Having arrived back in New York from a jam packed research trip I am full to the brim with ideas. What is it about the Japanese aesthetic that makes it so simple and beautiful? Even hard edged contemporary looks seem to take on a subtle softness to them. Just sitting here at my desk and looking around at my newly arrived Fed Ex boxes full of beautiful textiles I suddenly realize that I can hardly harness all the ideas. I will do my best.

For those of you who have never had the opportunity to experience the wonders of Japanese design first hand I only have one thing to say…it is a must. No matter how many times I visit Japan I always leave with unbelievable inspiration and a renewed appreciation for design and innovation. Like always Tokyo was booming. The street fashion was as exciting as ever and the city was packed with people. Trying to not be overwhelmed I set out to tackle my favorite stores.

Contemporary looks filled the fashion forward home product stores as always but something was different this time. The contemporary offerings were not as graphic or harsh as last season and contained more simple color combinations. Nature motifs dominated the contemporary offerings. Stylized grasses and engineered botanical motifs seem to have replaced the circle/dot explosion of my last trip. Mid-Century modern design was also very present.

Traditional home product offerings for the bath included lace, crochet and scalloped edges, all with a very feminine and heirloom aesthetic. Bedding was clean with a great deal of single color embroidery/ print on solid grounds. Comfort with clean lines and the idea of simple luxury dominated. Subtlety and suppleness were two prevalent key words. Also standing out were a few examples of stylized Japanese interpretation on Thai and Indian artisan craft.

No matter how many times
I visit Japan I always leave with unbelievable inspiration and a renewed appreciation for design and innovation.
Thank you Tokyo!

Warmest Regards,

Dana Poor, Home Trend Forecaster

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