A Sock for All Occasions

Japanese socks are a gift from fashion heaven. Not only are they puppy-dog cute, scientists have figured out ways to make socks highly-functional — absorbing sweat, softening skin and keeping you from slipping on your butt. It’s amazing!:

Anti-slip Socks

The bumps on these socks aren’t just for decoration. They’re there to keep you from crashing and burning as you race your brother across mom’s waxy kitchen floor. They’re anti-slip socks, which in Japan are important since so many houses have hardwood flooring and steep wooden staircases. Made from polyurethane material, these pedi-loafers will always keep you standing.

Anti-bloating Socks

Sexy calves! That’s the promise this product makes. Here in the U.S. it doesn’t seem as much of a concern, but in Japan most girls are aware that high-heels and cold weather will bloat your legs beyond the point of recognition. These sleek black socks use the circulation-stimulating germanium (the mineral, not a flower) to help slim them back to shape.

Ankle-warming Socks

Only one pair to keep you warm? Throw on another! Made of 100% silk, this hot number can be pulled up to your knees or scrunched to your ankles. Either way, you’re looking cute there.

Heel-softening Socks

For those who suffer from ashy skin, here’s the sock for you. Dual-layer technology keeps your feet nice and toasty while preventing unnecessary abrasion. They’re a little thicker than the rest, but softer feet I’ll risk the shame. Sock it to me! \(^o^)/

Himawari

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Beating the Winter Heat

Last winter, Uniqlo beat its competition hands down in the race to sell the season’s hottest thermal wear. From pastel turtlenecks to puffy jackets, its HEAT TECH clothing line became the year’s most gossiped bundle of threads.

This winter, Uniqlo’s underdog competitor Aeon is determined to steal the throne with its line called (drum roll please) ….HEAT FACT! The apparel is similar to last year’s — short-sleeve tees, camisoles, turtlenecks, and long Johns — but boasts a higher thread-count for a softer, warmer feel. HEAT FACT also aims to beat competitors with a price tag 20-30% less than Uniqlo’s offerings (between $7 to $12).

HEAT FACT was just launched last week at 1,000 stores nationwide and retailers are hoping to sell at least 10 million items. Truthfully, Aeon isn’t exactly a chic brand, selling at places like Jusco and Daiei, which are like the Big Lots and Walmart of Japan. Uniqlo, on the other hand, is like Gap, appealing to both kids and adults at an affordable cost.

Especially in times like these, winter-wear has become an aggressive market. When the air gets frigid, people still want to restock their wardrobe but without breaking the bank. If Aeon wants to do well, I hope they have an eye-popping promotional campaign lined up, otherwise I think I might go for HEAT TECH. The name just sounds cooler, don’t you think?

Himawari

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japanizmo, a Los Angeles based company, provides practical solutions for U.S. ? Japan business projects. Our experienced Japanese staff will support all phases of your business project to seize business opportunities and turn your vision into a reality. >> Learn more

Fashion Week in Tokyo Showcases a Vast Spectrum of Colors and Styles

It may look like spring outside your window but in the fashion world, it’s already winter… of 2009. For a glimpse into this fall’s haute couture and ready to wear designs, future trendsetters need look no further than Fashion Week, which hit New York City in early February and Los Angeles from March 7th to 14th. Then it was Tokyo’s turn. On March 10th through March 16th, Japan’s innovative fashion designers unveiled their latest creations. The clothes ranged from “Goth Lolita” street variations to concepts inspired by the video game “Final Fantasy” to Cyndi Lauper-esque 80’s style frocks. Apparently girls still just wanna have fun:

Mainichi Daily News reports that designers Keiichi Muramatsu and Noriko Seki went for a gargoyle theme. No, there were no hunchbacks strutting the runway; in this particular case, it meant “a sweater of gradated gray, made to appear like stone…accompanied by leg warmers and a stole made in the image of a stained glass window.”

Nature herself was also on display. (Sort of.) Ritsuko Shirahama incorporated scanned images of leaves into her patterns and Tamae Hirokawa’s SOMARTA brand evoked images of snow princesses, ice and forests.

As for men’s fashion? Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto opted to debut his plaid-lined suits in Paris earlier this year. (Does anyone else hear bagpipes?)

Sarah S.

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Thinking of doing business in Japan? We can make it easy for you!
JPBizDirect, a Los Angeles based company, provides practical solutions for U.S. ? Japan business projects. Our experienced Japanese staff will support all phases of your business project to seize business opportunities and turn your vision into a reality. >> Learn more
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