Americana

Originally published March 9, 2007.

I was in Kichijoji earlier today, just chillin, ambling towards Tower Records when I happened upon a J. Crew. !!! I was so surprised and so pleased. Gap is all over Tokyo, and I’ve seen a couple of Banana Republics, but this was the first J. Crew. When I walked in it was like a breath of fresh air washed over me. I saw ribbed tank tops! Polo shirts! Twin sets! There were classic collared button-down shirts and madras prints galore.

Now, you’re probably like, wtf Adelle – you’re in Tokyo and you’re that excited over J. Crew?

Well, let me tell you something. While Tokyo trends certainly are interesting, they certainly are not the be-all end-all of fashion. For one, within Tokyo, everyone dresses the same. There are about 4 or 5 uniforms that float around, with little-to-no variation on a given uniform.

• the above-the-knee 3/4 sleeve bubble-hem dress, worn with EITHER a long sleeve turtle neck underneath OR a long sleeve button up shirt trimmed with lace – most often up the placket – and a cropped collar; usually accompanied with knee high socks and embellished pumps or slouch boots and a long multi-strand bauble necklace.

• the tunic with leggings and slouch boots; underneath the tunic is the long sleeve turtleneck or the laced-trimmed, cropped collar, button up shirt; same bauble necklace.

• and the girls who look like whorish Barbie dolls. Lots of make up, super teased hair, short tight skirts, knee high socks, embellished heels, tight shirts; lots of lace and super-girly touches. In America people would assume you’re walking the streets at nights; in Tokyo you’re just going shopping with your friends – in the middle of the day.

Living in the midst of this, I do appreciate American fashion sensibilities. Less can indeed be more, a concept which seems altogether foreign in Tokyo. There is even a segment of American style that is immune to the runway. Browsing both J. Crew and Banana Republic today I realized that there are styles that American stores will continue to offer regardless of the trends. I’m not just talking about basics like ribbed tanks or cashmere sweater sets; or even the concept of preppy. American dressing is often clean, fresh; accented, but minimally adorned. Even on the runway – look at Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren. There is a consistent aesthetic – one reminiscent of preppy but that certainly goes beyond it – independent of international trends. When at times I become numb to the Tokyo uniforms, it is that independence and individuality of sorts that I find most refreshing.