back to their home countries and closed local boutiques.

News outlets including Women's Wear Daily and Racked now confirm that on March 22, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Chanel, and Forever 21 reopened their doors in the capital. H&M did move its employees back to Tokyo from Osaka, but its flagship remained closed at the time of writing.

WWD reports: "Monday's foot traffic along Omotesando Avenue and Harajuku seemed close to normal levels and shoppers were seen making purchases at Vuitton, Dior and Forever 21. H&M's closed flagship drew some puzzled looks from passersby."

US fashion designer Rebecca Taylor and Japan native Issey Miyake were especially courageous, opening new stores in the aftermath of the catastrophe: Taylor's new boutique, which will be open for only two hours a day until conditions improve, launched in Harakuju, while Miyake now invites shoppers to a new concept store in the city's Ginza district, which - apart from offering all the label's collections - will incorporate a café, art exhibitions, and concerts.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in