Japanese brands across most industries, from interiors to food, are known for their innovation and craftsmanship, and it’s certainly no different when it comes to Japanese fashion. Ask any fashion insider and they will likely wax lyrical about Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garçons and Dover Street Market and her contribution to the industry, or speak effusively about a piece of vintage Issey Miyake they own. Such is the enduring legacy of these Japanese clothing brands that have not only permeated the global fashion industry but also changed the way designers today perceive clothing’s form and function.
Several of the Japanese clothing brands, like Sacai and Yohji Yamamoto, are known for exploding traditional silhouettes, favouring balloon shapes or spliced-and-diced tailoring, while others like Ambush or Aura Lee look to menswear for their edgy-sleek aesthetic.
In a time when Instagram and TikTok algorithms offer up a very uniform outlook on fashion, insiders are once again turning to Japanese fashion brands for unique styles that stand the test of time, be it a cocooning black coat or pleated skirt. Many of these brands have been around for decades—Issey Miyake for instance, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020—and their meticulously designed, high-quality clothes are more relevant now than ever as circular and vintage fashion gains even more momentum.
Whether you’re already a fan of Japanese apparel brands and are looking for a little refresher or are new to the scene (welcome!), take a look at the 9 labels we love below.
1. Comme des Garcons
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