removing a bathroom wall and installing large folding
glass doors so that the bathroom seems to blend into the
outside garden
Japanese people and baths are inseparable. Japan boasts
a bathing culture which unfortunately is not readily accessible
in Australia. In most areas of Japan there are large size
indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, public bath houses,
spa and spring centres and health and beauty spas. This
extensive culture is believed to have originated from Buddhist-imported
bathing influences in the sixth century, however Japan
developed and refined its own bathing arts right throughout
the Heian, Kamakura and Edo Periods and continues to do
so in the present day.
What could be better than a bathroom with which people
can appreciate the fresh outside air and while allowing
their garden's atmosphere to blend into the room? Bathing
should not just be about hygiene; it should be about washing
away your daily worries while simultaneously refreshing
your mind and body.
Text & photograph courtesy of Urbanscorpe Australia
87/515 Kent St., Sydney NSW
Tel: (02)9283-8833
http://www.urbanscope.com.au/
Photograph of Ando House's bathroom in East Killara, Sydney
Tokyo fashion
Cat Street:
the backstreet area of Urahara
Omote-sando and Meiji-dori are two streets in the stylish
Harajuku district of Tokyo famous for trend-setting brand
name fashion stores. However, if you turn off into the sidestreet
from Omote-sando's Chanel corner you will find yourself in
a narrow alleyway area filled with stores. This is the flipside
of Harajuku, an area that has been dubbed "Urahara" (backstreet
Harajuku).
The term "Urahara" only came into common use at
the start of the nineties when designers who had garnered
charismatic reputations in fashion circles set their sights
on the unfrequented alleyways and began opening stores there.
The designs from the area's small number of fashion stores
gradually began to receive wider recognition and today enjoy
general acceptance in their own "Urahara fashion style".
Many people consider Urahara to be a war zone for famous
fashion labels but the area remains a favourite of fashion-enthusiasts
who enjoy more minor level labels.
The most hotly contested section of Urahara at the moment
is called "Cat Street", a spot to the area's south
with a comparatively small number of stores. Its name is
believed to have originated from the fact that the street
is so narrow and that stray cats frequent the area, something
unsual considering Urahara is located in central-Tokyo.
for girls
a unique winter style
Whether with a one-piece dress or pants, this popular and
stylish trench-coat can help show off your figure in winter.
Fasten the included belt loosely at the side for a cooler
look. With a ribboned camisole or shirt and balloon pants,
an otherwise boyish look becomes an indispensable girlish
combination.
Design by
Carolina Glaser Boutique
Address: Shop 102, MODE-S, 6-14-12 Jingumae, Shibuya Ward,
Tokyo 150-0001
Tel: +81 3-3499-6916
Web: http://www.carolinaglaser.com/
for guys
coordinating with colour accessories
Combining a narrow jacket daringly with a casual shoulder
bag is very typical of Urahara fashion. By adding a classy
leather item you'll keep that overall balance and won't look
sloppy. Rather than just sticking to conservative similar
colors, to get that Urahara touch, just add a small amount
of extra color with the shoes or bag.
Design by
MSPC PRODUCT
Address: 6-13-11 Jingumae, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo 150-0001
Phone: +81 3-5467-3066
Web: http://www.master-piece.co.jp/
