The Best Japanese Fashion Designers to Buy Second-Hand

Japanese fashion has earned a reputation for innovation, craftsmanship, and a willingness to challenge conventional ideas of clothing. From avant-garde tailoring to archival streetwear, Japan's most influential designers continue to shape the global fashion landscape.

If you're looking to invest in second-hand designer fashion, these are some of the most top Japanese fashion designers and brands to know.

1. Yohji Yamamoto

Since launching his eponymous label in the early 1980s, Yohji Yamamoto has become synonymous with oversized silhouettes, monochromatic palettes, and masterful tailoring. His timeless designs remain highly sought after, with collectors particularly drawn to pieces from his influential 1980s and 1990s collections, as well as standout collections like Autumn/Winter 2014. The brand has now established many subsidiary labels aside from Yohji Yamamoto mainline, including Yohji Yamamoto POUR HOMME, Yohji Yamamoto Y’s, and Y’s for Men. The brand has had many notable creative partnerships including Yohji Yamamoto Y3 x Adidas as well as the Supreme collaboration.

2. Comme des Garçons

Founded by Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons is renowned for pushing the boundaries of fashion through experimental silhouettes and conceptual design. Iconic collections such as Spring/Summer 1997's Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body ("Lumps and Bumps") cemented the brand's place in fashion history, making vintage Comme des Garçons a favourite among collectors. Beyond its avant-garde runway collections, Comme des Garçons has developed an extensive family of diffusion lines, including PLAY (with their iconic heart logo), CDG, Comme des Garçons Homme Plus and Comme des Garçons Homme.The brand has since had numerous partnerships, releasing collaborations such as Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, Comme des Garçons x Nike Air Max 95 and the Raf Simons x Colette meets x Comme des Garçons x Vans.

3. Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake revolutionised fashion through innovative textiles and fabric technology. Collections such as Pleats Please and Homme Plissé have become modern classics, celebrated for their sculptural pleats, comfort, and timeless appeal. Issey Miyake is best known for his revolutionary approach to fabric and form, from the sculptural Issey Miyake pleats seen in lines like Pleats Please and Homme Plissé, to contemporary accessories such as the iconic Issey Miyake Bao Bao bag. The brand’s menswear continues this philosophy with innovative silhouettes that prioritise movement, comfort, and design intelligence.The brand has also diversified into the perfume market, with fragrances such as Issey Miyake ‘A Scent’ and ‘Le Sel d'Issey’. 

4. Kapital

Founded in Japan's denim capital of Kojima, Kapital is known for combining traditional craftsmanship with playful design. Signature techniques such as boro patchwork, sashiko stitching, and beautifully aged denim have helped the brand develop a devoted global following. Kapital’s Japanese denim is impeccably crafted and made for longevity. 

5. Undercover

Jun Takahashi's Undercover blends punk, art, and street culture with high fashion. Archive collections including But Beautiful (Autumn/Winter 2004) and Paper Doll (Autumn/Winter 2003) are considered some of the most influential in modern Japanese fashion, making Undercover a standout for archive collectors.

6. Hysteric Glamour

Known for its bold graphics, rock-and-roll influences, and Japanese take on Americana, Hysteric Glamour has become one of the most sought-after names in vintage fashion. Graphic tees, denim, and early archive pieces continue to grow in popularity as Y2K fashion enjoys a resurgence. A Hysteric Glamour Tee serves as a cultural signifier to many collectors as a representative of the underground. Accessories have also been a huge part of the brand’s identity, with pieces such as the Hysteric Glamour wallet chain and necklaces being considered grails for many collectors. 

7. Needles

Founded by Keizo Shimizu, the brand has become a cult favourite thanks to designs such as the Needles H.D. track pants, rebuilt vintage garments, and signature butterfly logo. Limited production runs and sought-after collaborations have made the brand a staple in the second-hand market. Needles pants come in a variety of styles, but some of the most sought after sport a baggy silhouette with multiple colourway options. Due to its quality and style, the Needles track suit has become a staple that has global reach beyond just Japan. Notable collaborations include Needles x Uniqlo which debuted in 2025, expanding the brands global reach. 

Why Buy Japanese Fashion Second-Hand?

Japanese designers are celebrated for producing garments that are built to last, often prioritising craftsmanship and innovative construction over short-lived trends. As a result, many pieces retain both their quality and desirability long after their original release.

At Top Floor Gallery, we specialise in authentic sourcing Japanese designer fashion, including Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, Kapital, Undercover, Hysteric Glamour, and Needles available to purchase in our Melbourne store.  Whether you're beginning your collection or searching for a rare archival piece, our curated selection showcases some of Japan's most influential fashion labels.