Tokyo Vintage Fashion Week: A New Era of Vintage Culture Shines

Tokyo Vintage Fashion Week: A New Dawn in Vintage Fashion

From March 13 to 15, 2026, Shinjuku's Sumitomo Building Triangle Square transformed into a vibrant hub showcasing the eclectic charm of vintage fashion during the inaugural Tokyo Vintage Fashion Week (TVFW). Organized by the Tokyo Creative Salon executive committee led by Tomonori Matsui, this event aims to position Tokyo as a central point in the global fashion week circuit, joining the ranks of the world's top fashion cities.

A Vintage Marketplace and Fashion Show

Throughout its three-day span, TVFW welcomed a staggering 18,623 visitors, drawn by an impressive lineup of 107 booths from 83 participatory companies. The event featured a unique vintage market complemented by groundbreaking fashion shows, highlighting the world's first runway focused exclusively on preloved clothing.

The first day kicked off with the Regular Vintage Fashion Show, where stylist Manabu Harada and designer-activist Eri collaborated to breathe new life into vintage pieces that emphasize everyday wear rather than just rarity. They selected timeless regular pieces, presenting contemporary beauty standards while respecting the originality of vintage aesthetics.

On day two, the Future Vintage Fashion Show captivated attendees with stylist Yoko Miyake's avant-garde mix of historical archives from brands like COMME des GARÇONS, Bottega Veneta, DIOR, and RAF SIMONS. This show not only showcased the cyclical nature of fashion linking the past, present, and future, but also introduced a new paradigm for vintage wear, presenting a progressive aesthetic that left the audience in awe.

Reflections from Tomonori Matsui, Executive Chairman

As I reflect on the successful conclusion of Tokyo Vintage Fashion Week, I am profoundly thankful to the 18,623 attendees who joined us. This event illustrated the shift from traditional concepts of fashion weeks to a new era that embodies fashion as a reflection of innovative values gathered from across the globe, all encapsulated through the lens of 'vintage' culture.

Tokyo is unique in its multicultural roots—a melting pot rich in street culture, vintage style, and timeless sentiments. The collected perception transcends generations, creating a passionate bridge between the past and the present. As Matsui pointed out, without an understanding of history, we cannot envision the future. Thus, it is crucial to present these timeless garments not merely as nostalgic artifacts but as vital contributions to our current fashion dialogue. This revelation gives historical value a new context for the future of fashion.

Tokyo has the potential to be a beacon of new values on a global scale, while simultaneously being a hub for international fashion. The success of showcasing vintage culture during this event is just the beginning of a larger movement. Together, we aim to foster a Tokyo fashion week that evolves continuously, promising to cultivate a cultural explosion that will resonate worldwide.