Planet Fashion

By: streames Mood: Date: 09/01/2010 10:25:37 Music: None

Byline: KATE MELHUISH

QUEENE AND BELLE was founded in 2000 by Doreen Keen (far left) and Angela Bell (left), both of whom were previously head designers at Pringle of Scotland. Tired of the purist approach to cashmere, they created a new, exquisite couture knitwear collection. Celebrity followers include Madonna and Michelle Pfeiffer.

FAVOURITE FASHION DESTINATION? TOKYO.

It is one of the most stimulating and exciting cities we have been to in every way, and the young Japanese are incredibly creative in their styling.

WHERE DO YOU SHOP IN TOKYO?

WE SHOP in the main fashion districts. Aoyama is trendy and is full of luxury brands a great spot to pick up a Prada bag. Harajuku, on the other hand, is a crazy mix of eclectic, small and inexpensive young street fashion. Shibuya (pictured at bottom of page) has multi-label stores such as Beams, Via Bus Stop and Tomorrowland, and Daikanyama has a great mix of boutiques and restaurants. Finally, Ginza is packed with department stores.

FIRST ITEM YOU BOUGHT THERE?

girls costumes A TOP from Zucca in Aoyama, which is a great layering piece in lightweight jersey with a cherry print overlaid with a humbug graphic on top. I also bought a vintage kimono from the

Sunday market at the Meiji Shrine in Shibuya. You can also pick up modern pieces influenced by the kimono.

WHERE DO YOU STAY?

WE STAY at the Creston Hotel in the Shibuya district. The rooms are small, but the hotel has a lovely, relaxed vibe and the location is perfect for shopping as its right in the heart of the city.

MOST MEMORABLE PURCHASE?

A NAVY blue toga-style shift dress in silk bought from LApartment in Aoyama. We were invited to a launch evening for the store and were able to pick from all the fantastic new clothes they had on offer.

WHAT DO YOU STOCK UP ON?

DESIGN books from a shop called Idee in the Aoyama district, and plenty of bottles of sake.