Principles of style

The first Strasburgo shop opened in 1992 in Osaka. Today there are nine in Japan and one in Shanghai. Strasburgo’s men’s department sells the latest by Maison Kitsuné, Herno, Incotex, Edward Green and the in-house Strasburgo line – all selected by Lidea’s owner Junji Tajima and his team of buyers.

How do you select the brands and garments you offer at Strasburgo?
I am fascinated with craftsmanship and I select pieces that are handmade. I like to explain to my customers how to take care of their wardrobe and to help them understand the culture of tailoring.

What brands are on your radar?
Cruciani’s sweater in cashmere and silk, Edward Green’s Top Drawer shoes, a shirt by Fray. I’d also recommend investing in jackets and suits by Lardini. For travelling, my pick is a bespoke Harris Tweed jacket by Eral 55, a denim shirt by Barba, stretch denim jeans by Siviglia and a pair of New Balance 991 trainers.

What’s typical of Japanese men’s style?
Excellent fitting. Japanese customers are starting to understand the importance of well-made garment. If people get the fit right, every style looks neat and refined.

Your favourite menswear shops?
Hollywood Ranch Market, Okura and Shinanoya in Japan. I also like shopping at Barneys in New York and Eral 55 in Milan.
strasburgo.co.jp

1. Reversible pocketable coat by rvr Lardini
   lardinirvr.it
2. Cashmere and silk knit vest by Cruciani
   cruciani.net
3. Laminar coat by Herno
   herno.it
4. Pochettes by Simonnot-Godard 
   simonnot-godard.com
5. Glasses by RetroSpecs & Co. 
   retrospecs.com
6. Ballpointpen by Dolce Vita
   dolcevita.com
7. Cotton and silk ties by Kiton
   kiton.it
8. Casquette by General Design for Strasburgo
   strasburgo.co.jp
9. Solaro blazer by Revival from Strasburgo
   strasburgo.co.jp
10. Shoes by Edward Green Top Drawer 
    edwardgreen.co.uk
11. Watch by Patek Philippe
    patek.com
12. Trousers by Incotex
    slowear.com
13. Silk scarves by Hermès
    hermes.com
14. Dress-shirt by Fray
    frayitaly.com
15. Socks by Antipast
    antipast.jp
16. New Balance 991 trainers
    newbalance.com
17. Belt by tes
    tessrl.it
18. Jeans by Warehouse for Strasburgo
    strasburgo.co.jp
19. Bag by Cisei 
    atelierbonhomme.com/cisei
20. Underwear by Zimmerli
    zimmerli.com

Stockholm’s Nitty Gritty started out in 1991 offering a selection of menswear and has since become one of the capital’s most respected clothing retailers. Two decades later, Nitty Gritty’s womenswear boutique opened two doors down, on Krukmakargatan street. The new venture’s brand portfolio was entrusted to Cecilia Steiner, former visual merchandiser at PUB, one of Stockholm’s biggest department stores.

What is your approach to buying?
I use my very beloved gut feeling combined with a decent amount of brains. We work with a lot of international labels and always need to consider what would work in our market, price-wise and quality-wise. I trust a great item will speak for itself rather than letting a famous brand do all the talking.

What are the best brands to invest in right now?
I have a soft spot for Helmut Lang, Jil Sander, Dries van Noten, Preen, Céline, Aspesi and Isabel Marant. What all these brands have in common is that you can find great quality pieces of excellent cuts and materials that you won’t grow tired of. Right now, men’s-style shoes are in: any brogue style by Church’s, for example. If you need to invest in a shirt, make sure its by British shirt-maker Palmer//Harding.

Top women’s wardrobe staples?
Most importantly, good shoes! Without those, all your effort is lost. Of course, a well-made blazer; as for accessories, every woman should have a handbag she loves, a statement belt and a beautiful necklace.

Best travel combo?
A pair of comfy sneakers or boots – flats, that is. Cosy, luxurious socks by Falke – a dash of cashmere in there makes all the difference. Always bring a soft, warm scarf that can double as a blanket or a pillow.

What can the rest of the world learn from Swedish women’s style?
Swedish style is pure and simple: straight cuts, not that much fuss. Scandinavian women are very practical. They want their clothes to work for everyday life.

What are your favourite womenswear retailers in Sweden?
Nitty Gritty of course, JUS in Stockholm for consistent style, and the newly opened Designers Corner in Rådhuset in Uppsala.
nittygrittystore.com

1. Suit by Isabel Marant
   isabelmarant.tm.fr
2. Bag by boyy
   boyybag.com
3. Trenchcoat by Barena
   barenavenezia.com
4. Leather wallet by Tod’s
   tods.com
5. Shoulder bag by Jérôme Dreyfuss
   jerome-dreyfuss.com
6. Top by Preen
   preen.eu
7. Belt by Margo
   bymargo.net
8. Dress by a.p.c.
   apc.fr
9. T-shirt by Helmut Lang
   helmutlang.com
10. FragrancePulp by Byredo
    byredo.com
11. Enamel cuff by Lizzie Fortunato
    lizziefortunatojewels.com
12. Gold watch by Cartier
    cartier.com
13. Sweater by Barena
    barenavenezia.com
14. Necklace by Cornelia Webb
    corneliawebb.com
15. Sunglasses by Oliver Peoples
    oliverpeoples.com
16. Glasses by Moscot
    moscot.com
17. Cotton shirt by Palmer//Harding
    palmerharding.4ormat.com
18. Pencil skirt by House of Dagmar
    houseofdagmar.se
19. Jeans by Skargorn
    thekounsil.com
20. Boots by Church’s
    church-footwear.com
21. Shoes by Jil Sander
    jilsander.com
22. Ballerina flats by Chloé
    chloe.com
23. Cashmeresocks by Falke
    falke.com
24. Trainers by Common Projects
    commonprojects.com