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Max Mara are the latest luxuriate to take up residence in Omotesandō, Tokyo. For the initiated, the iconic, posh, zelkova tree-lined neighbourhood is known as the Champs-Élysées of Japan, is a major shopping destination (along with Ginza, of course), and is the gateway to the very popular Harajuku area.
To inaugurate the Italian brand’s second boutique in the neighbourhood (although they’ve been active in the market since 1989), Japanese singer and artist Chara performed a set inside the store, including her new track A.O.U. (“All Of You”). Impressively, her performance was streamed live on several screens at the world-famous Shibuya crossing. (The pedestrian crossing is the busiest on the planet with as many as 3000 people crossing all at once every few minutes.)
One thing Omotesandō is known for is its architecture and Max Mara’s new boutique has aced it in this department. Upon visiting the 400-square metre, multi-storey tower, you’ll notice the ceilings are black toying with your sense of depth and space. Flooring in red travertine plays on the brand’s Italian roots, a deliberate add-in by firm Andrea Tognon Architecture studio.
Some of Japan’s biggest stars joined Max Mara at the opening night including actresses Anne Nakamura, Hikari Mori and Akane Hotta, models Aya Omasa and Reina Triendl, and singer Hokuto Yoshino.
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Editor’s note: I recently visited Tokyo and if you haven’t been before, it’s worth checking out Shibuya Crossing post shopping. (It’s about a seven-minute drive from Max Mara’s new store). If you’re looking for somewhere for pre-dinner drinks, head to Bar Piano (a two-minute walk from Shibuya Crossing. Leonardo DiCaprio and Alexa Chung frequent this tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it whisky bar whenever they are in town – it’s a hidden gem for those who like a speakeasy. For dinner, go to The New York Bar inside the Park Hyatt. It’s not Japanese but it’s on the 52nd floor and looks out over the entire city. They have a live jazz band playing most nights of the week and it’s also where Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray filmed 2003’s Lost In Translation.
