In the first week of December, YOUNEEDS Co., Ltd. (“YOUNEEDS”) had the amazing opportunity to attend French Fashion Days in Tokyo. Our CEO Waka Someno, Translator Ottilia Tanaka, and us (interns: Chloe and Cailym) attended on the first day. As YOUNEEDS interns, we will be sharing our experience at French Fashion Days in Tokyo in this blog.  

From France to Japan: An Overview of French Fashion Days in Tokyo

Business France and the French Embassy in Japan hosted the French Fashion Days in Tokyo exhibition in an effort to facilitate B2B interactions between France and Japan. This event focused on creating connections between participating French brands and invited Japanese companies, which included our company, Japan market entry consultancy, YOUNEEDS.

This year, French Fashion Days took place on December 4th and 5th, at the French Embassy in Tokyo. Dedicated to French goods, this event featured 12 brands that showcased French expertise, craftsmanship, and consumer preferences. The participating businesses all displayed a variety of sample products, with some offering gift bags, information booklets, flyers, and other promotional materials. A wide variety of companies from various industries, including Japanese fashion, import, retail/wholesale, media, and consulting were in attendance.

The first day of French Fashion Days featured a press tour followed by a catered cocktail event. The guided press tour provided valuable insight into all the brands, by detailing the business’ history, current products, and hopes for the future. The evening cocktail networking event started with an informative speech from the French Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Philippe Setton. This was then followed by a stunning display by ESMOD Tokyo fashion students using products from the participating brands.  

Insight into French Fashion: Observations from Our Interns

The French Fashion Days event at the French Embassy showcased an impressive lineup of brands, but three stood out for their innovation, craftsmanship, and product variety: Kaparda, Rėvėlãtion, and Good People.

Kaparda, with its collaboration with Peanuts, brought a unique fusion of streetwear and African-inspired designs. Their collection included vibrant t-shirts and intricately designed shirts and shorts, blending bold African patterns with playful Snoopy motifs. This combination of cultural storytelling and pop-culture appeal made Kaparda’s pieces stand out, especially for their versatility in casual and statement-making outfits.

Rėvėlãtion, known for their high-end waterproof outerwear, appealed to a wide range of tastes. Their collection included both colorful, eye-catching designs and minimalist, muted options, catering to diverse fashion preferences. Accessories like their bucket hats, which matched the outerwear designs, offered a cohesive and functional aesthetic. The attention to detail in both form and function highlighted their commitment to quality and style.

Good People showcased artisan bags that combined elegance and durability. Their collection featured a variety of shapes and materials, each reflecting a meticulous crafting process. The brand’s dedication to perfecting their bags was evident in the intricate designs and luxurious finishes, making their products both practical and visually striking.

The evening concluded with a lively cocktail networking session, where a cohort of fashion students presented three models styled with showcased pieces. The winning design paired Kaparda’s Peanuts-inspired pants with a bold yellow top, accessorized with jewelry and glasses from other brands, demonstrating the creative potential of these collections.

Final Thoughts

Each brand brought a distinct identity to the event, whether through innovative design, sustainable practices, or cultural influences. Collectively, they exemplified the diversity and forward-thinking approach that define French fashion. The event highlighted how French designers continue to push boundaries, offering products that balance tradition, innovation, and global relevance. It was an inspiring reminder of why French fashion remains a leader in the industry.

It is important for YOUNEEDS to attend industry events like this to understand the current state of foreign markets while gaining insight into the types of products that could be introduced into Japan. Are you thinking about bringing your business to Japan? Our team at YOUNEEDS specializes in providing local expertise to help businesses navigate the Japanese market. Please feel free to contact us here or via LinkedIn to book a consultation and discover how we can help your business!