The Style of Japan

Since the arrival of some of its most prominent designers to Paris throughout the 1980s and 90s, Japan and its associated subcultures have exerted significant influence over the world of fashion and contemporary streetwear in particular. By bringing an avant-garde approach to what was seen as a somewhat stale European design ideal, references to the cultural traditions of Japan and its design mantra have become commonplace in a large number of collections which seek to fuse its traditionally androgynous nature with the more contemporary fits and silhouettes most associated with European brands.

Maharishi has retained its status as one of the most popular and influential Japanese names to emerge in recent times. Founded in 1994, the brand has always kept its focus on utilitywear and the fusion of both eastern and western artistic influences within the space. By finding ways to creatively reinterpret the idea of camouflage and take the concept to a more mainstream demographic and consumer-base, the brand has been able to bring sustainable fabrics and environmentally conscious production techniques to the masses while retaining their iconic aesthetic.

Maharishi Black Crow White Heron T-Shirt

One of the more historical labels to emerge from Japan is Edwin. Finding their feet importing the first denim jeans into the country, by the 1980s the brand had not only ventured into the manufacturing process themselves, but pioneered techniques for producing both stonewashed and rainbow selvedge fabrics that are still in use today. Their specialisation may be jeans, but this did not stop Edwin from taking their unique art style to clothing as well; through an eye-catching blend of Japanese motifs and visuals with European "contemporary flavour", the brand continues to go from strength to strength on the worldwide stage.

Edwin Tyrell Jean

Flower Mountain have brought together the pace and vibrancy of the city with their founder's knowledge of traditional Japanese craftsmanship in order to create some of the most popular exported footwear from the country. Aimed primarily at the urban explorer but equally at home in the mountains, the label has become known for its performance-focused trainers that showcase distinctive colour-pop designs alongside Japanese fabrics that reference the brands heritage. Designed to inspire "a feeling of freedom" within the wearer, each pair emboldens you to venture further and explore.

Flower Mountain New Asuka Uni Trainer

The usage of bold colours, motifs and forward-thinking manufacturing techniques, along with traditional garments such as the Kimono are no longer confined only to brands originating from Japan - testament to the level of global influence that brands such as those mentioned now have.

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