M.U.G — Tokyo, Japan

From clean-lined sneakers, sans laces, to utilitarian rucksacks with concealed zips, it’s all about urban minimalism at M.U.G. The first accessories outlet from Japanese fashion label, Monotaur, which already operates three clothing boutiques in Tokyo and southern Fukoka, the new concept store is located near the cherry tree-lined canal in the capital’s Nakameguro district.
The interiors take its cues from its wares with an unfussy, crisp aesthetic featuring polished concrete floors, steel-beamed ceilings and clean whitewashed walls. A curated selection of the brand’s made-in-Japan accessories methodically line the shelves, including a range of functional backpacks and totes created in collaboration with cult bag maker, Porter.
Other highlights are the store’s signature slip-on sneakers by artisanal footwear brand MoonStar, that dates from the 19th century, and a few select clothing items from Minotaur’s technology-inspired I/O collection, that includes innovative features such as in-built phone chargers or mobile batteries to adjust to body temperature.
ADDRESS
1-22-3 Aobadai, Meguro-ku
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Danielle Demetriou is a British writer and editor who moved from London to Japan in 2007. She writes about design, architecture and culture (for newspapers, magazines and books) and lives in an old machiya townhouse in Kyoto.
Instagram - @danielleinjapan
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