What: You don’t need to be told that the Harajuku streetwear-turned-lifestyle brand founded by DJ-designer Nigo has set trend-savvy teens, street-style aficionados and fashion-forward fans frothing since 1993. Its shark hoodies, camo T-shirts and Bapesta sneakers are now iconic. Although many of the pieces will make you stick out like a sore thumb, we like its poking-fun, sometimes in-your-face attitude. So does Pharrell Williams.
Price: B16,900 for the Camo Half & Half Full Zip Hoodie; B6,900 for Ladies Camo Neon Shark Tee.
Bape Store, M/F The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-0030-6640. Open daily 10am-8pm. www.fb.com/bapethailand
What: Fashion newbies, don’t let the French name fool you. This high-end label is actually founded by the renowned Rei Kawakubo, whose avant-garde approach to clothing has turned it into one of the most sought-after luxury brands ever. While we can’t imagine ourselves wearing the most “out there” pieces (leave them to Lady Gaga and Rihanna), the youthful and more accessible Comme des Garcons Play line offers sleek breton stripes and Converse collaborations adorned with the iconic heart logo.
Price: B5,900 for the Converse x CDG Play Polkadot ‘70 low sneakers; B3,900 for plain logo tee.
Comme des Garcons, G/F Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-021-2140. Open daily 10am-10pm
What: Let’s forget about the Bao Bao bags for a minute, because uh… this brand is not just about prism totes. When it comes to Japanese fashion names, this classic, high-end label is at the forefront, widely renowned for its boundary-pushing technicality and philosophical design. Of course, the fashion-forward yet functional “Pleats Please” collection of wrinkle-free garments made from heated polyester is the all-time fan favorite. We like the whimsical, geometrical shapes and unusual textures, and how the brand always manages to keep things sophisticated, contemporary and fresh.
Price: From B6,500-25,900 for the latest spring/summer 2018 collection.
Issey Miyake, G/F Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-021-2141. Open daily 10am-10pm
What: Think of Beams as a more fashionable Muji or Uniqlo, its clean designs for both men and women given more of a hipster, cool-kid vibe. Overall, the brand sticks to a minimal look with high-quality materials, but with steeper prices than the high-street staples. Highlights from this spring/summer 2018 include the “Sea Side Story” collection from its Beams Plus label, blending effortless Japanese style with preppy Ivy League staples.
Price: B4,000-13,000 for the Beams Plus spring/summer 2018 collection
Beams, 1/F, The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6067. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.fb.com/beamsthailandofficial
What: The eponymous menswear label of Japanese industrial and fashion designer Takeo Kikuchi encourages salarymen to break the rules of business attire. Widely known for its top quality materials and manufacturing technology, Kikuchi’s clothing will definitely help spice up your wardrobe with its slick suits, dandy leather jackets, and clean-cut slacks. Look out for its latest spring/summer 2018 safari-inspired collection “Back to Nature.”
Price: B3,000-18,000 for Back to Nature spring/summer 2018 collection.
Takeo Kikuchi, 1/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-252-6433. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.takeokikuchith.com
What: The OG of Japanese avant-garde’ is now 74 years old, and his eponymous label still sets trends the world over. There’s just something about his dark, minimalist collections, all-black deconstructed silhouettes, draped layers and drop-crotch pants that are, surprisingly, timeless and really fun to look at. Oh, and those Adidas Y-3 sneakers? A total must-have if you call yourself a sneakerhead.
Price: B32,900 for ready-to-wear Pour Homme Blazer.
Club21, G/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1000. Open daily 10am-10pm
