The store in Harajuku of menswear brand Soph. has long been a destination of pilgrimage for style seekers from home and abroad. Contemporary, urban and with a distinct japanese twist, the silhouette of Soph. is one that resonates well males who like their style effortless and with understated quality. The popular brand has now expanded its Harajuku footprint by expanding one floor up. The new retail space is aptly called A+S – short for Architecture + Sneakers – and entirely dedicated to footwear. The setting is designed by architect Nobuo Araki, and in line with the renowned Soph. aesthetic it features a clean design that adapts well to the building’s modernist architecture.

A slight mid-century twist adds a bit of testosterone to the place. After traversing a lengthy hallway, shoppers find themselves in a setting of immaculately stuccoed walls and natural stone, paired with sections of lacquered timber and tile flooring that lend it a highly discreet look. A partition wall shields the retail space from a glass encased alcove which allows in floods of daylight. Custom-made wooden shelving on either side of the retail space display shoes and a concise apparel selection. A+S currently stocks select models by variety of brands, including Nike, Cole Haan and Saturdays Surf.

Design: Nobuo Araki

via Superfuture