TOKYO; FASHION'S NEW EMPEROR

Why Tokyo reigns supreme as the worlds most innovative fashion hub

While Paris, Milan, New York, and London remain the traditional 'Big Four' fashion capitals, Japan's capital, Tokyo, is edging ahead for unique and tech-forward, AND futuristic fashion. Often fusing traditional eccentricity with a sub-genre edge, it has become a beacon for avant-garde, and cutting-edge street style. Often complimenting the futuristic backdrop with experimental, and sometimes rebellious silohuettes, Tokyo's trendsetters have been embracing their own niche for many years now. With successful biannual fashion weeks, the city's clout has been fortified as the world's most forward thinking hub.

With that, Café Riot looks at some of Tokyo's standout trends.

Preppy

Think Hogwarts with a subtle punk or gothic twist. This look is everywhere, espeically in winter. Trench coats and patchwork jackets accompany Oxbridge style satchels, brogues and thick rimmed glasses. Add a splash of colour amongst muted tones to update the look.

Y2K & Textural Kawaii

Kawaii, the cute cultural Japanese phenomenon characterised by childlike charm and, soft pastel colors, is channelling its sensibility into sports wear and every day casual looks.

The classic pastel fashion trend has had a sports luxe upgrade, mixing denim with chunky trainers, and metaalics. To be even more on trend, mix with texture , which is massive for 2026. With Louise Trotter at the helm for Bottega Veneta's trailblazing Spring collection show, the fibreglass coat collection has had a ripple effect across the globe. With 'Hamnet's' Jessie Buckey sporting the look in this months British Vogue, textural innovation is wowing the front row. And so, it's only right that the look has been reworked in Japan with Kawaii twist. Baggy and voluminous silohettes in pastels and candy colours are hot this season.

Punk Victoriana

British inspired punk Victoriana a la Vivienne Westwood has been a look that's been embraced by Tokyo's fashion forward elite for years. Punk and gothic subcultures are massive, and the trend is still steamrolling. New York's Marc Jacob reinforced the look in 2025, and Tokyo, took to it like wildfire. Think high collars, puff sleves, ruffled shoulders, and modern layering with a mix of sheer and starchy layering.

Boxy denim, and A-line silhouettes

Denim is big this year; literally. Burn your skinny jeans; denim is rewinding with inspiration from the 90's and early noughties reigning this year. A-line and gender neutral and oversized is the look this year.