California Apparel News

Liberty Fairs' Sharifa Murdock was recently in Tokyo scouting menswear trends and retailers. She sent us a report of some of her favorite finds.

United Arrows and Sons

As you walk through the doors of United Arrows and Sons—one of Tokyo’s top destinations for men—looking for the latest progressive streetwise brands, your attention is instantly grabbed by amazing brands like Hender Schema, Pigalle, Ts(s) alongside some of the most forward-thinking designer brands of their time, such as Art Comes First and Lanvin.

The space is perfectly curated by men’s style icon Poggy, who is known for incorporating streetwear and luxury to create an experience.

Designed Snarkitecture’s Daniel Arsham, the Tokyo store is a one-of-a-kind space in United Arrows’ portfolio of retail locations throughout Japan. UA & Son recently played host to the Sakura Project, the collaboration between U.S.–based retailer Kith and Asics, which was inspired by the Sakura Blossom Festival, Tokyo’s annual cherry blossom festival.

Journal Standard

If anyone has mastered the balance between clean-casual and modern, it’s Journal Standard. I like to think of this store as the one-stop shop for wardrobe staples; it has something for everyone. Each garment is made with the highest quality materials and they continuously raise the standard in menswear. About 60 percent of the store features its own lines, Journal Standard and Journal Standard Relume.

The retailer is also known to create small capsule collections in collaboration with some of the best in the business, including Converse, Saucony, End, Adidas Originals, 02Deriv, New Balance and Brownbreath. One collection that had me absolutely floored was the collaboration with the critically acclaimed California men’s retailer Unionmade.

The Best Packing Store

The Best Packing Store appeals to the wanderluster in us all. They are known for high-design travel goods and things you thought you didn’t need but suddenly become wardrobe must-haves. The apparel selection features some well-chosen key items from Engineered Garments, Champion Japan, Saint James, Hamptons, Allege and A.P.C T. The amazing utilitarian vibe of the shop left me inspired and ready for adventure.

Sharifa Murdock got her start working at Sam Ben-Avraham’s Atrium store and went on to help Ben-Avraham found the Project and Liberty Fairs trade show. Today as a partner in Liberty Fairs, Murdock concentrates on bringing new brands to life through the menswear showcase. She also founded The Brooklyn Intern, an organization that works closely with high school students to give them the opportunity to experience exclusive internships in the fashion industry. She also is on the board of directors for the 14+ Foundation, an initiative to construct schools in Africa, and she is an active supporter of Petals-N-Belles, an organization that empowers young girls in New York. You can follow her on Instagram @SharifaSays.