Renowned for their wacky, fantastical fashions, Tokyoites are the global sensei when it comes to black-belt styling. And their secret weapon? Layer upon layer of venerable vintage.
Whether you’re down for a bargain bin root n’ rummage or seeking polished designer swag, these secondhand heavyweights will get your closet fighting fit. Hi-yah!
Solakzade
Nothing amps up your outfit cred like some old-school, mint condition sunnies. You’ll be sure to find the apple of your eye at Solakzade, a sleek optician on the stylish Omotesando. Offerings range from classic ‘60s Ray-Bans to tortoiseshell frames by obscure Japanese labels, but even the non-optically challenged will be chuffed to examine the 19th-century antique specs. The store also doubles as a showroom for the art deco bling the owners have collected over the years.
4-29-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, +81 3 3478 3345, solakzade.net
Pass the Baton
More thrift museum than consignment store, this treasure trove is where celebrity hand-me-downs get their second go-around. You can tell the merch has lived a glam past life, thanks to the swish glass cabinet displays and on-point styling. Have your pick at a highly curated selection of clothing, accessories, and bonsai. Now, that’s an kawaii-quirky accoutrement!
Marunouchi Brick Sq, 2-6-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, +81 3 6269 9555, pass-the-baton.com
RT
If a complete style overhaul is what you have in mind, clear out a few hours on your agenda for a visit to this five-storey paradise of glitzy designer goodies. Bring along your own closet rejects and sell them at the top floor for extra spending capital. Each of the three locations caters to a specific fashion need, but our money’s on the label-heavy Ginza branch, where Prada sacs and MCM pouches won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
3-3-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, +81 3 3535 4100, ragtag.jp
Laila Tokio
Yohji Yamamoto, Maison Martin Margiela, Helmut Lang…This shoptastic mecca has just the avant-garde portfolio to match its edgy interiors. With stark white 3D pyramid walls by designer Koichiro Kimura, the space looks more Stormtrooper’s clubhouse than vintage boutique, but the arsenal of rare finds — featuring archival pieces from the likes of Raf Simons and Dries Van Noten — leaves no room for doubt. The store also gives love to designers beyond Antwerp’s finest: Lookout for sky-high platforms from local cobbler Noritaka Tatehana, a fave of Lady Gaga’s.
2/F, 1-5-11 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, +81 3 6427 6325, laila-tokio.com
Hero Image: Pass the Baton, Tokyo
Want more hidden shopping sensations? Shop the LUXE Tokyo Guide below.
