Among many denim aficionados across the planet, KUON‘s intricately constructed Boro men’s jackets are the holy grail, and no wonder, given the fact that some patches of indigo-dyed cotton used are as old as 150 years. The brand, designed by Tokyo-based designer Shinichiro Ishibashi, is stocked by a number of stores across Japan and abroad, but is opening a flagship store of its own in the Japanese capital on Sat – Sep 26. The retail space, nestled in Harajuku’s maze of little alleyways, occupies the ground floor of a concrete residential building from the early 1970s. The premises have been completely revamped, abandoning the original drabness and now the look and feel is intentionally artisanal and distinctively Japanese, starting with the entrance door with slatted wood and decorative ironwork, smoothly stuccoed walls, an exposed wooden ceiling and support beams, embedded planks on the floor, and simple wooden furnishings. Apparel collections and accessories are showcased using suspended metal clothing racks and shelving. In a special corner, right behind the brand’s coveted Boro jackets, a decorative installation can be found of original sashiko patches used for the latter line of garments. Additionally planned for the KUON store is an in-house workshop for made-to-order requests and customisations.