CANDY IS ANOTHER OF MY FAVORITE STORES IN TOKYO …. SISTER IS A NOT MY STYLE BUT THEY HAVE VERY CCUTE ACCESSORIES THAT ARE RIGHT UP ANYONE’S ALLEY.
A hidden alleyway in the middle of Shibuya nestled between a street crammed with cafes and the Loft building. It’s dark and a little eerie, but about halfway down you’ll see a neon sign with the word “Candy” scrawled on it. No, it doesn’t cater for Tokyo’s legendary sweet tooth – but is one of the most cutting-edge fashion boutiques in the capital. Full of edgy apparel such as chain mail vests, wild and avant-garde footwear and a small but perfect collection of clothing – Candy is the epicenter of cool. Stocking a host of young domestic labels as well as a selection of international names such as Komakino and current English fashion darling Gareth Pugh, the boutique is a regular hangout for stylists, fashion students and customers looking for something special — not just your regular throwaway fashion experience.
Sister, named after the Plastic Ono Band song “Sisters O Sisters”, is Candy’s rock chick sibling. The buyer has a love of gothic/horror and PR/Manager Fuyuri Kobayashi says that the pieces found in Sister come from the buyer’s personal choices such as Piers Atkinson jewelry which she describes as “cute but also very strange. It has an underground look but at the same time makes me feel really good.” Sister specializes in one-of-a-kind jewelry and millinery, as well as a collection of niche vintage and lauded contemporary Japanese designers such as Central Saint Martins graduate Sachio Kawasaki.
Elegant and edgy, Sister is a strangely beautiful boutique on the darker side of the fashion scale. Hats and jewelry come from some of the most creative designers around such as the legendary Stephen Jones and Erikson Beamon. The second floor boutique also plays 60s — 80s rock music and Kobayashi says that the creative team is inspired by music, old movies, books and even iconic singer and actress Marlene Dietrich.
Yanagi and Kobayashi agree that Candy and Sister are about more than just the act of shopping. It should be an emotional experience, a place where people can come to discuss and think about fashion and art. Friendly and open the boutiques are for anyone interested in a special enduring style which creates bonds between fashion and people.
BubblesPop 