Buyers and directors from 33 of Japan’s most influential retailers and department stores responded to a questionnaire to determine the ‘hottest designer brands ranking’.
In womenswear, Céline and Sacai retained the top spots in the international and domestic categories, respectively. Their commitment to an original aesthetic and the ability to keep taking on challenges is what won them an overwhelming number of points.
In menswear, Saint Laurent made a comeback in the international category, while Sacai defeated Kolor by a narrow margin in the domestic category.
J.W. Anderson was ranked second in both menswear and womenswear, and Loewe, where the designer is creative director, also won high acclaim.
His work for the Spanish heritage house has added a high-end ambience to his original style, which is based on a mysterious play on materials, with voluminous textures, genderless silhouettes, and the elegant result has been recognised by retailers.
Many retailers felt that J.W. Anderson is the most noteworthy designer this season, and that he has further enriched his original style to boost the growth of his collections.
The situation in the womenswear domestic category is also exciting.
After a gradual rise in popularity, Mame managed to beat influential brands to reach second place in the ranking. Its distinctive look, combining a tough core with delicate and subtle features, has attracted a growing fan base made up of fashion editors and buyers alike.
AKIRA NAKA was ranked third, with some experts claiming that it could stand its ground with the best global contemporary brands. Designer Fumika Uchida, who has worked as a buyer for a vintage fashion shop for many years, also made her debut.
Despite being a newcomer on the fashion stage, the brand has a powerful presence and its popularity is growing rapidly, making it one to watch for the future.
SHOP LIST 221 RESTIR / ADELAIDE / ADDITION ADELAIDE / AMERICAN RAG CIE / AQUAGIRL / BARNEYS NEW YORK / BEAMS / CROON A SONG / DAIMARU / DESIGNWORKS / EDIT. FOR LULU / EDITION / ESTNATION / HANKYU DEPARTMENT STORE / INTERNATIONAL GALLERY BEAMS / ISETAN / IZA / LUSTHEQUE / MAISON DE CONCENT / MATSUYA / OPENING CEREMONY / PARIGOT / RAY BEAMS / RESTIR / RON HERMAN / SOGO / SHIPS / STRASBURGO / SUPER A MARKET / TAKASHIMAYA / THE SECRETCLOSET / TOMORROWLAND / UNITED ARROWS / VIA BUS STOP
SHOP LIST
221 RESTIR / ADELAIDE / ADDITION ADELAIDE / AMERICAN RAG CIE / AQUAGIRL / BARNEYS NEW YORK / BEAMS / CROON A SONG / DAIMARU / DESIGNWORKS / EDIT. FOR LULU / EDITION / ESTNATION / HANKYU DEPARTMENT STORE / INTERNATIONAL GALLERY BEAMS / ISETAN / IZA / LUSTHEQUE / MAISON DE CONCENT / MATSUYA / OPENING CEREMONY / PARIGOT / RAY BEAMS / RESTIR / RON HERMAN / SOGO / SHIPS / STRASBURGO / SUPER A MARKET / TAKASHIMAYA / THE SECRETCLOSET / TOMORROWLAND / UNITED ARROWS / VIA BUS STOP