Fiona Wilson
Skill set
Our design talents to watch for 2008 and beyond run the gamut from creators of a new regional jet to the designer of great office-cum-daywear, united by a passion for simple, pared-down looks.
In the first lane
In July, Japan’s Fast Retailing Co bid for Barneys, revealing its wealth. Now the group is set on making its Uniqlo brand a powerful – and very Japanese – global brand.
Mode in Japan
Next to the vast Tokyo International Gift Show, a smaller, edited craft and design show called For Stockists has become the hot ticket, thanks to its charismatic founder.
Relaxed fit
Slowear successfully disregards ‘fashion’ in favour of quality, provenance and longevity, housing four of our favourite Italian clothing companies under one umbrella brand.
Making it together
There’s a growing awareness that proximity to production can help to keep standards high. We visit three firms to see how HQs with in-built factories are keeping staff engaged and improving products.
Yongkang Park and Daan
Taiwan has been out on a limb, diplomatically, for the past 35 years but that hasn’t stopped its capital Taipei from thriving. It’s a blend of Chinese, Japanese and indigenous influences.
Buried treasure
Tadao Ando is one of the world’s most respected architects. Working against Japan’s ‘rip down and rebuild’ policy, he is now burying structures and wondering if architects should stop creating new buildings.
Mountain high
Music festivals are big business in Japan, but the one that started the boom is still the best: Fuji Rock. We head to the countryside to meet the world’s best-behaved music freaks.
Charm offensive
Tokyo may be peaceful, but its governor is certainly not. In a candid interview, Shintaro Ishihara explains his views on his city’s traffic, its modern appearance and Japan's kamikaze pilots.
