Love at first sight: That's how the British designer Sandra Choi describes her earliest encounter with Japan's capital in 2013, when she visited after taking the reins at her uncle's storied fashion house. In the decade since, she has gone again and again, each time finding fresh fodder for her work. "The inspiration offered by the city is endless," says Choi, who recently collaborated with Sailor Moon creator Naoko Takeuchi on a capsule collection to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic manga. She particularly loves Tokyo's penchant for pragmatic, high-quality design that innovates while honoring what came before. "Multifaceted, the old with the new, the Zen with the futurism," she says. "It's a bit like Jimmy Choo." Here she shares her favorite places to absorb the city's singular culture, from vibrant, trendsetting neighborhoods to lively homestyle restaurants that help fend off jet lag. FLORRIE THOMAS
New kids on the block
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Condé Nast Traveler US.
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This story is from the April 2023 edition of Condé Nast Traveler US.
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