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You may not think of kimono when you think of Harajuku fashion, but department store Laforet is looking to change all that with a limited-time event!

Harajuku is considered by many to be ground-zero for Japanese youth fashion. We’re not about to attempt to definitively state one way or another if that’s true, but there’s no doubt that the Tokyo neighborhood’s trends are influential. So, if this upcoming event at Laforet is any indication, next year might just be the year of the kimono for Japanese fashion!

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Laforet is one of Harajuku’s most popular department stores and features a wide range of fashion shops, in addition to a large event space and eateries. Come next month, Laforet will also feature a special kimono event, their first ever, that will see a number of stores offering kimono with a Harajuku flair.

The press release for the event included photos of some stores’ planned offerings and they were too awesome not to share! For example, Rokkoya, a popular kimono brand that combines traditional and contemporary styles, will set up a “Winter Shop” for the duration of the event.

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Another flashy brand opening shop for the event is iroca. Still a relatively young brand, iroca’s temporary shop will debut their new long-sleeve kimono for 2016 under the concept of “And, color spread the wings.” We’re not 100-percent sure what that’s supposed to mean, but there’s no denying just how colorful their designs are!

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Another brand to be featured in a temporary shop during the kimono event is Japaran. The brand was apparently inspired by “mottainai,” or “wastefulness,” and Japaran items are actually made from “recycled” items, including obi — those iconic large (and beautiful) kimono belts!

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Finally, the event will also feature a collaboration between Larme, a women’s fashion magazine, and FurisodeMODE, a kimono rental/retail company. If you need the perfect kimono for an upcoming wedding or coming-of-age ceremony, this might be the place to look!

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The event will run from January 4 to 20. On Saturday January 9, from 4 to 9 p.m., participating shops will offer refreshments as part of a “welcome party” designed to give visitors a chance to try on kimono.

Department Store Information
Laforet / ラフォーレ
Address: Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingumare 1-11-6
〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前1-11-6
Phone number: 03-3475-0411
Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Website

Sources: Japaaan, Laforet, PR Times
Images: Japaaan