seattle: atsui tokyo
Monday, April 21st, 2008Introducing Atsui Tokyo, a new shop in Seattle that specializes in Japanese women’s wear.
Atsui Tokyo is nary a year old and dedicated exclusively to Japanese designer brands — owner Jay Doughten tells me their focus is on up-and-coming designers in Japan. He also mentioned that their women’s lines run small and are intended for girls who are average Japanese size or smaller, which is 5’4”.
Jay went on to explain that some designers like Yohji or Comme des Garcons can be found in department stores in the US and have been around for 20-plus years, but that they are typically too expensive or too difficult to wear to be considered “mainstream” in Japan. So through Atsui Tokyo, his concept is to offer unique, high-end styles that are cut for smaller, petite woman — without breaking the bank.
Two designers in Japan are particularly hot right now: Aya Noguchi and Hideki Takai.
Aya Noguchi has four labels at Atsui, including Filly O’Lynx, Galatea, Cookie Fortune, and Balcony & Bed. Each line is slightly different in the concept, but sizing is standard all around: typical Japanese cuts for 5’4” or shorter.
Aya Noguchi’s line includes A-line styles and pieces designed for layering. Most dresses can be worn alone, or dressed down with leggings or denim. Everything is ultra versatile.
The specifics: Filly O’Lynx is a fun, feminine line for everyday wear. Cookie helps round out a wardrobe with accessories and comfy jersey tops and dresses. Balcony’s concept is dedicated to quality and comfort—ideal for a more mature audience. And Galatea is the quintessential party line with hot evening attire. Most pieces are one-size and will fit US sizes 0-4.
Hideki Takai for Stodja features a flashy and fun avant-garde design with styles that are street-ready and totally addictive. Dresses and coats make up its most expensive pieces, ranging from $200 - $400, with tops averaging under $100. Obviously, these pieces move quickly!
Underneath it all, look to Gunze, the leading underwear and leg wear manufacturer in Japan. Atsui carries their line, Tuche (the boutique’s most popular brand), which includes leggings, tights, stockings and socks with fabulous designs at reasonable prices. Sizing is one-size (M-L) and will fit US 0-4 with a max height of 5’5”.
You’ll want to check out both their online shop and their blog—Jay tells me they keep their content fresh so you can find what you’re looking for. And if you can’t, simply send him an email.
Jay would like to offer serafina readers a 20% off discount on any in-store, e-mail, or phone orders from now until May 31st on any purchases over $100! Please have any inquires e-mailed to sales (at) atsuitokyo (dot) com.
