Japonista is a curated destination for Japanese cultural objects and garments, selected for integrity, presence, and long-term collector value.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We offer international shipping with careful packing standards designed to protect delicate textiles and cultural objects.

What does museum-grade mean on your site?

Museum-grade refers to coherence and integrity: materials, technique, and condition align with a convincing internal logic and cultural presence.

How do you describe condition on vintage and antiques?

We describe condition with a collector’s lens, noting material aging, patina, and structural integrity so you can make confident decisions.

How should I care for Japanese vintage textiles and embroidery?

Avoid harsh light, humidity swings, and compression. Store with breathable protection and handle gently to preserve structure and surface.

How do I start collecting thoughtfully?

Begin with one category you truly connect with, learn its visual language, and expand slowly. Depth of understanding matters more than volume.

Collection: Kansai Yamamoto

Kansai Yamamoto (1944–2020) was the first Japanese designer to show in London, in 1971, and the man who dressed David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust. His word for his own taste was basara: extravagance as a virtue. This room keeps two halves of that story together, the clothes he made under his own labels and the pieces Louis Vuitton made with him for Cruise 2018, where kabuki faces and daruma dolls crossed the Monogram.

What you will find here

Louis Vuitton Cruise 2018 wallets, pouches, cases, the Neverfull MM Kabuki, bandanas and bandeaus, and the sequinned kabuki biker jacket.
Kansai O2, Kansai International and Kansai Profumo knitwear, shirts and hooded jackets from the 1980s and 1990s, with the face motifs and colour blocks that defined the house.

How each piece reaches you

Every piece is examined and photographed in full in Tokyo, Japan, graded on the Japanese condition scale and shipped insured and tracked. Each carries the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Further reading: Kansai Yamamoto: Basara, Bowie and the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2018 Collection. Looking for a particular reference or a vintage Kansai piece? Our Hunting Salon™ searches on your behalf.