Turning Japanese

Karen Walker in Japan. Photo / Supplied

The Japanese are obsessed with Karen Walker. So obsessed that they send her fan mail and gifts, from cakes to books to soft toys - one of which has even inspired a new pendant in her jewellery line. Her clothes are sold in over 50 stores around Japan, and a leather jacket from her summer collection has just appeared in the new Vogue Nippon x Comme des Garcons Magazine Alive concept store in Tokyo. This is a big deal: Vogue Nippon and Comme des Garcons are widely considered to be two of the most innovative brands in the world and the pop-up store (which changes its merchandise every month to coincide with that month's issue of Vogue) features pieces from the creme de la creme of fashion.

Most fashion and creative types adore Japan, and Tokyo itself is like a mecca for those wanting stimulation and inspiration, from the fashion to the retail experiences to the culture. The designers behind Australian label Lover drew inspiration from the city for their recent Sacred Hearts College range, and local footwear designer Kathryn Wilson is lucky enough to visit the city several times a year. For Walker, the Japanese market isn't just important but exciting, too. "The hunger for fresh ideas is core and if you're in the business of creativity it's one of the best places to be. The standards are really high and that makes it an uplifting place to be," she says.

"The market is quite advanced and the audience aren't just looking for fashionable clothes. They're looking for original work. I think they also like our sense of humour."

Walker says she's always humbled to see the support her brand has over there. "The stores we sell to always put on VIP evenings for us when we're there. Hundreds of people turn up. The first time we did one of these it was in Hiroshima and when we arrived there was a line of people around the block waiting for the event to start; it was amazing. What I love about it is how everyone who comes to these events is always so into the brand and take the looks to such extremes."

Yes, the Japanese love Karen Walker. And the feeling is mutual. "Japan is a country that is obsessed with new ways of doing things; it's always refreshing. It's a futuristic culture with ancient traditions. There are rituals in everything they do; it's a great place to do business because people are very respectful and there's a lot of trust and integrity. Also the sense of space is extraordinary. A city of 30,000,000 people and it's a great place to chill out! The sense of space and order is astounding," says Walker, who recently returned from a trip to Tokyo.

KAREN'S TOKYO TIPS

10 corso como (Aoyama)

For the most modern, happy and well-edited mix of fashion anywhere I've seen. Aoyama in general is the best shopping district in Tokyo.

Ralph Lauren (Shibuya-ku)

Set back from the road and looking like the Dynasty mansion, the store has most of the Ralph Lauren lines and is a very chic way to spend an hour or two.

Chanel (Ginza)

For pre-dinner cocktails or just a refreshment mid-afternoon, the rooftop terrace bar at Chanel in Ginza can't be beaten.

Claska hotel

Despite Tokyo being such a modern city there is only one chic, boutique hotel: The Claska. One of my favourite hotels in the world, it has the casual elegance that's the hallmark of good hotels as well as huge rooms and enormous beds - very un-Japanese.

Kamakura

A perfect day-trip from Tokyo is the Kamakura area, an hour's drive or train ride south west of Tokyo. The town of Hase is famous for its temples, most famously the Hasedera temple dating back to 686. Also notable here is the giant Amida Buddha at the Kotoku-in temple. Built in 1252 and really quite lovely.