Actress, model, entrepreneur – Kiko Mizuhara has varioius faces. Mizuhara, who started her career as a fashion model, is now passionate not only about her work as a producer, but also about her creative activities as a behind-the-scenes creator. Having launched “Coach × Kiko Mizuhara”, which was collaborated with fashion brand Coach, was released nationwide in Japan. Check out the interview of Kiko Mizhara, who is internationally renowned for her work on borderless projects, about”making things” and see how her “inclusive” philosophy takes part in her creations.
The Collaboration Was Like A Friendship; Fun & Inspiring
Q: This was the 3rd time collaborating with Coach. How did it all start?
This was the most extensive collaboration I’ve ever had and I wanted to do something that would have an impact. Stuart (the creative director) was also amused when he suggested that he wanted to use the colours and materials I was wearing. I think that it is very rare that we have been able to collaborate freely and happily so far. Even if you make a product, it is natural that there is a part that does not lead to sales. If my brand was”OK” it would be free, but global companies like “Coach” would be interested in and respect my opinion. I was very surprised that I was able to achieve such a fun collaboration.
Stuart said before the meeting: ‘I’d like to do something like this’ or ‘ can I do something like this?’ When I went to the coach headquarters in New York, there was an archive of “coach” pieces and materials that I liked in the racks. I was very happy that the design team was smiling and looking forward to collaborating. Also, when the “coach” was collaborating with Selena Gomez, she used a rabbit character, but this time it was said that it was better to have such an iconic motif. When I saw the character I was drawing on paper, Stuart said,”This is great!” And that’s how the “alien butterfly” came about.
Q: This time, there are many items from clothes to shoes, bags, and accessories – what is your favorite piece?
I like the choker a lot. I often wear chokers, but I’ve never seen a design with a heart, a planet, and a star. “Safari tote” is based on a 60’s bag found in the archives of coach headquarters. I found it in the archive room and immediately liked it, and told Stuart “I want to make this with metallic material!” It is convenient with a lot of pockets, and it is a design that does not feel old even if you look at it now.
To Reach More People, Not Just Within The Community
Q: In this collaboration, it seems you have been involved with everything from the production of the campaign film to the launch party like the DJ casting. Having started your career as a model and actress, how has your behind-the-scenes “creator” presence been growing?
That’s right. Because I also work as a model, I have the opportunity to enter as a subject in the field that is all prepared, of course, and I will study it. But because I had a feeling that I wanted to make something out of myself beyond that, I had a feeling that I would feel stress only if I worked as a subject and wear it. That’s why I started a business and I made it ok as a place where I can also create my own stuff. Now I’m getting more and more passionate about creating, and I’m grateful for companies for asking me to collaborate. I can’t do it alone, because it is very limited. I think that it is a very good thing to make something bigger by supplementing the parts that are not mutually exclusive, and to be able to deliver to many people.
Q: Having been active in various fields, is there something common you see in creating?
There is always a message: “I want to help push other people’s backs”. The cool stuff is good, of course, but I still want to entertain people and make them excited. I often work with Monica Mogi, a photographer, but when I say why I like her, she takes cinema-like pictures. There is movement, I feel alive. It is a picture, but it does not feel stationary, and it seems to be very fun. It’s not a picture like “the model” that is far from real, but it’s good to take a lot of things flat. I want to be “inclusive” for everyone in my creation as well.
“No One In The Fashion Industry Was Interested In Me” – Kiko Mizuhara
Q: How has your experience in fashion been and your relation with Stuart?
Stuart is really friendly and he tells to come to his shows every time and he’s really interested in me. I’ve worked in the fashion industry for a long time, but few people have ever been interested in me in that kind of way. I don’t have much of a reputation in the US, but I still like my work in Asia, fashion, art, and creating. Since the world of fashion is a culture developed in the West, it is difficult to get out of the hierarchy when you are in Asia, and there is a feeling that you are always looking to the West. I’m trying to be as global as I can, but I don’t think it’s going to be Hollywood or New York Fashion Week. I want to work in China, Korea, Thailand, New York, Singapore, and Europe, and I want to go everywhere. Even in this age where the importance of equality is being discussed, the fashion industry often finds it difficult (to be honest) to adapt and change.
Q: Lastly, what is it that you want to “create” next?
I want to work with other well-known models and promote events, I also plan on publishing a collection of photographs. I also want to launch my YouTube channel, and send out various things. On YouTube, I wanted to do something like a 1 minute drama or interview on street corners. I also plan to do an exhibition with artists who share the same idea. First would be am exhibition to ‘see,’ and the second would be more of an ‘experience’. The messages and thoughts I want to convey are always the same. Everyone is equal, everyone is a hero. It’s a world where there are many negative things, but I am going to collect and create small happiness, with happy intent as much as possible! Instead of sticking to one thing, I want to do activities that expand the world even more. Regardless of nationality, age or gender, I want to work with people who resonate with me and create new things.
