SHOPPERS were surprised to discover Scottish towns have become a fashion hit in Japan.
The names of local officials across the country were emblazoned on t-shirts from fashion brand Shoo-La-Rue.
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The Tokyo-based brand has launched an incredible range that includes Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.
It is part of the “Cutie Blonde” collection that is sold online and in stores across Japan.
Shoo-La-Rue is owned by retailer World, which describes the tops as “fun” and pairs perfectly with “voluminous baggy pants.”
And they have been spotted for as cheap as £7.20 (1,489 yen) in shopping centers in Saiki, a city in the Oita area of Japan.
Football coach David Clements, 39, said BBC Scotland News he was perplexed when he noticed it in the store’s sales section.
David is originally from Glasgow but splits his time between Scotland and Saiki after meeting his wife there 14 years ago.
I think this is class. I have always admired Japanese people and culture
User on X
He said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. It was in their promotion, so it’s obviously something they’re proud of.
“I think even if you saw someone walking through one of the most fashionable areas in Tokyo, you would be confused by it.”
But the details on the tops left people confused.
A navy blue top says “Clackmannanshire since 1974” with palm trees surrounding it with the caption: “Clarity precedes success.”
A cream t-shirt has “West Lothian since 1872”, while a beige blouse has “North Lanarkshire” on the front surrounded by daisies.
And the “Falkirk” design at another top incorrectly suggests that the town is in West Lothian.
But David explains that some Japanese brands put areas or words on fashion items without checking them – which could also be the reason behind the random dates next to the areas.
I love it, although the Falkirk/West Lothian combination bothers me…
User on X
The tops went viral on social media following photos taken by website Shoo-La-Rue and were posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
One account called Coefficient Scotland wrote: “Fascinated by this.
“Japanese people wearing t-shirts adorned with random Scottish areas and towns, with seemingly irrelevant dates”.
Users flocked to the comments to share their delight after some saw the local council mentioned on the clothes.
One person wrote: “I guess that’s class. I’ve always admired Japanese people and culture. They also love Scotch whiskey!”
Another added: “Japan must love Scotland.”
Someone chimed in: “How much do they cost and where can I buy them.”
SCOTTISH CHARM
PRIMARK was recently applauded by Scottish shoppers after launching a “cute
The bargain high street store launched its £5 blue and white cropped t-shirt at the weekend.
With the Saltire flag and “SCOTLAND” emblazoned across the front, fashion fans say it will be the perfect way to support your country
The tops went on sale ahead of Scotland’s 5-1 defeat on the opening night of the tournament.
And many took to social media to praise their bosses for the new top.
One person wrote: “That would be kind of cute actually.”
A second insisted: “Exactly what I wanted.”
While someone else echoed: “This is a necessity, Scotland forever.”
Primark bosses said the cheap buy will “add a bit of Scottish charm to your style”.
Describing it on their website, they added: “The perfect blend of Scottish charm and contemporary style, let our Scottish print t-shirt be the piece you’ll always wear.”
While a fourth joked: “The famous Clackmannanshire palm trees!”
But others were less than impressed with the brand trying to claim that Falkirk is in West Lothian.
One user commented: “Has Falkirk finally been annexed by West Lothian Council?”
A second admitted: “I love this, although the Falkirk/West Lothian combination bothers me…”
And someone else joked: “This must be the equivalent of Tesco F&F t-shirts saying Osaka and Tokyo.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
