While in Tokyo, I came across Liberty products in almost every shopping mall as many Japanese brands were using Liberty prints. However, most of these were just too expensive at around 15,000yen (about US$150) for a simple camisole top to 30,000 yen for a maxi dress. I didn't understand why until I visited the Vulcanize London store in Minami Aoyama which sold Liberty fabrics at 440yen per 10cm. The most affordable Liberty print clothing that I found was at Earth, music & ecology where I picked up this skirt and camisole top.
Also got a couple of pieces from the same shop that were not Liberty prints but were much cheaper in comparison at under 3000yen each.
The most affordable Liberty producst were the handkerchieves and scarves sold in the major department stores, made by the Intermode brand. The handkerchieves were 525yen each while the scarves were 1575yen.
On our last day in Tokyo, I decided to splurge on a couple of Samantha Thavasa purses. The long wallet is about 13,000yen while the small purse is about 9000yen. I dithered for the longest time over whether to get a bag as well but decided against it in the end as the seams tend to crinkle in a most unattractive fashion.
Just when I thought that was the last of Liberty that I would see for some time, we came across a swimwear shop at the airport mall in Narita Airport Terminal 1 which had dozens of bikinis in Liberty prints! But these were grossly overpriced from 14,000yen (US$140) to 17,000yen. In comparison, the Liberty for Target swimwear collection were positively a steal.
Also got a couple of pieces from the same shop that were not Liberty prints but were much cheaper in comparison at under 3000yen each.
The most affordable Liberty producst were the handkerchieves and scarves sold in the major department stores, made by the Intermode brand. The handkerchieves were 525yen each while the scarves were 1575yen.
On our last day in Tokyo, I decided to splurge on a couple of Samantha Thavasa purses. The long wallet is about 13,000yen while the small purse is about 9000yen. I dithered for the longest time over whether to get a bag as well but decided against it in the end as the seams tend to crinkle in a most unattractive fashion.
Just when I thought that was the last of Liberty that I would see for some time, we came across a swimwear shop at the airport mall in Narita Airport Terminal 1 which had dozens of bikinis in Liberty prints! But these were grossly overpriced from 14,000yen (US$140) to 17,000yen. In comparison, the Liberty for Target swimwear collection were positively a steal.
16 comments:
Such lovely buys! The liberty prints are really pretty. I especially love the hankies/scarves and the target sundresses in the previous post.
I was wondering if you went to the Cath Kidston store when in Tokyo? Am curious to see what they have there. :)
hi visee,
Nope, I didn't go to the Cath Kidston store as it was too out of the way and I was only interested in Liberty stuff on this trip :-)
absolutely gorgeous. Liberty prints are so beautiful...
how was you transit like from tokyo to honolulu? do you have to like get your luggage before your next flight?
thanks
Nope, our bags were checked in at Singapore all the way to Honolulu. We flew by ANA.
Hi haru
the liberty craze in Japan is a constant trend, a way of their lifestyle print or just because of the MAC liberty of london launch hence a seasonal trend?
lovely haul :)
hi Pinky,
I think the current popularity of Liberty prints in Tokyo is not due to the MAC x Liberty collection but rather, a more general trend of fondness for romantic, floral and vintage prints. It seems to gained in popularity over the past one year.
Hi Haru,
I'm so envious of you!
Really miss those times I had in Japan.
By the way, are those Liberty items Made in Japan?
Those Liberty look-alike umbrellas (not sure if they are indeed Liberty or similar brands) I've seen in dept stores are very costly (between 10,000yen to 20,000yen each) and are 100% Made in China.
So I think it's not worth the hefty price tag.
It's so difficult to get "Made in Japan" products nowadays.
Hi Iris, I got the liberty print camisole from earth, music & ecology too, in Singapore@Isetan!Cannot resist it.
hi Jing,
I didn't know earth, music & ecology is available at Isetan Singapore, will definitely need to check that out!
Hi winterberry_gal
The Liberty items from earth, music & ecology are made in China, just like the Liberty of London for Target collection. Not sure about the Intermode handkerchieves and scarves as I've discarded the tags already.
omg. I will never ever get to shop in Japan. Everything is soooo expensive!! Love the wallets! what a pity though, I feel the beige inner lining doesn't match!
Love your Liberty haul!!! The prints in Japan may be more expensive but they also have more variety compared to the Target collection. Somehow, none of the clothing caught my eye .... I just got the quilt and cushions in the pink sixty print :D
hi Rene,
Clothes and shoes can be incredibly overpriced in Japan although they also have more affordable shops. Makeup shopping is much easier in comparison as they have so many drugstore brands that are very affordable and good quality.
hi Michelle,
I wanted the pink quilt and cushions really badly but they were just too bulky given that we were travelling. I think Target did a really excellent job with this collaboration with Liberty. The same collection is also sold on the Liberty UK website but at much higher prices.
Hi Iris, I think earth,music & ecology has recently set up a counter at Isetan Scotts Level 2. Currently there is a promotion for a minimum purchase of $50, you will get 10% rebate. HSBC card members get 25% rebate (hope I got that right).
Hi,
I am dreaming of making some stuffs with Liberity print, as I am crazy about Liberity print. But it seems too late to create somethings new as there are many things made by Liberity. I just came back from Japan and found few shops which sell clothes made by Liberity. Most of the pattern in Japan is quite pale colour. But most of the European love bright and colourful pattern. What is the image of Liberity print for Japanese people???????
hi May,
I think in Japan, the image of Liberty is mostly associated with sweet feminine small floral prints with a vintage feel. It's not surprising that in Japan, the shades tend to be less bright and vivid compared to the Liberty prints that are popular in Europe as I think most Japanese women prefer a sweet, cute look.
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