Tokyo fashion and the new Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku: the vibes of Omohara
Tokyo fashion and the new Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku: the vibes of Omohara
Sarah Deschamps, Michel Lebon and Lee Jay Walker
Modern Tokyo Times
The new Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku which is being dubbed “Omohara” opened last month on the location of the former Gap store which was iconic because of the prime location. This is good news for fashion in this vibrant and internationally famous part of Tokyo. Therefore, along with other famous fashion stores including Laforet Harajuku and Omotesando Hills, this new entity will enhance the already buzzing fashion scene of both districts.
Also, while the new original name of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is a little long the name itself does hit an important theme. This applies to fusing the powerful names of Harajuku and Omotesando and having a place which meets both. Given this, the Omohara dubbed name is fitting because it highlights the interconnection and vibrancy of both amazing districts.
The architecture of the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is iconic in itself from the inside and this applies to layout, space, angles, views, and so forth. Similarly, the Omotesando Hills shopping mall is also extremely stunning when it comes to architecture, the angles being used within the design, the lighting while shopping, and this is matched by the amazing boutiques inside. The designs and space of both are extremely different but collectively they are showing the buzzing nature of Tokyo fashion whereby the environmental angle and architecture is equally important.
Hiroshi Nakamura designed the new Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku and clearly he had a hefty burden weighing on him because of the prime location and expectations. However, while the outside may not look visually sparkling the same can’t be said for the layout and style within the complex. Therefore, the new Omohara will not disappoint once individuals delve within this stylish complex because you have many gems which highlight the skills of the architect.
The name Omohara fits well with many Tokyoites who adore this trendy part of Tokyo. After all, from the kawaii culture of Harajuku and alternative fashion styles, to the backstreets of both districts where the casual scene is powerful, it is clear that both districts interact well. The other angle of high end fashion and internationally famous boutiques in Omotesando means that the entire area is a hotbed of different fashion vibes. This in itself means that Omohara can blend the best of all these different fashion worlds by incorporating not only the name, but a feeling that all co-exist and for this reason the name is a winner – albeit, in its newly dubbed name of Omohara.
The Jingumae crossing, just like the crossing in Shibuya, is a place which opens up the amazing fashion and cultural vibes of this part of Tokyo. Therefore, the Jingumae crossing is where the districts of Harajuku and Omotesando intersect and clearly this was a powerful motive behind the name.
Fashion companies within Omohara include The Shel’tter Tokyo, Charms, American Eagle Outfitters, Amo’s Style by Triumph, Tommy Hilfiger, Cheek by Archives, Choosy Chu, Glam Baby, Flag, Goa, Humor Shop by A-net, Minnetonka, Laboratory Work ReCurrent, Pink Trick, Rady, Rione Doras, Juge ETTA, Loaves, Phoebe, Roomy’s, and Jewelna Rose. You also have lifestyle stores and places to relax and enjoy a snack. On top of this, the rooftop observatory is a gem and will attract people because of the style and layout within such a vibrant part of Tokyo.
The green angle which can be found in the Omohara Forest part of the shopping complex is a lovely idea. Therefore, the roof terrace will entice individuals to enjoy the views on show and alternatively this will enhance the shopping experience to another level. Trees dot the area and with ample places to sit down it is clear that this will become a thriving place to relax with friends or for individuals to refresh themselves.
Another nice theme to Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is that a special event will take place at the start of each month on the first Friday. This applies to highlighting the vibrant nature of art, fashion, and other aspects, of both Harajuku and Omotesando. Music and other areas will enhance these events and clearly each month will witness new themes and this will keep the new complex fresh.
It must be stated that “the old guard” will be divided on the new Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku because the same happened when the Omotesando Hills shopping mall was developed. This applies to individuals fearing the commercialism of fashion in this vibrant part of Tokyo. After all, Harajuku is internationally famous for kawaii culture and other interesting areas related to Lolita and so forth. Therefore, traditionalists worry that the “heart is being ripped out” of the area.
However, the Omohara street name is but one factor within the vibrant districts of Harajuku and Omotesando. Providing the area adapts to the current trends within the Tokyo fashion scene and maintains a real freshness, based on architecture and other important features, the entire district will preserve its energy. Given this, the Omohara is not a threat to the street vibes of Harajuku because this applies to internal factors related to the vibrancy of independent designers.
After all, providing the street vibes and independent designers of the area remain fresh and relate to their client base and entice newcomers, then they have nothing to fear. In this sense, the street vibes along with mainstream fashion must always remain fresh. Also, the area of Harajuku and Omotesando is sizeable for many trends to enhance each other and the backstreets, which link up with Shibuya, are areas which are awash with different styles.
Staleness is the real threat to any fashion district therefore the new Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, just like Omotesando Hills, will provide a new angle to the delightful fashion vibes of both districts. In this sense, the Omohara is part of the ongoing freshness of fashion in this buzzing part of Tokyo. Therefore, the Omohara is a great concept which highlights the vibrancy of both fashion districts which refuse to remain static and stale.
The Modern Tokyo Times 