live from tokyo

Laird Borrelli-Persson reports from Japan fashion week.

Friday, March 14
9 a.m.
March 14 is known as White Day in Japan. Men give women small presents of appreciation today; women did the same for them a month ago, on Valentine's Day.

Noon
The first show of the day is Tamae Hirokawa, an Issey Miyake protégé. The collection is overstyled, but there are some promising-looking coats and filmy metallic knits.

1 p.m.
I head up to Aoyama to meet with the charming and energetic Tsumori Chisato. She's recently been to Majorca, which is evident when we get to her boutique—it's been transformed into an island paradise, which provides a nice setting for her shipment of new merchandise.

3 p.m.
I go to the Roppongi Hills development, where I'm greeted by Tinsley Mortimer—after a fashion, anyway: There's an almost life-size poster of her in the Samantha Thavasa store.

5 p.m.
It was worth showing up to the H.Naoto show just for the crowd: Naoto Hirooka's hardcore of dedicated, dressed-up fans makes up one of Tokyo's most vibrant street cultures. Even the flower arrangements have punk 'tude. The collection is called "Goth&Loli&Punk&Anime," and it's a mix of rosaries, crosses, stuffed animals, slashes, safety pins, a Diane Pernet impostor, maid's caps, bones, and fur.

11 p.m.
On my way back from a delicious Japanese dinner at Hibiki, I see some Neckface tags in a tunnel and am reminded of home sweet home.

Photo: Courtesy of Japan Fashion Week