Fashion in Japan comments : sales rose thanks to the cold weather that boosted the sales of coats, the increase in winter bonus that pushed up the sales of luxury items and the early start of bargain.

Information : Sales at department stores in Japan rose 0.8% on the year in December to 731.8 billion yen, marking the first increase in six months, the Japan Department Stores Association said Thursday.

Sales at department stores in the Tokyo metropolitan area rose 0.3% to 177 billion yen, up for the first time in six months.

For all of 2011 nationwide, sales fell 2% to 6.15 trillion yen, the 15th straight annual decline.

Sales at Tokyo department stores for the full year slid 3.3% to 1.49 trillion yen, shrinking for the fourth consecutive year.

2011 Winter Bonuses in Japan : 10,000 USD !

The Japanese consumers still have money to spend on fashion and luxury brands. The growing bonus and the strong Yen is offering interesting sales perspective for all the brands that would be able to reflect the strong Yen into their retail prices.

TOKYO (Nikkei)–Bonus payments this winter grew by an average 3.07% on the year 2011, rising for the 2^nd year in a row, according to a survey released by Nikkei Inc.

The weighted average bonus came to 739,360 yen before taxes (almost 10,000USD or 7,600 EURO), according to the poll’s tally of 619 companies as of Dec. 5. While the pace of increase topped 3% for the first time in 6 years, the payout figure was in the 700,000 yen range for a 3^rd straight year.

Manufacturers whose earnings climbed in fiscal 2010 helped to buoy the bonus figures.

Canon Inc. topped the list with a 1.24 million yen payment, reflecting its solid earnings performance for the year ended December 2010.

Meanwhile, winter bonuses at non-manufacturers were lower for a 4^th consecutive year. “This year’s winter bonuses, including those at small and midsize firms, remain severe even for the past 10 years,” says Haruka Kazama, economist at the Mizuho Research Institute. Consequently, Kazama believes consumers may remain cautious about spending.

The strong yen and the fallout from the European debt crisis could erode earnings and impact summer 2012 bonuses.

Dear all Japanese Fashion Trends Followers,

Winter has finally arrived bringing with it cold weather and all the winter must-have fashion items, from herringbone tweed down jackets to mouton duffle coats, wool hats and scarves to special gloves for smartphones, engineer boots to bi-color wingtip shoes. You will find hereafter the latest fashion keywords for this winter.

For this winter 11 special trends report, we have focused on wool scarves for both men and women because it has been a growing trend picked up by Japanese fashionistas. Access now : http://www.fashioninjapan.com/seasonreport/index.html

For this last trendsletter of the year, we would like to thank you for continual interest in  and regular visit and to www.fashioninjapan.com.

Looking forward to spotting the next big trends in 2012, we wish you a very happy new year 2012.

Best regards,

The Fashion in Japan Team

Women’s

Outer : wool jacket coat, double button coat, mouton coat, plaid jacket coat, handsome tweed coat, leather x wool coat, shaggy coat, men’s like wool coat, brown coat, angora mix jacket, mouton duffle coat, duffle long coat, patchwork mouton coat, poncho coat, cocoon shape coat, riders type mouton jacket, fur coat, poncho fur jacket, leopard fur coat, blouson, black MA-1 blouson, military blouson, mix material blouson, fur lined military jacket, leather jacket, tailored leather jacket, leather riders jacket, napoleon leather jacket, trench coat, cape wool jacket, bi-color jacket,

Tops : loose knits, pull-over knit, dolman sleeve knit, pom-pom knit, shaggy knit, stripe knit, chunky cable knit sweater, long cardigan, cable knit cardigan, drape knit cardigan, stripe cardigan, lame knit, loose short length knit, bijoux knit, fringe knit, cowachin cardigan, turtle neck sweater, gradation knit, flare blouse,  fringe poncho knit, bowtie blouse, fur vest,

Dresses : silk dress, simple dress, knit one piece, pom-pom knit dress, lace one piece, leopard print one piece, draped dress, monotone ribbon dress, retro chic color block dress, feather motif one piece, retro polka dot dress, no-collar shirt dress,

Bottoms : volume skirt, boy’s denim, long skirt, pleated long skirt, cotton skirt, print skirt, leopard skirt, skinny colour corduroy pants, pleat mini skirt, cargo pants, cotton long skirt, tulle skirt, flower print long skirt, knee length skirt, pencil skirt, A-line skirt, mini high-waist leather skirt, tweed gather skirt, glen check wool skirt,  

Shoes : lace-up boots, suede shoes, engineer boots, leopard loafers, leopard sneakers, short boots, trekking boots, military like boots, pin heel leopard pumps, blue suede shoes, wing tip booties, fur boots, mouton boots, long boots, studded long boots, vintage like long boots, mix material long boots, red boots, wedge heel booties, sequin pumps, snake skin pumps, tweed pumps, studded pumps, color block pumps, basic loafers, nude color pumps, red suede pumps, bijoux pumps, handsome shoes, bi-color wingtip shoes, flat lace shoes, rubber sole pointed toe, rock taste stud shoes, leopard x leather flat shoes,

Accessories：lamb leather accessories, knit cap, knit scarf, big stole, shoulder bag, pouchette, ear mufflers, fur shawl, tote bag, fringe check long stole, Nordic scarf, retro stole, felt hat, skinny belt, suede pop color belt,

Materials : silk, fur, cotton, wool, knit, alpaca, cashmere,

Colors, patterns : camel, navy, grey, brown, mustard yellow, burgundy, glen check, leopard, green, chocolate brown, canary yellow,

Style : Cool Feminine, romantic mode, glen check pants x white shirt, handsome look, relax mode, leather jacket x T-shirt, long jacket x slim pants, fur jacket x denim, casual shirt x formal fur jacket, long skirt x long cardigan, lady-like long skirt x military jacket, handsome coat x sexy one piece, white shirt x check bottoms, loose silhouette style, masculine taste,  long skirt x sweatshirt, trenchcoat x hat style, tulle skirt x compact blouson, chiffon skirt x fur vest, preppy look, monotone coordination,

and much more on http://www.fashioninjapan.com/

Men’s

Outer : tartan check wool coat, herringbone tweed down jacket, nylon quilted jacket, cotton canvas coat, oiled cotton blouson, wool plaid blazer, chesterfield coat, military trench coat, wool stripe quilted jacket, black leather jacket, flannel jacket, grey wool blazer, knit down jacket, navy oiled cotton jacket, flannel jacket, mouton leather jacket, fur blouson, stadium jumper, duffle coat, down blouson, plaid long duffle coat, wool long coat, cotton duffle coat, chesterfield coat, check blouson, Melton wool coat, corduroy jacket, moleskin Canadian coat, wool peacoat, trench coat, velvet trench coat, woolrich jacket, outdoor style jackets, soutien collar coat, short length pea coat, single riders jacket,

Tops : fair isle knit, cashmere sweater, cowachin vest, V-neck knit, work vest, tweed vest, shawl collar knit cardigan, American trad knit, waffle knit, wool vest, low gage knit, Nordic sweater, cable knit sweater, country knit, stripe knit sweater, wool x leather down vest, shawl collar cable knit cardigan, shaggy knit sweater, border knit cardigan, campus parka, cowachin knit, knit parka, Shetland vest, toggle shawl collar knit, argyle knit, hooded knit cardigan, buffalo check CPO shirt, elbow patch shirt, turtle neck cashmere knit, elbow patch jacket, CPO shirt, check shirt, tartan check shirt,

Bottoms : corduroy pants, relax pants, cargo pants, 5 pocket pants, moleskin double knee pants, wool logger pants, tapered tweed pants,

Shoes : navy wing tip shoes, mouton boots, engineer boots, leather sneaker, plain toe leather shoes, outdoor boots, trekking boots, glen check wool sneakers,

Accessories： tweed casket, vintage taste tote bags, tassle leather shoes, dry wax cotton canvas bag, cross body bag, felt halt, knit hat, boston bag, wool tote bag, Fair Isle knit scarf, knit cap, tweed back pack, outdoor bags, leg warmers, shoulder bag, mini bag, messenger bag, functional tote,

Materials : herringbone tweed, nylon, cotton canvas, oiled cotton, cashmere knit, alpaca knit, wool, silk, Harris tweed, oiled cloth,

Colors, patterns : tartan check, plaid, navy, black, dark tones, beige, grey, gingham check,

Style : English style, European military style, rugged style, Italian taste, Iconic jacket, American taste, monotone style, rough American style, hunting style, work style x military style, hippie, beige outdoor style, casual style, denim style, LA casual, Ivy league style, retro vintage taste, denim shirt x vest x neck tie, out of school, brown gradation,

and much more on http://www.fashioninjapan.com/

How will apparel brands cope with the continued decrease of their department stores sales ?

Will Japanese department stores will be able to drive traffic in the top floor again ?

These are few questions that all brands should ask themselves to stop the sales decrease of apparel.

Same-store sales fell on the year at three of five major department store operators in November, according to figures they released Thursday.

While demand for year-end gifts and such expensive items as jewelry and accessories was robust, purchases of fall/winter clothing, such as coats, slumped due to mild weather through mid-November.

The drop was 0.7% at Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. (3099), 1.3% at Takashimaya Co. (8233) and 2.7% at Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores Inc.

Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores Co. enjoyed a 2.8% increase in sales of women’s wear at 10 main stores. As a result, overall same-store sales rose 1.6%, extending a streak of gains to eight months. Its Daimaru store in Osaka’s Umeda district, which expanded its floor space in April, drove growth.

Sogo & Seibu Co. secured a 0.3% sales gain thanks to a 9.3% surge at its flagship Seibu Ikebukuro store.

Interesting article regarding luxury items sales in Japan.

The fact is that watches, jewelry, gold, artwork are in demand while the luxury clothing are still struggling.

TOKYO (Nikkei)–Brisk sales of high-end watches, artwork and other luxury items are helping pull Japanese department stores out of their protracted funk.

Mitsukoshi’s flagship store in Tokyo’s Nihombashi district saw sales of high-end wristwatches soar in October, with those priced at the 1 million yen level jumping 60% on the year and those in the 2 million yen range doubling. Foreign brands, such as Rolex and Franck Muller, sold especially well.

A fair held by Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores Co. for selected customers at an Osaka hotel on Oct. 15 and 16 rang up sales of 4.2 billion yen, up 18% from the previous year’s event, due to strong sales of big-ticket items, such as paintings priced at the 30 million yen level and diamond necklaces going for around 20 million yen.

So far in November, for example, sales of luxury merchandise have grown 17% at Daimaru Matsuzakaya and about 10% each at the flagship Isetan store in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district and at the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi.

“There are no signs of a decline” in sales of luxury items, said an official at Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.

Tired of saving

The growing sales of high-end goods is widely attributed to active purchases by people who are tired of reining in their spending in the wake of the March 11 disaster. But because sales have been climbing since April, some analysts say there are other reasons.

The old maxim that spending on luxury items is proportional to stock market trends fails to apply to the current spending trend, given that the Nikkei Stock Average is flagging at the 8,000 level.

Lure of gold

Strongboxes are selling well at Daimaru Matsuzakaya, and monthly sales of gold coins are up by 30-40% at the Yokohama store of Takashimaya Co. Gold coins priced at 15,000 yen to 150,000 yen each are popular, a Takashimaya official says.

J. Front and Takashimaya each anticipate a 1% drop in sales for the current year through February 2012, while Isetan Mitsukoshi also predicts a 1% decline for the year through next March.

Achilles’ heel

A big reason for this wariness are sluggish sales of clothing, which account for about 35% of total sales at department stores.

According to the Japan Department Stores Association, clothing sales rose 0.5% in October, for the first year-on-year increase in eight months. But the sustainability of the upturn is in doubt, given the strong competition from volume clothiers such as Uniqlo.

Regional discrepancies in department store sales are emerging as well. While flagship stores in urban centers are enjoying robust business, sales are starting to flag at some regional outlets, says an official at Sogo & Seibu Co.

A government survey shows that consumer spending by households with two or more members contracted an inflation-adjusted 1.9% on the year in September.

Dear Fashion in Japan fans,

After a long summer break, Autumn 2011 has finally started at the same timing as the Japan Fashion Week !

You will find hereafter the latest fashion keywords from the most influential Japanese fashion magazines and select stores catalogues.

One of the major trend spotted in the streets of Shibuya, Harajuku, Aoyama, Daikanyama fashion districts for this Autumn is Knitwear, therefore we have wrapped up a Special Report focusing on Knitwear (http://www.fashioninjapan.com/seasonreport/index.html). From ponchos to cardigans, large torsades to one-piece dress, you will find many directional ideas.

And if you are interested in discovering live the latest Japanese Fashion Trends, you can join us during our Tokyo Shopping Tour (http://www.tokyofashiontour.com/).

Finally, we are also very happy to announce you the renewal of our Fashion Consulting site (http://www.lebiz-consulting.com/).

We hope you will enjoy the great pictures and ideas, and feel free to contact us if you have any specific demand about Tokyo Fashion !

Talk to you soon and best regards,

Loic Bizel

AUTUMN 2012 – FASHION KEYWORDS

Women’s

GLAMOROUS

Outer : peacoat, tuxedo jacket, cape jacket, poncho knit jacket, mannish tweed jacket, fur trimmed short boots,

Tops : bohemian blouse, bowtie blouse, loose knit, bicolor loose blouse, cable knit poncho, short cut knit, dolman sleeves, crew neck knit, turtle neck knit, see-through color blouse, chiffon polka-dot blouse, cheetah print tops, python print T-shirt, check print bowtie blouse, lace blouse, loose T-shirt, knit cardigan, thick border knit, black lace blouse, chiffon tank top, sleeveless lace blouse,

Dresses : cashmere long one piece, retro one piece, plaid print one piece, mini black lace dress, shirt dress, vintage like dress, chiffon maxi one piece,

Bottoms : wide leg tartan check pants, corduroy pants, pleated skirt, cheetah print skirt, wide pants, knee length skirt, mannish pants, detailed skirt, pleated see-through skirt, tight jersey knit knee-length skirt, cropped check pants, corduroy high-waist shorts, tutu skirt, suede shorts, high waist skirt, loosely pleated shorts, maxi skirt,

Shoes : loafer shoes, long riding boots, short boots, pointed toe pumps, mannish shoes, engineer boots, high heel loafers, work boots, leopard print shoes,

Accessories： detachable shirt collar, small pochette, suspenders, classic bags, clutch bag, pearl necklace, leopard print bags, square bag,

Materials : tweed, cashmere, wool knit, mohair, chiffon,

Colors, patterns : mannish check, green, mustard yellow, wine red, camel brown, polka dot, black, scalloped embroidery,

Style : simple and basic, elegant bohemian, handsome jacket x beautiful dress, British look, mix material complete style, retro, loose silhouette, color tops x knee length skirt, lady classic, cable knit x pleated chiffon skirt, polka dot blouse x tapered pants, loose masculine look, cape jacket x long boots, fur trimmed trench coat x short boots, wool jacket x mannish shoes, mix material jacket x loafer pumps, gorgeous bohemian,

BAILA

Outer : tweed jacket, tailored jacket, pea coat, short cut duffle coat,

Tops : simple knit, chunky knit sweater, pink loose blouse, basic T-shirts, sleeveless navy bowtie blouse, cream color chunky cable knit, navy chunky knit cardigan, silk blouse, blue button-up shirt, white button-up shirt, short length blouse, polka dot tops, denim blouse, cropped khaki pants, mustard yellow frill blouse, light pink no-sleeve blouse, plaid bowtie blouse, dolman sleeve blouse, ribbon cardigan, gather blouse,

Dresses : leopard print booties, border jersey knit one piece, jersey knit maxi dress, mustard yellow print one piece, flower print shirt dress, loose silhouette dress, small print dress, polka dot dress, draped shoulder dress, beige dress,

Bottoms : denim overalls, red knee-length skirt, khaki tutu skirt, leopard print maxi skirt, denim long skirt, white denim pants, glen check shorts, accordion pleated skirt, camel pleated shorts with waist tie, cocoon skirt, cropped cargo pants, skinny pants, men’s-like bottoms, lace shorts, ivory pleated skirt,

Shoes : studded ballet shoes, lace-up shoes, short boots, lace-up boots, mouton trimmed boots, classic pumps, pointed toe pumps, bijoux pumps, wing tip shoes, loafers, bicker boots, slip on boots, enamel loafers,

Accessories： chain leather bag, pearl necklace, suede shoulder bag, square bag, tassel stole, ethnic accessories, tote bag, patent bag, bitter color bag, classic shape bag, mix material bag, leopard print bag, casual bag,

Materials :, jersey knit, cotton, mohair, corduroy, lace, wool knit, mouton, tweed, silk crepe,

Colors, patterns : beige, off white, blush pink, navy, red, khaki, grey, mustard yellow, Bordeaux, dark blue, forest green, leopard, python,

Style : minimal, handsome beauty, feminine style, simple T-shirt x playful skirt, casual traditional, classic taste, mannish coordinate, lace up boots x long retro dress, beige gradation outfit x gold accessories,

SPUR

Outer : old mannish coats, tweed jacket, plaid jacket,

Tops : british knits, yellow blouse, high neck knit, stole tops, turtle neck poncho, big size cardigan, white blouse, bowties blouse, bijoux knit, crew neck marine knit, sleeveless top, basic T-shirt,

Bottoms : tight skirt, retro skirts, polka dot knee length skirt, tweed shorts, pleated plaid skirt, chiffon pleated skirt, knit skirt, lace shorts, wide pants, ethnic print pants,

Dresses : denim dress, knit dress, star print silk dress, silk chiffon pleat dress, satin dress, plaid dress, ice blue shirt dress,

Shoes : loafers, wedge sole, flat wingtip shoes, fringe shoes, moccasin, comfort boots, traditional shoes, chunky heel and strap, saddle shoes,

Accessories： colorful bags, classic bags, leather tote bag, folklore bag, check bag, camel bag, boston bag, animal print accessories, pochette bag, fur bag, stripe stole, shoulder satchel bag, vivid color bags,

Materials : lace, fur, see-through fabric, contrast fabrics, sequins, cashere

Colors, patterns : nostalgic colors, vivid red, star prints, plaids, grey, pop colors, geometric print, smoky pink, cool blue,

Style : modern x classic combination, French chic, vintage mode, ladylike, retro mode, princess look x nostalgic, British plaid look, 70’s muse, noble military, big silhouette, retro chic, pattern mix bohemian, border tops x loose denim, boy meets girl style, new elegance, pattern x pattern, basic coordinate,

Men’s

SAFARI MAGAZINE

Outer : military leather jacket, tailored jacket, fitted leather jacket, grey tailored jacket, tweed blazer, cotton blazer, jersery blazer, military cotton jacket, suede jacket, cotton wool, jacket, nylon jacket, quilted jacket, knit x quilted jacket, knit jacket, down vest, down jacket, wool down jacket, 3 way military jacket, coverall like jacket,

Tops : stripe cardigan, garage taste emblem cardigan, wood button cardigan, stripe T-shirts, stripe hoodie, stripe polo, grey pullover parka, loose neck T-shirt, check shirt, polo shirt, shawl collar knit, denim shirt, knit cardigan, long sleeve T-shirt, denim shirt, check shirt, corduroy shirt, print T-shirt,

Bottoms : dark blue denim, sweat pants, white pants, washed denim, straight denim, wool pants, colour chinos, black denim, vintage blue denim, light blue denim, military pants,

Shoes : all white sneakers, suede boots, classic shoes, wing tip shoes, suede sneakers, mix material boots, engineer, boots, work boots,

Accessories： stripe scarf, basic knit cap, stripe canvas tote, cable knit scarf,

Materials : cotton, tweed, jersey, cotton wool blend, leather, suede,

Colors, patterns : stripe, earth tones, red, brown, blue, grey, plaid, orange, camel,

Style : LA casual, monotone style, tailored jacket x sweatpants, tailored jacket x denim, washed denim x gray jacket, washed chino x gray jacket, tailored jacket x stripe shirt, layered polo shirt, black jacket x grey denim, gray jacket x blue denim, American casual, work style, military coat x check shirts, American classic, check shirt x print T-shirt,

OCEANS MAGAZINE

Outer : down vest, black leather jacket, double breasted coat, compact trench coat, vintage-like wool jacket, mix wool jacket, military trench coat, jersey jacket, corduroy elbow patch jacket, riders jacket, mouton trim leather jacket,

Tops : white shirt, stripe cut sew, fair isle knit, fleece, border knit, cowachin knit, white and blue gingham check shirt, shawl collar low gage cardigan, military shirt, madras check shirt, high gage v-neck sweater, grey low gage cardigan, western shirt, denim western shirt, argyle motif knit sweater, knit vest, premium cut sew T-shirts, henry neck cut sew, tight long sleeve cut sew, low gage peacoat knit sweater, denim shirt, polka dot shirt, oxford shirt, micro medallion shirt,

Bottoms : military pants, beige corduroy pants, cargo pocket pants, washed denim, gray sweat pants, chinos, cropped pants, corduroy pants, relaxed denim, tapered denim, colour chino, straight denim, wool pants, 5 pocket pants,

Shoes : lace boots, hiking boots, fitness shoes, low cut mountain boots, genderless design sneakers, U-tip work boots, colour tennis shoes, wing tip leather shoes, suede desert boots, slip on shoes, loafer boots, hunting boots, engineer boots, suede loafers, musician style,

Accessories： stole, leather bracelets, retro sunglasses, leather mesh belt, turquoise accessories, nylon tote, wool hat,

Materials : fleece, knit, goretex, wool, suede, jersey knit,

Colors, patterns : gingham check, madras check, grey, blue, denim, tartan check,

Style : college boy look, preppy style, conservative, blazer x sweat pants, black blazer x cropped pants, print T-shirt x down vest, jean jacket x chino pants, American casual, basic wear, blue gradation, pop sense x military outdoor,

Just-style 1/09/2011

With 3D technology selling movies and electronics, it only makes sense that fashion is also focusing on this cutting edge trend. Certain brands are exploring ways in which 3D technology can enhance everything from couture shows to advertisements to e-business; but while the drive for innovation is there, some industry experts say the technology still has a way to go before online fitting rooms are mainstream.

In February 2010, UK fashion house Burberry created a buzz when it streamed its autumn/winter women’s wear show in 3D, creating a fashion event that was the first of its kind.

That same autumn, young consumer oriented Armani Exchange followed suit, creating a 3D autumn advertising campaign with specially designed 3D glasses for viewing its creative spreads in GQ, V Magazine and Interview.

Since then Mexican Vogue has run a 3D Louis Vuitton fashion spread, the September 2010 issue of Vogue Italia came with a pair of 3D glasses to view its sharp digital photos, and Los Angeles-based luxury men’s wear label, Native Son introduced America’s first 3D fashion film, showcasing the brand’s autumn 2010 collection through an artsy, eye-popping narrative.

These 3D marketing campaigns still seem to be the exception, not the rule, however, in the current fashion landscape.

“[3D technology] is still something relatively new in the marketing side of the fashion world,” says Kyle Fitzgibbons, the US-based designer behind Native Son.

He explains that while the screening of his 3D film garnered a lot of positive feedback, he is not looking to incorporate 3D into any more of his marketing strategies in the near future. “Right now it’s just not feasible.”

“There are only a limited amount of viewers that can watch 3D – the technology just isn’t mainstream yet. Shooting in 3D is very expensive, and considering that the technology can only reach a very small slice of the marketing pie right now, it’s not necessarily worth it.”

3D technology in business
Over in Japan, where cutting-edge technology is ever present, Loic Bizel, founder of Japanese fashion market consulting firm Lebiz Tokyo, says he sees an increasing demand for Japanese brands to use 3D technology on their websites. Although he does not see 3D in point-of-sale really taking off anytime soon.

“I am not sure that for clothing brands it is worth doing 3D imaging because the production is so heavy and long – for accessories like bags, shoes or sunglasses, it might be more useful to push the sales, maybe.”

Bizel says more and more shops in Japan are using iPads in stores to display catalogues or fashion shows at the moment – so the hunger for technology exists.

He also believes the sales impact of 3D imaging could be big for e-business though, in Japan specifically: “The Japanese love information and details, so the 3D will allow them to really study products from all angles in the same way they would be able to in shops. It will be a big asset in terms of really seeing the material and textures of a product.”

Dr Nicola D’Apuzzo is the founder of Hometrica Consulting, a Swiss firm that works in the fields of 3D body scanning and 3D human body measurements. He says that while he, too, agrees there is not yet a real benefit to marketing in 3D, there is great potential in the world of e-business for the technology.

D’Apuzzo says that while some retailers have already tried to incorporate 3D imaging technology into online shops and e-business, many have, however, had to quickly pull the plug on it.

“The online [3D] system isn’t ready yet – there aren’t any products out there yet that can create precise simulation for online shoppers. There are avatars, but the size and fit can’t be personalised yet.”

He says this technology is likely to develop in the near future, however, due to customer demand. “Incorporating 3D into online shopping would be great from an economic point of view in terms of saving time and money by not having to send the garment back.”

Online fit technology
But the technology for this might be closer than D’Apuzzo thinks. Raj Sareen, director at Tukatech, a US-based international provider of fashion design and pattern making computer-aided design (CAD) software, says his company has launched a new venture called Styku, which will help companies move 3D technology onto the web “to create an online fitting room technology aimed at helping online retailers reduce returns and increase sales.”

American company [TC]² also provides 3D body scanning solutions in apparel, and virtual fashion: its NX-16 3D scanner scans the whole body in seconds and rapidly produces a true-to-scale 3D body model, with its body measurement software able to extract over 400 unique measurements.

A version of [TC]²’s software lets people do a body scan and then create realistic avatars for themselves.

“By replacing the fit model avatar with a consumer avatar – made in the shape of the consumer – consumers can try on a garment on their own body before they buy clothing online, allowing them to choose the right size and reduce the chance of returns,” says Sareen.

And while many 3D solutions companies are currently working towards incorporating these technologies in their e-business models, some designers are leading the pack, and putting 3D body scanners right in their stores.

American swimsuit designer Lori Coulter, for example, has clients step into the TrueTailor digital body scanner in her shop, which creates a 3D model of the customer’s body in less than a minute, with tailor-made bathing suits ready within two weeks’ time.

British custom-tailored men’s wear brand Aston Blake also recently opened a concept store in Singapore that has an in-store body scanner, with the branch keeping each customer’s measurement records in a personal folder to use for all future orders.

http://www.just-style.com/management-briefing/3d-technology-in-the-fashion-business_id112058.aspx

Finally, the Department Stores in Japan are opening their eyes ! They just discovered that Japanese under 40 years old were not visiting their suburban stores (apart from food and cosmetics floors).

As a result, we can expect that these stores will become very Japanese brands oriented as most of the international designers brands are scared to enter the over 60 market, despite their growing % of the population and their purchase power…

Article from Nikkei

Sogo & Seibu Co. plans to remodel suburban department stores in order to make them more appealing to the elderly.

The Sogo store in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, will dedicate 2,600 sq. meters, or one-third of its floor space for women’s wear, to customers aged 60 and up.

The Kashiwa store’s new retail space will open 10/09/2011. Previously, the women’s wear section targeted generations from youth on up. But the redesigned section will focus on those aged 60 and older, offering loosely fitting clothing and other items favored by the elderly. Products will be displayed by category, such as skirts and blouses, rather than by brand, so that customers can easily find what they want.With department stores losing younger shoppers to other types of retailers, about 40-50% of their customers are 50 and older.

As young people increasingly flock to Tokyo’s prime locations for shopping, more than 50% of the Kashiwa store’s customers are 50 and older, with those aged 60 and older accounting for more than 30% of the total. But the 60-and-up set spends 40% more than the average shopper, according to the store.

Sogo & Seibu, a unit of Seven & i Holdings Co., will consider similarly remodeling other suburban locations.

UNIQLO to sell 100 million pieces of its Heattech line of thermal underwear this fall and winter 2011

G.U. Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fast Retailing Co. is working to boost sales of thermal and other winter underwear.

The company will lower prices and expand the line to 382 products, aiming to more than double sales from the previous year to 5 million pieces.

Fabric that stretches, absorbs moisture and produces heat are among the features to be offered. Women’s underwear is designed to be antistatic and dry quickly.

A U-neck T-shirt for women will sell for 590 yen (7USD), 200 yen lower than last year. Leggings for men will go for 790 yen, instead of 990 yen.

Company President Osamu Yunoki said at a news conference on Thursday the price cuts are due partly to the strong yen, as some of the purchases are made in dollars.

Fast Retailing’s mainstay Uniqlo Co. unit aims to sell 100 million pieces of its Heattech line of thermal underwear this fall and winter.

109 Shibuya Girls hanging around during this hot and humid summer 2011.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nft_CtG-RE

If you want to discover more of Japanese Streets Fashion, we organize www.tokyofashiontour.com for Fashion Professionals.

Enjoy  !

Tania

Enjoy the trendy Japanese fashion looks :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lxsYReFQTU&feature=share

Dear All,

The Rainy season seems to be over and Summer has arrived with the past few days over 30 degrees ! Still the Japanese streets remain pack of trendy people styling themselves for the Summer heat.

983 new pictures have been uploaded on www.fashioninjapan.com including some more CLOGS in the Season Report.

Before you go down to read the fashion magazines keywords, we would like to inform you that you can now also follow us on the free Instragram APPLI “JapanFashion”. These pictures are not found on www.fashioninjapan.com as they are snapshots that we take and post LIVE !

Following the success of our Spring season trends reports, we have wrap up the Summer trends reports, so in order for you not to miss the upcoming fashion trends from Japan, you can order it now.  Click here the detailed presentation, cost and report sample or copy and paste this link in your browser :http://www.fashioninjapan.com/2011_Tokyo_Spring_Report_Offer.pdf

The reports can be purchased individually (Apparel, Shoes, Bags, Men, Women) or as a whole according to your needs. We will deliver you the reports within 1 week.

Looking forward to your answer,

Best regards,

Order by email at Loic@fashioninjapan.com

LeBiz Tokyo – Fashion Consulting

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KEYWORDS FROM JUNE MAGAZINES

Women’s

BAILA

Outer : white cardigan, rain poncho, no collar cotton jacket,

Tops : soft shirt, stripe button-up shirt, white linen shirt, beige button up shirt, loose knit, stripe T-shirt, chambray shirt, long knit, long T-shirt, V-neck long sleeve T-shirt, tank top tunic, dolman jersey knit top, scalloped blouse, frill camisole, frill blouse,

Dresses : shirt one piece, knit one piece, stripe maxi one piece, satin stripe dress, floral print one piece, military one piece,

Bottoms : white cotton lace skirt, skinny denim, baggy denim, chino pants, flared skirt, white pants, dark indigo skinny jeans, wide leg denim, white cropped pants, frill jersey skirt, ribbon belt skirt, gingham check skirt,

Shoes : ballet shoes, men’s like lace-up shoes, beige leather shoes,

Accessories： square tote bag, check stole, canvas bag, chunky bangle,

Materials : cotton, linen, jersey knit,

Colors, patterns : white, beige, orange, polka dot, stripe,

Style : shirt style, loose chic style, big silhouette x trad bottoms, tucked in white shirt, beige x pink, rough x feminine, big silhouette shirt x stripe inner, white blouse x chino pants,

GINZA

Outer :

Tops : tunic blouse, white cotton blouse, frill sleeve blouse, print T-shirt, crotchet tops, stripe shirts,

Dresses : tie dye dress, maxi cotton dress, mini frill dress, polka dot dress, classic black dress, floral dress, lace dress, eyelet lace dress,

Bottoms : denim shorts, jersey sweat shorts, polka dot culottes, denim, cut-off denim shorts,

Shoes : rope sandals,

Accessories： mannish shoes, backpack, ethnic bag, silver and turquoise accessories, basket bag, canvas tote bag, feather earrings, python wallet, straw hat,

Materials :, cotton, linen, silk, jersey knit, cashmere, organza, cotton canvas,

Colors, patterns : flower, polka dot, stripe, check, lace, navy, orange, green, pink, vivid colors, cherries,

Style : outdoor style, beach style, ethnic taste, 70’s look, feminine, masculine, classic dress, sporty look, dramatic one tone, French chic, military,

and much more on http://www.fashioninjapan.com/

Men’s

JOKER MAGAZINE

Outer : military blouson, used wash denim jacket, shawl collar jacket, marine parka, nylon parka,

Tops : vintage check, ¾ length sleeve T-shirt x worker’s vest, photo print T-shirt, border T-shirt, denim shirt, plain pocket T-shirt, garage design T-shirt, vintage print T-shirt, native print T-shirt, T-shirt with embroidery, monotone print T-shirt, American character T-shirt, Henley neck shirt, native pattern vest, western check shirts, military shirts, football shirts, thin cardigan, roll-up sleeve buttoned military shirt, monotone polo shirt, white linen shirts,

Bottoms : black denim, chino pants, damaged denim, Ben Davis work pants, military pants, cargo pants, reversible chino shorts, military shorts, big print shorts,

Shoes : navy suede shoes, moccasin boots, chukka boots, trekking boots, leather sandals, espadrilles,

Accessories： canvas and leather tote bag, waist bag, print stole, stone accessories, native accessories, beaded bracelet, native bangle, leather necklace, brown leather key holder, leather wallet chain, vintage-like shoulder bag, 2-way Boston bag, camouflage bag,

Materials : jersey, cotton, linen, denim

Colors, patterns : stripe, native pattern, resort print, Hawaiian, marine motifs, blue, white,

Style : American casual, cool monotone style, layered look, marine taste, bright color check shirt x plain T-shirt,  dark tone check shirt x white T-shirt, military outer x white T-shirt, marine x work, marine x military,

SAFARI MAGAZINE

Outer : thin blue parka, military blouson, gray blazer, jersey blazer, plain jacket, check blazer, marine stripe jacket, linen jacket,

Tops : white V-neck T-shirt, grey T-shirt, black and white print T-shirt, vintage print T-shirt, musician print T-shirts, character T-shirts, photo print T-shirts, art T-shirt, multi stripe T-shirts, back print T-shirt, ethnic print T-shirt, pattern vest, print button-up shirts, chambray vest, short sleeve check shirt, stripe polo shirt, linen shirts, ribbed T-shirt, pin tuck dungaree shirt, monotone border shirt, worker shirts,

Bottoms : parachute pants, cargo pants, black pants, beach shorts, damaged denim, flower print shorts, color chinos, patchwork shorts, cargo pocket shorts, tartan check shorts, fitted denim, sweat shorts, grey denim, bleached denim, white denim, light blue denim,

Shoes : all white sneakers, espadrille type sandals, brown leather sandals, grey leather sneakers, retro sneakers, braided leather sandals,

Accessories： chunky black leather belt, cotton stole, leather bangle, tiered gradation sunglasses, silver wallet chain,  grey hunting hat, black and white mesh cap, bandana, leather tote bag, studded belt, leather boston bag, canvas shoulder bag,

Materials : cotton twill weave, linen,

Colors, patterns : natural colors, nude colors, blue, gray, white,

Style : surfer relax style, print T-shirt x cropped denim, beach casual, design polo shirt x cargo pants, American casual, military x sporty, denim x blazer, marine taste, resort style, preppy,

BEGIN

Outer : cotton madras check blazer, cotton vest, hooded shirt jacket,

Tops : denim western shirt, polo shirt, stripe long sleeve T-shirt, 70’s vintage T-shirt, check shirt, short sleeve oxford shirt, Disney character T-shirt, surfer T-shirt, leather yoke shirt, small print shirt, linen shirt, pocket T-shirts, corduroy western shirt, military shirt,

Bottoms : aloha shorts, chambray shorts, cropped pants, nylon cycling pants, denim shorts,

Shoes : suede beach sandals, deck shoes, buckle sandals, tartan check shorts, Bermuda shorts, slip on mesh sneakers,

Accessories： reversible bag, rope bracelet, pattern stole,

Materials : pile fabric, jersey knit, denim, linen,

Colors, patterns : Hawaiian, floral, blue, white, green,

Style : marine, blue on blue,

and much more on http://www.fashioninjapan.com/

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This is live tokyo fashion trends !

Loic

TOKYO (Nikkei)–Sales of short-sleeve and polo shirts have picked up as the government goes further than usual to promote casual wear for office workers this summer, part of energy-saving efforts that include cutting back on air conditioning.

At a fashion show on Tuesday, casual clothing chain Uniqlo Co. proposed new business attire that included polo shirts and chino pants. The Fast Retailing Co. (9983) unit aims to boost polo shirt sales by 50% and double sales of chino pants from the previous year.

Mac House Co. (7603) plans to stock 30% more polo shirts than last year. Major sporting goods retailer Xebio Co. (8281) is ordering an additional 130,000 polo shirts that can be worn in the workplace.

With thermostat settings expected to be raised this summer in light of a power crunch, a growing number of firms are revising their dress codes to permit polo shirts, for example. This year’s “Cool Biz” summertime energy-saving campaign promises to be more ambitious than in earlier years. Department stores and general merchandisers are also taking steps to tap demand.

Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.’s (3099) Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district is revamping its lineup so that polo shirts take up more than 10% of the display area for dress shirts. Aeon Co.(8267) will stock about 200 variations of polo shirts and some 20 cotton pants this summer. At Takashimaya Co. (8233), sales of short-sleeve and polo shirts since late April are up 150% on the year.

At menswear retailer Aoki Inc., sales of short-sleeve shirts were up about 50% on the year in May. Despite concerns of a drop in suit sales due to the move to go casual, the Aoki Holdings Inc. (8214) unit anticipates that figures in this field will be unchanged from last year. Many customers are buying cool summer suits that can be washed at home, said a company official.

01/06/2011

Spring 2011 – Tokyo Trends Reports

Following to the earthquake in Japan, many of you have cancelled your shopping trip to Tokyo for this Spring season.

Meanwhile, the situation in Tokyo is back to normal now in the streets and stores. Consumers are back to their shopping spree and brands remains very creative and reactive to the main trends.

In order for you not to miss the upcoming fashion trends from Japan, we have prepared some trends reports that will help you to build your next Spring collections. Please see attached the detailed presentation, cost and report sample.

The reports can be purchased individually (Apparel, Shoes, Bags, Men, Women) or as a whole according to your needs.

We will deliver you the reports by end of May 2011.

Looking forward to your answer,

Best regards,

Order by email at Loic@fashioninjapan.com

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Coming Soon : Get Free Novelties from Japanese Fashion Magazines !

This news can be surprising because the drops in sales was not that large compared to the disasters linked to the 11/03 earthquake.

One thing to notice that I have learnt from fashion retailers is that the beginning of March has been very good, exceeding the sales forecasts until the earthquake.

Retail sales fell 8.5% from a year earlier in March to Y11.246 trillion, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Wednesday. It was the second-largest year-on-year decline since 1980, when comparable data became available. Sales posted their biggest decline in March 1998 due to the comparison with the high numbers in the same month a year before. In March 1997 there was a flurry of last-minute spending before the consumption tax was raised to 5% from 3% in April that year.

Sales at large-scale retailers fell 7.7% on year, after adjustment for a change in the number of stores. Convenience store sales rose 9.1% in March to Y711.6 billion on an unadjusted basis, with sales of non-food items such as tobacco, flashlights, and batteries, rising 22.2% from a year ago.

March department store sales nationwide fell 14.7% on the year to 462.4 billion yen, for the first decline in two months, the Japan Department Stores Association said Tuesday.

The decline was attributable to shutdowns and reduced operating hours due to the Great East Japan Earthquake, as well as to rolling blackouts by Tokyo Electric Power Co. (9501).

Sales at Tokyo-area stores fell 21.5% to 103.1 billion yen, for the first decline in three months.

Dear all Fashion in Japan Fans,

A very interesting news for all the Chinese people keen of Japanese fashion brands.

The Tokyo Girls Collection, one of Japan’s largest fashion events, will debut in China next month in a bid to capitalize on the growing popularity among young women across Asia of trendy Japanese clothing.

Tokyo Girls Collection 2011 in Beijing will be held on May 7 in the Chinese capital, marking the first time the show, which has a legion of fans in their late teens and early 20s in Japan, will be held overseas.

Under Z Group Co. obtained the licence to hold the event in Beijing from its operators — Fashionwalker Inc. and F1 Media Inc.

About 50 fashion models and celebrities from Japan, China and South Korea will walk the runways, sporting the latest items of 13 Japanese fashion brands such as Cecil McBee.

The success of the Tokyo Girls Collection is partly due to audiences being able to order items they see on stage by cell phone. Online cell phone shopping has yet to take off in China, so Under Z and other event organizers plan to establish a Web site for PC users so customers can place orders at home after the show. The event expects to draw 12,000 people.