[umeshuuu]

1. Where does your inspiration come from when putting an outfit together?
> Often it's from photos I've seen on fashion websites. I love cute fashion in the style of Japanese and Korean girly fashion (Think AsiaJam.com) and whenever I see cute photos of the clothes and outfits on websites I get inspired to create something similar with my own clothes. And in fashion magazines of course, both UK and Japanese (but mostly Japanese). Also, I get inspiration from people I see in the street when I'm walking around both in the UK and Japan. And occasionally somewhat from outfits worn by Jpop artists I like, or from anime, although not much so nowadays.

2. Why do you dress in Japanese street fashion? Does it express your personality/identity?
Definitely. It expresses the things that I love- cute things, geeky things, and being girly. Lots of things I love come from Japan and so I like to dress in clothes from Japan or in Japanese style to show my interest to others.

3. How long does it take you to put an outfit together?
It depends on whether I'm in a rush or not. Usually about 10 minutes, although if I'm in the mood to create a new outfit at a random time of day, maybe more.

4. Do other cultures such as the Western culture influence your fashion?
Yes, I'm open to fashion from all cultures. If I find some aspect of fashion in the UK that I like then I'll incorporate that into my outfits as well.

4. Is it important to keep Japanese culture and traditional costume within your designs?
No, I tend to pick and choose what I like and mix and match with British/Western fashion as well.

5. In your opinion do you think Japanese fashion is becoming more westernised?
I think most areas of Japanese fashion have been copied from the West in their essence but then have evolved into something more Japanese. But I think definitely there's a strong Western influence in Japan as there always is, the fact is that Japanese people generally see the West as being very "cool" and fashion reflects this for the most part. I don't think it's becoming MORE westernised necessarily though, it's same as always.

6. Is the internet influencing Japanese fashion?
I'm not too sure about this, but there must surely be some influence because information about all kinds of fashion from anywhere which can inspire and influence designers is so readily available to everyone now. It must be having some kind of effect.

7. Where do you see Japanese fashion going in the future? Do you think the traditional garments such as the kimono will no longer be made?
The kimono will continue to be made I'm quite sure. As for how often and when it is worn, that might change with the generations, but actually, go to any traditional Japanese festival or cultural event and a surprising number of youth excitedly wear traditional dress. I think traditional clothes will always have their place, even though that place may be ever changing.


Hope this helps! Just my opinions of course, I'm not exactly well-read on the subject. XD