CALIFORNIA COOL IN TOKYO

MOTHER sits down with Akane Shinozaki, the women’s buyer for Ron Herman Japan, to talk fashion, housewares, and her must-see spots in Tokyo.

IN AUGUST 2009,

Ron Herman ventured beyond the U.S., unveiling its first non-U.S. store in Tokyo’s Sendagaya neighborhood. Since then, the sartorial beacon has blossomed into a network of 18 boutiques across Japan, boasting an array that spans a signature clothing line, home furnishings and in-store cafes.

The essence of California style is very much present, and so too is the sense of discovery that kept longstanding Herman customers captivated for over four decades. “When I joined Ron Herman in 2009, I was enthralled with [the founder’s] concept of selling shopping experiences,” says Akane Shinozaki, the womenswear buyer for Ron Herman Japan, explaining how each of the five senses are engaged. Think curated playlists attuned to the season’s mood and an album of RH originals featuring the likes of likes of Stan Getz and Tom Waits.

THE SENDAGAYA LOCATION,

which MOTHER recently visited, was filled with the familiar — the iconic ivy-covered exterior, an homage to the original Melrose location, brought to mindsunny California days — as well as new discoveries like sherbet-colored clothing and a stand of fresh-picked flowers. Homewares are impeccably curated with everything from vintage wares to American-made Pendleton blankets, woven baskets, geometric pattern rugs and art deco clocks. Nestled in a snug corner, a drawing table houses a collection of children’s books, crayons and coloring paper to entertain children while parents browse. And no visit would be complete without a visit to the café, which serves up American classics like creamy mac and cheese and fresh-grilled burgers.

SHINOZAKI, THE INTREPID BUYER, LEAVES NO STONE UNTURNED IN HER EFFORTS TO CURATE THE MOST UNIQUE OFFERINGS, PLACING EQUAL EMPHASIS ON ITEMS HUMBLE AND HAUTE:

“Tokyo attracts discerning customers, both domestic and international, who appreciate high-quality products,” she says, “so I want to be able to offer something new and interesting at any time.”

Visit Asakusa for a traditional look at the capital city that’s bustling with street-food vendors, artisan crafts and historic architectural gems.

It’s not all plastic food samples on Kappabashi. In addition to the faux sushi and noodle displays used by cafes that can be had as souvenirs, the street is a one-stop shop for all things culinary, from knives to ceramics.

And of course, Ron Herman Cafe Sendagaya for an on-brand burger and fries after some boundary-pushing retail therapy.

No trip to Japan would be complete without sushi. A favorite of Shinozaki’s is Jizozushi, an Edo-mae sushi restaurant in Meguro and a Tokyo institution for over 35 years.

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IN AUGUST 2009,

THE SENDAGAYA LOCATION,

SHINOZAKI, THE INTREPID BUYER, LEAVES NO STONE UNTURNED IN HER EFFORTS TO CURATE THE MOST UNIQUE OFFERINGS, PLACING EQUAL EMPHASIS ON ITEMS HUMBLE AND HAUTE:

MOTHER’S GUIDE TO VENICE

THE ART OF BEING KRIS CHAU

MEET US IN PARIS

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IN AUGUST 2009,

THE SENDAGAYA LOCATION,

SHINOZAKI, THE INTREPID BUYER, LEAVES NO STONE UNTURNED IN HER EFFORTS TO CURATE THE MOST UNIQUE OFFERINGS, PLACING EQUAL EMPHASIS ON ITEMS HUMBLE AND HAUTE:

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