From Shark Fin to Street Style: A Detour to CDG in Otemachi
After an incredible shark fin lunch at Tsukushiro Marunouchi, I found myself at a nearby Starbucks, savoring the afterglow of the meal. While checking emails, a thought struck me: “Why not visit that store I’ve been curious about?” The store in question was CDG, a brand under the renowned Comme des Garçons. With a newfound spring in my step, I headed towards Otemachi, enjoying the fresh greenery lining the streets of this sophisticated business district.
Otemachi is a fascinating blend of modern skyscrapers and beautifully manicured tree-lined avenues. Indeed, these create a refreshing urban oasis. The street where the CDG Marunouchi store is located is particularly famous for its stunning winter illuminations. Consequently, it offers a different kind of charm with each passing season. Walking along the cobblestone sidewalks, I felt a sense of calm amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
Arrival at CDG Marunouchi: Minimalist Exterior, Maximum Impact Interior
Soon, the CDG Marunouchi store came into view. Its clean white facade featured a bold, black CDG logo, making a striking first impression. Furthermore, the glass-front entrance offered a tantalizing glimpse of the interior – a space dominated by the iconic repeating logo, encapsulating the brand’s distinct world. Interestingly, the store next door is Rimowa, the German luggage brand. This chic setup felt perfectly at home in the upscale Otemachi neighborhood.
Stepping inside was like entering the very essence of CDG. In contrast to the somewhat reserved exterior, the interior was an explosion of the brand’s signature logo. It adorned the floors, walls, and even parts of the ceiling in a bold black-on-white pattern. This immersive design powerfully conveyed the unwavering aesthetic of Comme des Garçons. Immediately upon entering, I noticed a wide array of popular logo T-shirts, sweatshirts, and nylon jackets on display.
What Makes CDG So Appealing?
The CDG brand originated from the immense popularity of logo items initially developed for Comme des Garçons’ Good Design Shop, which focused on graphics. As a result, CDG inherits the avant-garde and artistic spirit of its parent label. However, it offers a more accessible price point and a lineup of items that are easier to incorporate into everyday wear. The simple yet unforgettable CDG logo is, without a doubt, the brand’s most recognizable feature.
The store’s layout, with its logo-covered passageways, almost felt like navigating a stylish labyrinth. Nevertheless, this only added to the excitement of exploration. To the right, a fitting room area with simple white walls provided a calm space to try on clothes and make decisions.
Discovering My Haul: A Perfect Shirt, the Ideal BIG T, and an Unexpected Beanie
I eagerly began to browse the collection. My eyes were first drawn to a selection of shirts hanging neatly. Among them, a refreshing blue striped shirt caught my attention. The fabric, a high-quality cotton, felt incredibly smooth to the touch. A discreet CDG logo on the back added a touch of brand identity without being overly loud. I imagined it would look fantastic worn slightly oversized for a relaxed yet stylish vibe.
Next, I moved on to the T-shirt section. With so many different designs, it was hard to choose. Therefore, I decided to ask a store assistant for advice. When I inquired about a silhouette suitable for everyday wear, they astutely recommended the BIG T. “Our regular T-shirts have a slimmer, longer cut,” they explained. “For your style, the BIG T, with its wider body and balanced length, would likely be a better fit.” Indeed, upon trying it on, the BIG T‘s proportions were perfect – offering a relaxed feel without looking sloppy. The substantial cotton fabric also promised durability. The assistant also wisely advised, “Our T-shirts might shrink a bit after washing, so it’s best to consider sizing up or consulting us if you’re unsure.” I truly appreciated their helpful guidance.
A Spring/Summer Beanie? An Unexpectedly Comfortable Choice
The store also boasted an impressive range of accessories, including caps, beanies, and bags. As a regular cap-wearer, I tried on a few. The CDG caps had a distinctively deep fit. While stylish, they didn’t quite suit my head shape, so I decided to pass. Then, a beanie caught my eye. It was late May, verging on early summer. “A beanie at this time of year?” I initially hesitated. However, curiosity got the better of me. To my surprise, it felt incredibly comfortable. Made from a cotton-based knit rather than wool, it wasn’t stuffy at all. In fact, the soft texture was quite pleasant against the skin. The fit was snug without being tight, making it comfortable for extended wear. The white CDG logo popped эффектно against the black fabric, promising to be a great accent piece. The idea of “a beanie for spring/summer” suddenly felt quite chic and appealing.
I had also been eyeing a CDG coach jacket and an MA-1 jacket, which I’d previously seen at Dover Street Market London. Both were very tempting. However, for this visit, I decided to stick with the items that had captured my heart initially: the striped shirt, the incredibly comfortable BIG T, and the surprisingly perfect beanie.
A Successful First CDG Experience: The Purchases and My Review
And so, my first shopping experience at the CDG Marunouchi store concluded on a very high note. Here are the items I brought home:
The blue striped shirt is just as comfortable as I’d hoped. It’s versatile enough to be worn on its own or as a light layering piece. As for the black BIG T, I’m actually wearing it as I write this article, and it’s phenomenal. The comfort level is exceptional, and the silhouette is just perfect. The generous width provides a relaxed feel, while the carefully considered proportions ensure it doesn’t look sloppy – a testament to CDG‘s design prowess. This T-shirt is definitely going into heavy rotation. Finally, the beanie, my unconventional spring/summer choice. It’s soft, comfortable, and will be a great subtle accent for simpler outfits. It was a truly rewarding experience to connect with the Comme des Garçons world and find pieces that are both stylish and easy to wear.
Final Thoughts: Otemachi’s Greenery, CDG’s Artistry, and Why I’ll Be Back
The CDG Marunouchi store enjoys a fantastic location in Otemachi, the heart of Tokyo. It allows for a pleasant shopping experience surrounded by a calm, green environment. The store itself feels like a work of art; merely being in the space is creatively stimulating. Moreover, the polite and knowledgeable staff significantly enhanced the overall positive experience.
This area is home not only to CDG but also to numerous other sophisticated select shops, charming cafes, and excellent restaurants. On a sunny day, I highly recommend a walk from Tokyo Station or the Yurakucho area, taking in the beautiful tree-lined streets of Otemachi. The items I purchased are sure to become staples in my wardrobe for the upcoming seasons. The comfort and versatility of the BIG T, in particular, are something I believe many people would appreciate. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to CDG Marunouchi in search of new discoveries.
Official Website: https://jp.cdgcdgcdg.com/
Google MAP of the location: