Tokio 7: Developing a New Age of Fashion Through Old Wares
If ever you find yourself strolling down 7th street, you will inevitably come across the glaring stature of a life size Predator figurine; a beacon to shoppers all across the city of the welcoming doors of Tokio 7. It’s conglomeration of spare metal parts is a subtle nod to Tokio 7’s nature as a consignment store. Established in 1955 by Japanese owners, Tokio 7 reveals a hidden gem in 21st century style and fashion. Its wide array of styles and clothes from gentry brands make it the high end Robin Hood of the East Village.
Despite it’s eclectic and vintage feel, Tokio 7’s prices are not to be taken lightly. As a purveyor of high end brands such as, Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, Tokio 7 does not offer conventional thrift store prices, but rather significant markdowns from the products original inflated price. However, the relatively high price comes with higher quality clothes and designer brands. Whilst surrounded by dozens of competitors in vintage consignment, Tokio 7 distinguishes itself as a mecca of designer wares.
Perhaps what makes Tokio 7 one of the most successful consignment shops in New York City, is its emphasis on personal style. Since time immemorial, fashion has been viewed as a status symbol; those who wear Supreme, Gucci, and Margiela are given a plastic token bestowing a false notion of good taste, hidden by the safety of remaining a statistic in the majoritarian buy. This, however, comes at the cost of one’s identity, as many simply wear these brands to fit in without a concept of the mainstream look. Tokio 7 prompts the buyer to not just by clothing for its logo but rather to curate his or her own style. As a result, a certain class of fashion is bred, not necessarily in branding, nor price, but in the sole value of buying for oneself.
Fashion in the individual is a dying art, and a criminally undervalued method of self-expression. It empowers the individual to showcase his or her identity on their own terms. Where style is infested with box logo bombasticism masquerading as post-modernism, Tokio 7’s depth in brand, as well as clothing type, allows for the shopper to amalgamate to their preference. In an age where all commerce is dominated by commercialism even the clothing elite cannot remain unscathed from its infectious mentality of vending for profit. Yet this is where Tokio 7 differs. Frankly put, you cannot find another thrift store that sells Acne Studios, and conversely, you cannot find an Acne Studios that sells at thrift store (albeit spendy thrift store) prices. This lone stallion pioneers a renaissance of fashion for the general public. Tokio 7 has popped the bubble of the untouchable bourgeois clothing brands, and has created a platform for all to participate in a cultural facet that transcends social status and marketing schemes – looking good.
Check them out online: http://tokio7.net/