The Tokyo Look Book…
After dropping my friend off in Shinjuku so he could catch the Narita Express to the airport I went over to Kinokuniya to pick up some Japanese text books (decided to start studying again) and stumbled upon `The Tokyo Look Book` by Philomena Keet with photography by Yuri Manabe….It wasn`t the first time I had seen the book…I had even seen it reccomended on a couple of blogs and had flicked through it a couple of times either in Kinokuniya or Tower Records in Shibuya….There are several English language books that delve into the Tokyo/Japan fashion scene but this is by far the best I have seen so far in my travels. So I bought it because my stomach was starting to hurt again and I wanted to get home to my warm (Ok well warmer than outside at least) apartment and sit down.
I like reading about fashion, while I am not a very fashion concisious person, nor do I know much about Japanese fashion labels or the styles of fashion seen in Tokyo, this book was easy to understand and a very fun read. Consisting of over 200 photos by Yuri Manabe and writings by Philomena Keet a British national who has a PhD in Anthropology the book takes you on a journey through the Tokyo fashion scene from the well known Shibuya Girls, the Cos play kids of Harajuku and the decked out Louis Vouiton and Chanel females of Omotesando and Ginza fame. Not to mention the last chapter titled `Young Men at Work`….I am always up for a look at the hot Japanese guys in suits and Nikka (work men pants). I live in the city and some of the things Ms Keet spoke about I would never have known if I hadn`t read her book….while I had heard of Sibuya girls, and the Lolita Cos players I had no idea that they were so influenced by their favourite music bands (most of which are visual-kei) or that certain brands were held at such high esteem.
I bought this book Sunday and had it finished by Monday morning (Monday was a public holiday) and I would of devoured it in one sitting If I hadn`t been so sleepy on Sunday night! Anyone into fashion, or who likes looking at pop culture or Japanese culture should check out this book….In fact anybody who is anybody should check out this book because I think you would be hard to find someone that walk away from reading it without feeling at least something!
The book also consisted of some profiles of popular fashion designers or shop owners here in Tokyo!
This book made me want to go out and take photos of all the crazy and cute fashion I see on the streets of Tokyo…although I am not sure if anybody would pose for me if I asked!
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The book sounds fascinating. During my trip to Japan, I saw some of the fashions you mention and had a fantastic time photographing the people at Harajuku on Sunday. And shopping through 109 at Shibuya was quite an experience!
In fact, your post made me homesick to go back…
It was a really good book…there have been a few books in recent years about the fashions in Tokyo that I have flicked through in the bookstores but in my opinion this one is by far the best and most informative!
I hope you get a chance to get back here soon….although wait til winter is over….it is the coldest winter! (For an aussie girl like me at least!)