Antiqulosium and 21st Century Flapper

But once you turn the corner and see the fantastic motif--time-worn white doors and a brilliant chandelier--you will be glad you took a second look. And beyond the outward appearance of the store lies a smorgasbord of accessories, signature pieces, and breath-taking basics that would make any fashion-conscious person tilt their head to the side and say, "Vintage??" Yes, indeed, this is a vintage couture shop, as the sign at the front denotes. However, there is more to this store than meets the Prada-shaded eyes of the Daikanyama crowd. Well-known brands and select labels such as TESS are abound, but the real story for me was the owner's own shining jewel: 21st Century Flapper, which is a label conceived and designed by none other than the owner herself.

I had the chance of briefly meeting the mastermind behind this wonderland, Kikumi Haneda (call her Kumi). Admittedly, most of what I knew about her had come from research and snooping. Kumi became interested in fashion at a very young age, and for many years had a fondness for vintage-style clothing from across the pond. While still attending Keio University, she opened her flagship Daikanyama location in 1994. However, young Kumi was continuously frustrated at the lack of clothing that actually fit her smaller frame. Some of the collections had blouses that were just too busty, trousers that predictably needed to be hemmed. Her customers (mostly Japanese women) suffered from the same dilemma. Seeing a problem from not only a designer's perspective, but also a business point of view, she decided to take matters into her own very-capable hands. Basing the concepts mostly on her own stature, Kumi started the label, 21st Century Flapper, in 2004. Her approach to a familiar territory with the know-how she brought from her time overseas made buzz all over Tokyo fashion circles. The pieces themselves range from brightly colored camis to flirty slip dresses in summer shades--perfect for the weather and for updating the winter-weary shopper's wardrobe accordingly.

And you aren't limited to just Antiqulosium if you want your "Flapper Fix": FlapperK, the sister line, can be found in various locations around Tokyo. Ms. Haneda's eclectic formula of frayed-meets-fresh clothing has attracted and maintained a group of die-hard clients, and with select pieces being featured in such publications as Gisele, Spur, and even Harper's Bazaar, it is certain to keep flourishing.