Tokyo gets back on the fashion track

In the midst of relief and rescue operations in radioactivity-hit Japan, its capital, Tokyo, is coming alive on the fashion scene again.

In the midst of relief and rescue operations in radioactivity-hit Japan, its capital, Tokyo, is coming alive on the fashion scene again. After the earthquake hit the country on March 11, many fashion labels, including Louis Vuitton, Prada and Cartier acted to bring their executive staff back to their home countries and closed local boutiques.

But now, fashion media houses such as Women’s Wear Daily and Racked confirm that on Tuesday, big brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Chanel and Forever 21 reopened their doors in Tokyo. H&M has also moved its employees back to Tokyo from Osaka.

"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,” wrote Women’s Wear Daily.

American fashion designer Rebecca Taylor and Japan-based 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, opened 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 shows and concerts.