agnès b. makes a surprise return to Tokyo after 10 years: A grand show at the Residence of France in Japan, fusing French classics with an Oriental soul

For anyone who loves French minimalist style, agnès b. has never been just a brand; it is synonymous with an elegant way of life. After returning to the Paris runway last year, founder Agnès recently turned her attention once again to Tokyo, a city she holds dear. On March 17, agnès b. joined forces with Rakuten to present this landmark show at Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2026 A/W through the “by R” project, marking its first Tokyo show in nearly 10 years. It was not only a major moment for the brand, but also its highest tribute to this city of craftsmanship.

• Related reading: The runway has already given us the answer: Layering is the chicest way to dress this year! These basics in your closet can create whole new dimensions

The “Residence of France” opens its doors for the first time: When the Parisian spirit meets Tokyo architecture

The venue for this show was a major talking point: the Residence of France, located in the heart of Tokyo. Normally closed to the public, the building perfectly embodies the friendship and cultural heritage shared by the two countries. In her remarks, Agnès noted that it symbolizes the deep connection between France and Japan, and that this was the first fashion show ever held within its walls. Presenting the latest designs in this historic space made the launch of the Fall/Winter 2026 collection feel all the more ceremonial and unique.

A star-studded guest list: Yosuke Kubozuka, Ai Takahashi, and more make an appearance

Beyond the designs on the runway, the guest seating was equally eye-catching. To celebrate the brand’s return to Tokyo after many years, a number of celebrity guests showed their support in looks that reflected the brand’s character. They included ever-handsome Japanese heartthrob Kubozuka Yosuke, actress Mizuki Yamamoto, Ai Takahashi, and popular actors Ryo Ryusei, Hayate Ichinose, and Yoshi Iwase. The models and actors perfectly demonstrated the versatility of agnès b. pieces across different styles. The show opened with rising Japanese model and artist Aoi Yamada, who walked with light, graceful dance movements to embody the romance of French and Japanese influences coming together.

“Japan holds a very special place in my heart.” Agnès wrote movingly in her message. To her, Tokyo is not only a dynamic city, but also an important source of inspiration throughout her creative journey.

With this return to the Tokyo stage, she hopes to invite new friends who may not yet know agnès b. well to explore the universe in her heart. The designs on the runway weave together a sense of familiarity and surprise, creating a fashion sensibility that feels approachable and genuine.

The “by R” project presents 35 limited-edition pieces

To celebrate agnès b.’s participation in Rakuten’s “by R” project, the brand also launched 35 limited-edition pieces exclusively on the Rakuten Fashion platform, bringing together Parisian minimalist roots and Japanese sentiment.

Among the new pieces, the most captivating is the “Sakura Photography” collection, which transforms cherry blossom photographs taken by Agnès Troublé herself into shirts, dresses, and tote bags. Through her lens, Agnès captures Japan’s fleeting beauty and turns it into wearable art, a thoughtful idea that is hard to resist. The stripes at the heart of the brand also take on a fresh variation in this collaboration, with playful details giving new life to this enduring fashion favorite.

Join POPBEE Circle and subscribe to the POPBEE newsletter for the latest updates, and get an early look at exclusive perks and discounts! Beyond this article, these recent stories are also worth your attention: