There's a kind of innocent, sweet charm about the way the clothing are photographed and styled in the catalog. It reminds me of Toast but in a more childlike way - which, not to be creepy, is right up my alley. I love the simplicity and timeless designs and the fact that everything looks so effortlessly put together. I can't attest to the quality of their clothing because it's only available in Japan and I haven't found a way to order them for international buyers. People talk a lot about the French way of dressing, but I think the Japanese have a calm sense of wabi-sabi that translates to the way they behave and dress. A lot of people associate Japanese fashion with some horrifying scene from Harajuku on the weekend, but the best of them have an uncanny appreciation for heritage, well-made goods.
Edit: Look what came in the mail today -- my new rucksack from Ally Cappelino!
The rucksack is really cool! I have a leather one, vaguely resembling this one, bought in a thrift store, but it hasn't any straps, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI like your dog, by the way; he sounds like a lot of fun :))
You're making me feel guilty about splurging on a bag when I would have been better off finding something at a thrift store. The dog is a real hoot - naughty as heck, but darn adorable :-)
DeleteWhat a gorgeous rucksack! Bet it's really well-made too - I have heard such good things about ally cappelino.
ReplyDeleteI love the rucksack, I bet it lasts you ages so I wouldn't feel guilty about splurging!
ReplyDeleteraspberrykitsch.blogspot.com
xx
First off, your pooch looks hysterical. And I mean that in a totally positive and loving way. Also love the backpack, and no, don't feel guilty about it for a second, it's going to be one of those things you use all the time, so once you amortize it... But also, I wanted to say I totally agree with you on the japanese clothing, I find there is a care and tenderness and simplicity in their aesthetic that is often overlooked in the west. Obviously we're generalizing, but still, I think there's something to it.
ReplyDeletehttp://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/
@ Ammu -- The bag is really nice but honestly I think it's a tad overpriced for what it is.
ReplyDelete@ Hannah - Hopefully it will last, the straps are a little narrower than I would like, and I'm trying to be careful about stuffing it with too much junk (as I am wont to do).
@ Nomadic D. Thank you! He is a really funny guy - rascally but completely adorable. By the way, you made me rethink my blanket statement about Japanese clothing dressing/clothing, I'm sure they too hav crappy clothing and all I've been seeing is an idealized notion of their lifestyle. It just seems to me though, that they have a better appreciation of what a fine garment symbolizes.
beauty after beauty. the backpack tops them all though!
ReplyDeleteJudging by the praise of the likes of Johji and Rei in France and the success of Muji and Uniqlo,(and vice versa with APC, Agnès B being quite popular in Japan) French and Japanese way of dressing is more intertwined, similar in tastes than opposite.
ReplyDeletegosh I absolutely love this - I wish they did international ordering! they remind me of Toast, but better. I totally agree about Japanese fashion, I wish there was more Japanese street style which didn't focus on the Harajuki aesthetic (I find that look interesting but I've seen sooo much of it). It's interesting how elements of that look are being incorporated into a simpler and more minimal style, though.
ReplyDeleteYou dog is literally the cutest thing ever, I just want to pet him! And the rucksack is awesome, don't feel bad about it - I bet it gets a lot of use :)
@editor of that blog Thank you!
ReplyDelete@Aïssa Thank you for pointing that French and Japanese fashion are quite similar -- it made me realize how trifle my post was (I didn't really think it through properly) and you are right, the Japanese and French have a similar way of fashion and maybe that's why I like them so much. :-)
@Fen They DO look like Toast don't they -- except like Aissa said, a little more French? The dog returns your petting with a slobbery lick on the nose.
Just came across your blog and need to come back when I have more time! But for now I must tell you I LOVE your blue dachshund!!! What a cutie :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, and my dog says hi as well :-)
DeleteI have admired this particular aesthetic for many years now, yet somehow find it difficult to translate...for myself, more so because it is so hard to actually locate similar items this side of the pond. I once ordered a few custom made designs via etsy: amongst them a linen dress which reminds me of the one pictured above where the girl is holding the telephone - I wore this beauty to death! I'm drawn to the simplicity, but also this sense of 'warmth' and comfort which they evoke....a sort of 'utilitarian' loveliness which I can't quite describe in words (and i am so very tired this late night!).
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely images, and it is always a delight to see the cute pup! Hope you are feeling better soon x
I'm actively seeking out a place to purchase this sort of clothing - I can't seem to find them here in the US either. And the places that do have clothing like this are extremely expensive. I'm a little hesitant to purchase custom-made clothing online after a few disappointing experiences. But eiher way, I think that looking through a catalog for this sort of aesthetics makes me re-evaluate my sense of style.
DeleteLittle dogs are the best (I've got a chihuahua and a poodle/chihuahua mix)! They have great attitudes and just want to hang out with you as much as possible--and I think that they definitely have a sense of humor, too.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like from your picture that you have a special way of making your tea--care to share the recipe?
Do they call it a Chipoo? So cute!! I suspect most small dogs are really big dogs trapped in a small body.
DeleteI just heat 1 part water, 1 part honey, 1 lemon (sliced) and about a thumb length of ginger in a saucepan. Then I let it stand for about 2 hours until it's cool, remove the lemon and store in a bottle in the refrigerator. For the tea, I just make some regular green tea, add the honey concoction and a few extra slices of lemon and ginger. It's a GREAT cure for colds and sore throat. Oh, and also, the honey mixture works great in a cocktail (gin and spritzer water) :-)
Hi! I've been looking for this rucksack as well but I thought it was sold out everywhere. Would you mind pointing me to where you purchased yours? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHello! I bought it from End Clothing. Not sure if you are in the US but I got charged customs taxes as well - so just a head's up.
Deletethat's an interesting point abut the parallels between a certain japanese girlish style and a french gamine/APC aesthetic. i've learned over the years that i can only do this look in small doses or else it totally falls flat on me.
ReplyDeletehow are you liking your rucksack? that's a good looking backpack!
I absolutely agree about japanese style and I love the look of that magazine. Sometimes bird carries a few good japanese lines, mina perhonen is my recent favorite.
ReplyDeletehttp://m-swann.blogspot.com/
I live in Japan, and I completely agree that they do have an appreciation for quality and well-made goods as well as their style being very French-y..lol (if that makes sense). I always find it hard to choose where to shop because there is so much quality clothing available (if you're willing to pay, that is).
ReplyDeleteI think in a lot of cases the "Frenchy" brands are part owned by the Japanese which could explain the similarity in aesthetics. Margaret Howell for example has Japanese buyers.
ReplyDeletehttp://herribbonsandherbows.blogspot.co.uk/
How do you like your rucksack? I saw it in Copenhagen and Berlin and I'm quite tempted to buy it, but I also like the bicycle rucksack from AC.
ReplyDeleteI quite like the bag actually! It's very lightweight and is an excellent size. I think it's a bit overpriced but the bag is very well-made.
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