Tokyo's fashion stores slowly reopen

According to local and international media, Tokyo's fashion business is gradually getting back to usual.

After the earthquake hit Japan on March 11, many brands including Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Cartier acted to bring some of their executive staff back to their home countries and closed local boutiques.

News outlets including Women's Wear Daily and Racked now confirm that on March 22, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Chanel, and Forever 21 reopened their doors in the capital. H&M did move its employees back to Tokyo from Osaka, but its flagship remained closed at the time of writing.

WWD reports: "Monday's foot traffic along Omotesando Avenue and Harajuku seemed close to normal levels and shoppers were seen making purchases at Vuitton, Dior and Forever 21. H&M's closed flagship drew some puzzled looks from passersby."

US fashion designer Rebecca Taylor and Japan native Issey Miyake were especially courageous, opening new stores in the aftermath of the catastrophe: Taylor's new boutique, which will be open for only two hours a day until conditions improve, launched in Harakuju, while Miyake now invites shoppers to a new concept store in the city's Ginza district, which - apart from offering all the label's collections - will incorporate a café, art exhibitions, and concerts.