TOKYO: Psycho Apparel’s Terrific Tights

Japan, it is said, has historically lacked the divide that Westerners perceive between commercial product and pure art. This would certainly explain the Japanese love of art-fashion collabs that in other markets might elicit cries of ‘sell-out!’. Taking this fondness a step further is new Tokyo tights brand Tokone.

Launched last November by stylist/artist Hatsuki Sugai, Tokone’s lineup consists entirely of designs contributed by contemporary artists. From Makiko Sugawa’s lacy eroticism-for-the-girls to the vivid neo-psychedelia of Sokkuan Tye, each pair will render legs stunning whatever their shape. A trompe l’oeil design from Hikaru Cho can even give you the slender limbs of a flamingo should you so desire! Backed by T.K. One, a longtime supplier of order-made tights to the likes of Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake, Tokone is this year set to add further artists to its roster as well as working with the designer of feted avant-garde label Anrealage, Kunihiko Morinaga. Stylesight eagerly awaits these and hopes to see this domestic-only line reach our shores soon: Hatsuki-san tells us her label is very much open for international business. Right now this lovely legwear is available at Psycho Apparel in Tokyo, a wonderland of weird and wacky fashion brought to you by rockabilly-styled owner Kasumi Psycho and her designer bud Kathy Hellcat. Pop by to scoop up Tokone tights and other pinup-worthy accessories at this special shop. -Darren Gore