And he is serving a Grand Slam. Words by Hideki M. | Photographs by Ren A. (for illustrative purposes) Tags: #NewGayJapan #CoatWest #GrandSlamTop #TokyoStreetwear #QueerFashion
For now, however, if you see a figure striding through the crosswalk at Shibuya Scramble, head held high, an impossibly large coat trailing in the wind, and a sleek turtleneck glinting under the Jumbotron—tip your cap. You have just witnessed the . new gay japan coat west grand slam top
The "New Gay" silhouette is about volume. Your coat should swallow your shoulders. If you can zip it without effort, it is too small. Look for dropped shoulder seams and sleeves that cover your knuckles. The color should contrast sharply with your skin tone. Pale skin needs deep plum or bottle green. Tan skin needs acid yellow or burnt orange. And he is serving a Grand Slam
By Hideki Murakami, Tokyo Streetwear Correspondent Your coat should swallow your shoulders
Do not use a basic cotton turtleneck. That is for a Wall Street banker on vacation. You need a "top" that makes a sound when you move. Sequin mesh? Yes. Italian ribbed cashmere? Only if it is neon. The neck should be high enough to touch your jawline, creating a "floating head" effect that draws the eye to your face.
Major retailers have noticed. While luxury houses like Comme des Garçons have flirted with these silhouettes for decades, it is the rise of local queer-owned brands—such as Ni-chome Nouveau and Haru no Arashi —that have codified the "West Grand Slam" as a staple. One viral product, the "Rodeo Drive Turtleneck," features a snap-button closure that runs from the sternum to the navel, allowing the wearer to transform the "Grand Slam Top" into a deep-V harness in seconds. So, you have landed in Tokyo. You want to embody this look. Do not simply buy the items. Inhabit them.