Tokyo Hot Spot

Tokyo's Left Bank: Hip and homey mingle in Meguro

photography by Takashi Honma

Meccas of the youth culture spring up where trendy, creative people congregate. Like Aoyama and Daikanyama before it, Meguro is today's "now" place to be in Tokyo. A newly renovated boutique hotel has brought new life to Meguro-dori, the boulevard through the heart of the area. Cutting-edge eateries and fashion shops dot the riverside Meguro-gawa section, which is a world unto itself. Packed with trendy folks, the area is oozing with Tokyo hip.

Chappie in Meguro Chappie GRACES Meguro-gawa
In 1994 Hiroshi Ito—of the graphic design team aptly named groovisions—created Chappie. This androgynous character is in the mold of avatars designed as customizable personas available on Internet discussion boards. Ito's character can be adorned with the hairstyle and outfit of your choice. Chappie has been used in numerous advertising campaigns and debuted on CD. Its success has transcended national borders: groovisions brought Chappie to Paris for an exhibition at rue Saint-HonorÈ's trendy "select shop" Colette, and artist Takashi Murakami included it in a show at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art. Born at groovision's office, Chappie is a true "talent."
www.groovisions.com
Jersey, 30,450 yen; top, 7,350 yen; and skirt, 15,750 yen. All by JUICY COUTURE / SANN FRERES