Tokyo Steampunk store: A Story. Harajuku clockwork watches, top hats, retro vintage clothing.
This is a story about a Harajuku, Tokyo Steampunk shop, called A Story.
If you’ve seen anime films like Steamboy, you might think that Steampunk is big in Japan. In fact, this boutique hadn’t even heard of the word until about a year ago… even though they had been making clockwork and brass accessories for some time!
Kenny and Luke (creators of the party Steam Garden) told me about A Story. On a recent shopping trip in Harajuku, my spooky friends and I were determined to pay a visit.
Said Karlsson, who shot me for my Adone Magazine cover, took a few street snaps along the way. My Alice in Wonderland-like dress is Liz Lisa; the white rabbit bag is from Amavel in Lumine Shinjuku.
It took us forever to find it, so let me give you A Story’s address first: Carat Harajuku 103, 3-27-14 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (東京都渋谷区神宮前 3-27-14 キャラット原宿103).
A Story also has a Shinjuku location, and sells items at the regular event Steam Garden.
The interior felt like a mad Victorian gentleman’s lair. So many handmade accessories, with intricate clockwork parts.
Antique style lockets and key pendants for the ladies.
A top hat with brass decorations — oh yes!
Behind this antique tuba, an artisan tinkered over mechanical devices.
Beautiful the level of detail, purse arranged meticulously
The wrist-watches are marvelously made, with a charming old map background. I could see them on a Jules Verne character.
I was charmed by A Story; it’s well worth mapping it out and stopping by, if you’re Harajuku.
The shopping trip continued with improptu dramatic posing. Batman, woo hoo!
Cat-eared hats are all over Tokyo at the moment.
There’s also a lot of spiky headbands, inverted crosses and Nu Goth fashion.
This Scottish Fold t-shirt design was apparently stolen from Glitter Hell…
Love this pink hair Japanese girl’s outfit and styling.
She’s standing in front of a boutique that sells designer clothes for dogs. (Remember when I visited the swank Deco’s dog cafe?)
Harajuku boys dress marvelously; love the laid-back layers and messenger bag.
It was getting darker when we walked by the h.Naoto store, Gramm. (Here are photos of the store interior, from the Hangry & Angry fashion show.)
Secondhand stores are hit-and-miss, nevertheless fun to browse.
Vintage pieces are great for putting together a retro-Victorian outfit. That’s what I did for my Ladies of Steampunk magazine cover and spread.
Don’t forget to consult my Harajuku shopping guide, packed with addresses, photos and info on the best alternative stores.
Are you enjoying my Tokyo steampunk coverage? Would you wear the clockwork items in A Story?
For more photos of this underground fashion, see my review of the regular Japanese steampunk party, Steam Garden.
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LA CARMINA
28 Comments
The cat ears hat! ^+^
❤❤❤❤
I love that tank top with the kitten in devil horns, and I love your Alice-in-Wonderland-esque dress!
Really Melissar, I also love these two things….
Looking so beautiful………….
my favorite is the photo of the harajuku boys
hehe
I love that shop. Also located in south shinjuku by takashimaya and in the same building as Abllitage.
I featured them on my NHK Kawaii TV segment!
Love’z It!!!! =D! xxx.
2CUTE! =)!!! xxx
A Story looks so awesome! I love the hat with the brass decor. It’s subtle but still fancy.
Yeah!! they really got it down..
I want it all and now
Kiss
My tattoo artist is right next door to ‘A Story’, so I’ve been there many times on smoke breaks. Beautiful, clever, tiny things.
Amazing right?? Love them
I am impressed by how they can work so intricately on such a small scale – like mice making dollhouse curios. :)
I love japan always something new to go to
Coolio!!
Cool! I knew about Steam Garden, but had not heard of this store.
nice!
LOVIN THE TIME.
You in Tokyo this month? Come see Kozi with me on the 26th! (if youre around)
AMAZING DRESS!!!
I love this! <3
I see you on travel channel!
That steampunk shop had lots of goodies. Wish I was there! I’d buy some of the handbags and the t-shirt with Barbie’s face.
nice!!