1. Sacai
Sacai, founded by the ever-innovative Chitose Abe in 1999, is all about mixing things up with contrasting fabrics and bold, unexpected silhouettes that make everyday wear feel extra special. Her designs are timeless, unique, and effortlessly elegant, perfect for anything from casual outings to fancy occasions. The men’s collection, launched in 2009, carries the same cool, laid-back vibe.
Since 2009, Sacai’s women’s collections have been stealing the spotlight at Paris Fashion Week, and the brand’s flagship store in Tokyo (opened in 2011) is a stunning mix of old and new, designed by architect Sou Fujimoto. Inside, quirky, eclectic furniture by the artist group GELCHOP adds even more flair. With stores in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Seoul, plus global retail partners, Sacai’s stylish creations are making waves everywhere!
2. A Bathing Ape (BAPE)
A Bathing Ape, aka BAPE, is the ultimate streetwear icon that took the world by storm! Founded in 1993 by Nigo in Japan, this brand is all about bold, playful designs and signature patterns, like its camo prints and the legendary ape logo. BAPE has built a loyal following with its unique mix of high-end fashion and urban cool, creating everything from hoodies and sneakers to accessories that scream “statement piece”.
The brand’s collaborations with global names, from Coca-Cola to Kanye West, have made it a cult favorite, blending exclusivity with street-savvy style. With its fearless attitude and playful aesthetic, BAPE is a go-to for those who want to stand out and embrace their own creative vibe!
3. Comme Des Garcons
Comme des Garcons, the legendary Japanese brand founded by Rei Kawakubo in 1969, is a bold, boundary-pushing force in fashion. Known for its avant-garde designs, unconventional shapes, and quirky twists, Comme des Garcons completely redefines what fashion can be. It’s all about breaking rules whether through asymmetry, exaggerated silhouettes, or unexpected fabric pairings.
Kawakubo’s collections challenge traditional notions of beauty and gender, turning everyday clothing into wearable art. With stores in cities like Tokyo, Paris, and New York, Comme des Garcons has become a global symbol of creativity, innovation, and rebellious style that’s as iconic as it is unpredictable.
4. Junya Watanabe
Junya Watanabe is the ultimate designer for anyone who loves fashion with a twist! A protege of Rei Kawakubo at Comme des Garcons, Watanabe launched his own line in 1992, blending cutting-edge innovation with impeccable craftsmanship. Known for his playful yet thought-provoking designs, he fuses high fashion with streetwear, military influences, and unexpected fabric combinations.
His collections often mix tech-savvy details with classic tailoring, making every piece feel fresh, modern, and bold. Whether it’s reimagining denim or crafting statement outerwear, Junya Watanabe brings a unique, experimental vibe to the fashion world that never goes out of style!
5. Noir Kei Ninomiya
Noir Kei Ninomiya is all about dark, daring, and beautifully intricate designs that push fashion to new creative heights! Launched by designer Kei Ninomiya in 2012, this brand has become famous for its avant-garde, sculptural pieces made from unique textiles and bold, experimental techniques.
With a focus on black (Noir) and a love for complex detailing, Ninomiya’s collections are edgy, futuristic, and full of personality. Think elaborate lace, innovative 3D shapes, and a mix of delicate and industrial elements that make each piece stand out. If you’re all about fashion that challenges the norm and makes a statement, Noir Kei Ninomiya is where innovation meets style!
6. Visvim WMV
Visvim WMV is the cool, elevated cousin of the iconic Visvim brand, bringing the same artisanal craftsmanship and luxe street style with a twist! Founded by Hiroki Nakamura, Visvim WMV (which stands for Women’s Made Visvim) offers a mix of rugged, outdoorsy vibes and high-end, contemporary fashion. Expect meticulously crafted pieces that fuse traditional techniques with modern design, from beautifully tailored jackets to hand-dyed fabrics and exclusive sneakers.
With a focus on quality materials and timeless style, Visvim WMV is all about creating pieces that feel both fresh and classic, perfect for the woman who loves fashion with a story and soul!
7. AMBUSH
AMBUSH started as an experimental jewellery line, inspired by pop art and Tokyo’s vibrant aesthetic, with its iconic POW! motif gaining global recognition. Expanding into unisex apparel, the brand used clothing as a canvas to complete its artistic vision. Making its Paris debut in 2015, founders VERBAL & YOON became influential figures in fashion, appearing on Business of Fashion’s Top 500 and HYPEBEAST 100 lists for multiple years.
AMBUSH was a finalist for the LVMH Prize in 2017 and has collaborated with high-profile brands like Louis Vuitton, Sacai, Nike, and Bvlgari. The brand debuted its first runway show at Amazon Fashion Week Tokyo in 2018, and YOON was appointed jewellery designer for Dior Men in 2019. In 2016, AMBUSH opened its flagship store in Tokyo, combining its creative vision with a design studio under one roof.
8. Issey Miyake
Issey Miyake, founded in 1970, is all about mixing art, innovation, and fashion! Famous for his futuristic designs and groundbreaking pleating techniques, Miyake transformed fashion with his sculptural, minimalist style.
Today, Satoshi Kondo carries the torch as the creative director, bringing a fresh, exciting vibe while staying true to the brand’s roots of comfort and creativity. Kondo’s designs continue to push boundaries, blending innovation with elegance to create clothing that’s not just stylish, but super versatile and fun to wear. Issey Miyake under Kondo is where timeless art meets next-gen fashion!
9. Undercover
Undercover is the ultimate mix of rebellious street style and high fashion, where punk meets elegance in the most unexpected ways! Founded by designer Jun Takahashi in 1993, this Japanese brand is known for its bold, edgy designs that blend dark, subversive themes with playful, quirky elements.
Whether it’s graphic tees, oversized jackets, or unexpected fabric combinations, Undercover’s pieces make a statement and are all about breaking the rules. Takahashi’s collections often feature graphic prints, influences from youth culture, and a touch of surrealism, making Undercover a go-to for those who love to stand out. With its avant-garde vibe and fearless approach to fashion, Undercover is where cool meets creative chaos!
10. Y-3
Y-3 is where sportswear meets high fashion in the most stylish, futuristic way! A collaboration between Adidas and legendary Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 blends Adidas’ athletic edge with Yamamoto’s avant-garde, minimalist flair.
Since its debut in 2002, Y-3 has been redefining street style with sleek, sporty designs, bold silhouettes, and cutting-edge materials. It’s all about luxe sneakers, oversized jackets, and athletic-inspired looks that are as fashion-forward as they are comfortable. Y-3 is all about merging function and high fashion, making it the perfect choice for those who want to look cool while staying on the move!
11. Auralee
Auralee is all about modern elegance with a purpose! Founded by Ryota Iwai, the brand’s name means “The Lands That Light Up,” inspired by an old American folk song that captured Iwai’s attention with its soulful sound. The brand combines authenticity, clarity, and sophistication in its designs, offering a unique mix of calm elegance and subtle formality.
Auralee collections are inspired by everything from daily surroundings and travels to the feel of rich, high-quality materials sourced from around the world. Each piece is crafted with precision, creating timeless, luxurious staples that are all about comfort and individuality.
12. TELMA
Terumasa Nakajima is a design superstar with a dynamic journey! After graduating from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp in 2010, where he won both the Christine Mathys Award and the Louis Award, his graduation collection was even showcased at a boutique in Antwerp.
He then joined Dries Van Noten as an assistant designer, where he worked on women’s design, before heading back to Japan in 2014 to work with the legendary Issey Miyake. There, he honed his skills in designing from the concept of a single ‘Piece of Cloth’ while embracing Japan’s top-notch craftsmanship. In 2022, he launched his own brand, TELMA, bringing his innovative vision to life in his own unique way!
13. SSSTEIN
SSSTEIN is a cutting-edge Japanese brand founded by designer Kiichirō Asakawa, known for his bold and experimental approach to fashion. Asakawa’s vision is all about blending avant-garde influences with high-end craftsmanship, creating pieces that push the boundaries of modern design. SSSTEIN’s collections play with textures, shapes, and unique silhouettes, making each piece a work of wearable art. The brand is known for its premium materials, impeccable attention to detail, and a fearless, creative approach to fashion. SSSTEIN is perfect for those who want their wardrobe to stand out and reflect their individuality, making a striking statement wherever they go!
14. KANAKO SAKAI
KANAKO SAKAI is the Japanese brand that effortlessly blends elegance with innovation! Founded by designer Kanako Sakai, the brand is all about creating beautifully crafted, contemporary pieces with a focus on clean lines, unique textures, and a minimalist aesthetic. Sakai’s designs are a perfect mix of subtle sophistication and playful modernity, often featuring delicate details that elevate everyday wear. With a keen eye for luxury fabrics and impeccable tailoring, KANAKO SAKAI’s collections are made for those who appreciate timeless, high-quality fashion with a fresh, modern twist. Whether it’s sleek dresses or sharp separates, this brand is all about effortless style that feels both chic and comfortable!
15. CFCL
CFCL, short for Clothing For Contemporary Life, is a brand created by designer Yusuke Takahashi, who founded it in 2020 during the pandemic. The brand focuses on creating practical, comfortable, and stylish clothing that fits seamlessly into modern life. Instead of reflecting a single designer’s personal vision, CFCL emphasises sophistication, consciousness, and comfort, offering pieces that are easy to wear, maintain, and suitable for various occasions.
Known for its innovative, programming-powered knitwear, CFCL’s designs are stretchy, cozy, and adaptable to different body types, catering to the modern need for flexibility and ease. With a commitment to sustainability, CFCL uses technology to minimise fabric waste and selects recycled, certified materials to reduce its environmental footprint. Believing that fashion has the power to influence how people feel, think, and act, CFCL strives to create clothing that makes a positive impact while offering fashion with a conscience for today’s world.
16. Tanaka Daisuke
Tanaka Daisuke is a bold, contemporary clothing brand that blends style with a distinct sense of individuality. Founded by the talented designer Daisuke Tanaka, the brand delivers a unique take on modern fashion, with a focus on creating garments that are both eye-catching and wearable.
Tanaka Daisuke pushes the boundaries of creativity while maintaining a strong sense of practicality, ensuring that each piece not only makes a statement but also fits seamlessly into everyday life. With a flair for mixing textures, colours, and shapes, Tanaka Daisuke brings a fresh, dynamic energy to the fashion world, offering clothing that empowers people to express their true selves with confidence and flair. It’s fashion that’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling amazing too!
17. Yuki Hashimoto
Yuki Hashimoto launched his eponymous brand in 2019 with the Spring/Summer collection, BAD DAY CAMP, under the concept of ‘NEW ORDER’. His designs merge the rich history of clothing with a fresh, modern vision, creating pieces that not only look great but tell stories. With a deep focus on functional details and historical influences, Yuki draws inspiration from culture and history to bring a unique narrative to each collection. A graduate of the prestigious Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Yuki honed his craft through stints with top Paris and Antwerp-based brands before returning for a master’s programme. Now, with his own brand, Yuki Hashimoto is challenging the status quo, offering fashion that combines the old and new in the most stylish way possible!
18. KOZABURO
Born in Tokyo in 1984, KOZABURO’s founder, Kozaburo Akasaka, has an eclectic background that blends philosophy, Buddhism, and fashion. After studying philosophy at university, he dropped out to pursue his true passion, enrolling at the iconic Central Saint Martins in London in 2006. He graduated with First Class Honors in 2011 and moved to the US, where he worked with top brands like Thom Browne. In 2013, Kozaburo returned to school, enrolling at Parsons and winning the prestigious VFiles Runway competition in 2014 for Spring/Summer 2016.
By 2016, he launched his own fashion brand, KOZABURO, and quickly made a splash, winning the LVMH Special Prize that same year. The brand’s unique blend of style and substance gained him a dedicated following, and by 2018, he was showcasing his collections at New York Fashion Week and exhibiting in Paris and Tokyo. Kozaburo’s creativity continued to flourish, with collaborations with major brands like Wrangler, Snowpeak, and Suicoke, as well as launching new ventures such as the PHANTOM RANCH MARKET and the ‘Wave of Sand’ utility line. As an innovator with an eye for cutting-edge fashion, Kozaburo Akasaka is making waves in the fashion world and beyond!
19. YUUNA ICHIKAWA
YUUNA ICHIKAWA is a fashion brand founded by the talented designer Yuuna Ichikawa, known for her playful and bold approach to style. Yuuna’s design philosophy blends elegance with unexpected twists, creating collections that celebrate individuality and make a statement. With a focus on vibrant colours, unique cuts, and eye-catching details, her designs transform everyday fashion into something artistic and fun. Yuuna Ichikawa’s pieces are contemporary yet full of personality, offering a refreshing take on chic, avant-garde, and cool styles. Her brand embodies the idea that fashion should be both stylish and playful, empowering people to express their true selves with confidence and flair.
20. ROTOL
ROTOL is a Japanese clothing brand that blends innovation with contemporary style, creating designs that are both cutting-edge and effortlessly cool. Known for its sleek, minimalist approach, ROTOL combines high-tech fabrics with modern silhouettes, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in fashion. The brand’s pieces often feature unique textures and functional details, offering both form and function for the fashion-forward individual. ROTOL’s collections have a clean, futuristic vibe with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship, making it the go-to brand for those who appreciate modern design and versatility.
21. KAPITAL
KAPITAL is a Japanese clothing brand that’s all about mixing traditional craftsmanship with bold, quirky style! Founded by the visionary designer Toshikiyo Hirata, KAPITAL is known for its unique, eclectic approach to fashion, blending streetwear with high-end tailoring, and adding playful twists to classic designs. With a love for denim, vintage-inspired pieces, and bold graphics, the brand captures a fun, rebellious spirit while staying rooted in authentic Japanese craftsmanship.
KAPITAL’s pieces are all about storytelling, each item is like a wearable work of art, with intricate detailing, innovative fabrics, and an unmistakable sense of individuality. Whether it’s a patchwork jacket, graphic tee, or a cool pair of jeans, KAPITAL offers clothing that’s as much about attitude as it is about style.
22. Elephant TRIBAL Fabrics
Elephant TRIBAL Fabrics is a Japanese clothing brand that brings together the charm of traditional craftsmanship and a bold, bohemian vibe! Founded by the creative genius Ryota Kimizuka, the brand is all about celebrating the beauty of handwoven fabrics, intricate patterns, and unique textiles. Elephant TRIBAL’s pieces are a fusion of vintage-inspired designs with a modern twist, creating a laid-back yet refined aesthetic. Popular for its vibrant, colourful prints and earthy tones, the brand’s clothing makes a statement while keeping comfort at its core.
Whether it’s a relaxed shirt, a flowy dress, or a stylish jacket, Elephant TRIBAL offers a global, wanderlust-inspired style that’s perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of adventure to their wardrobe.
23. FETICO
FETICO is a Japanese clothing brand that’s all about bringing high-fashion drama with a touch of playful nostalgia! Founded by the talented designer Emi Funayama, FETICO is known for its whimsical, avant-garde designs that mix vintage-inspired elegance with bold, contemporary flair. Emi’s pieces are full of unique textures, striking silhouettes, and intricate details, creating a sense of fantasy and fun in every collection. Whether it’s delicate lace, dramatic ruffles, or unexpected colour combinations, FETICO’s designs have a way of turning heads and making you feel like you’re stepping into a fashion fairytale.
24. Hidetaka Miyagi
Hidetaka Miyagi combines minimalist design with edgy, contemporary cool! Founded by the innovative designer Hidetaka Miyagi, the brand is all about blending clean lines, bold shapes, and thoughtful details to create pieces that are both modern and timeless. Hidetaka’s collections feature a mix of relaxed yet structured garments, often with a twist, all about oversized silhouettes, unique fabric combinations, and a touch of avant-garde flair.
It’s fashion with a fresh perspective, perfect for those who love minimalist style but want something a little different. Hidetaka Miyagi’s dedication to high-quality craftsmanship and unique design makes his pieces standout essentials for anyone looking to make a stylish statement with ease.
25. WTAPS
WTAPS is a Japanese clothing brand that seamlessly blends streetwear with military-inspired aesthetics for a tough yet stylish vibe! Founded by the visionary designer Tetsu Nishiyama in 1996, WTAPS is all about functional, rugged designs with a refined edge. The brand’s collections are a perfect mix of utility and fashion, featuring durable materials, sharp lines, and bold graphics that make a statement without trying too hard.
WTAPS is the go-to label for anyone who wants to channel a laid-back, street-smart style with a bit of military influence. Tetsu Nishiyama’s eye for detail and his passion for creating high-quality, wearable pieces has made WTAPS a favourite in the streetwear world. Whether you’re dressing for an urban adventure or just want to stand out, WTAPS offers the perfect blend of attitude and authenticity!
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