Founder of Hello Sandwich
Ebony Bizys is an Australian-Lithuanian artist and designer who moved to Tokyo in 2010. She launched the popular blog Hello Sandwich to record her original DIY craft projects and other Tokyo adventures and is the author of a book of the same name. We spoke to her about what is inspiring about living in Tokyo.
What kind of fashionable women do you see in Tokyo?
Particularly because I live in Shimokitazawa, one of Tokyo’s favorite places for students and young people, it’s common to see many women wearing 1980s-inspired vintage styles. Lace is mixed with pearls and denim, thrift store finds are mixed with high-end Japanese design pieces, and unique combinations are formed. I have always admired the Japanese for effortlessly pulling quirky looks together and combining clothes in a style that is playful and unique to Japan. Attention to detail with kawaii embellishments, such as a polka-dot manicure, or a fluorescent sock, is so fun to observe here in Tokyo.
What surprises you about Tokyo’s street fashion?
My first impression of Tokyo’s street fashion was when I was working as deputy art director of Vogue Living magazine in Australia and a fashion magazine on Harajuku street fashion published by United Colors of Benetton landed on my desk. I was blown away by the combinations of textures and colors in the ensembles shown in this magazine. This was partially what enticed me to move to Tokyo.
Have you been influenced by Japanese street fashion?
Absolutely. Having access to all of the incredible Japanese fashion magazines, such as Soen and GINZA, being able to walk into any Japanese designer store, not to mention see the fashion trends live on the street, it’s impossible not to be influenced by Japanese street-fashion trends. I particularly enjoy seeing the vintage street-fashion culture and taking note of the creative and unique ways in which Japanese street fashion is put together to form a look. I love Harajuku’s Punk Cake store, and thoroughly enjoy their Instagram feed. This type of retro, often eighties-inspired street-fashion look influences my style.
Is there a Japanese fashion brand that you are interested in?
I adore Tsumori Chisato. The beautiful and playful metallic details mixed with pastel, painterly artwork prints always makes for a unique piece. The dreamlike lace and satin textures with gold foil embellishing appeals to me.
What brought you to Tokyo?
I fell in love with Tokyo on my first holiday here when I was eighteen years old. After that, I came to Tokyo nine times on holidays before finally moving to Tokyo in June 2010. I’ve been living in Tokyo for six years. The design, fashion, people, and way of life suit my needs perfectly. I want to live in Tokyo forever!