I'm prone to hyperbole, and I tend to use words like "obsessed" more than I should. But believe me when I say I'm still O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D with the Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony collection, and definitely still crazy about Kiko herself. I mean, this is the woman who brought a head-to-toe pizza outfit into my (and Beyoncé's) life. Based in Tokyo, the actress-model-songstress has a growing influence on the fashion world, particularly now that her collection is available outside of Japan. So, much in the same way that you sing a song aloud to get it unstuck from your head, I thought if I asked Kiko some questions via e-mail I could focus my attention elsewhere. Of course, all it did was fuel the fire. Read on to get hooked yourself.
Shop all Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony here.
Dana Melanz: Hi Kiko! How did you and Opening Ceremony come together to create a collection?
Kiko Mizuhara: It started as a project for a Japanese fashion magazine, but ended up growing and eventually turned into a full collection.
What was your favorite part of the design process? The hardest part?
Since I hadn't made any clothing until this project started, it was a difficult process in the beginning. I didn't even know how to explain what I wanted to do. [But] I enjoyed sharing my ideas with the Opening Ceremony team. I have too many ideas! But, of course I'm also happy to see the actual results.
What interests you about Tokyo in the 90s, the inspiration for your collection?
There were a lot of my favorite things going on in the 90s, especially in fashion. Girls were extremely gorgeous with crazy styles, and I always dreamed that I would dress myself in those outfits. I'm really happy that those styles are being revived!
Was there any specific "bad girl" from the 90s who you were thinking of as you designed the collection? Who is your favorite 90s badass?
Actually, my inspiration source was not a specific bad girl from the 90s. I started with [the idea of] teenagers and schoolgirls, and added a bad girl element after. Those girls never go to class, but instead go out in town, dressed up in hip styles.
How would you describe your personal style?
It's always different. I think I like to transform myself with new outfits a lot. However, I would rather wear simple clothes for daily life, with trashy looks sometimes, especially when I go clubbing. Also, I always love a skinny silhouette and vintage pieces.
What are your favorite neighborhoods to shop in Tokyo?
Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando.
What else are you working on that you're excited about?
Starting this month, I'm acting in a Japanese TV drama called Shitsuren Chocolatier. I haven't acted in a major TV drama yet, and they're very popular in Asia. It has lots of energy with young actors and actresses.
Finally, what's on your dream pizza?
I would love a pizza full of truffles!![]()
Photo by Motoyuki Daifu
Shop all Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony here.
Dana Melanz: Hi Kiko! How did you and Opening Ceremony come together to create a collection?
Kiko Mizuhara: It started as a project for a Japanese fashion magazine, but ended up growing and eventually turned into a full collection.
What was your favorite part of the design process? The hardest part?
Since I hadn't made any clothing until this project started, it was a difficult process in the beginning. I didn't even know how to explain what I wanted to do. [But] I enjoyed sharing my ideas with the Opening Ceremony team. I have too many ideas! But, of course I'm also happy to see the actual results.
What interests you about Tokyo in the 90s, the inspiration for your collection?
There were a lot of my favorite things going on in the 90s, especially in fashion. Girls were extremely gorgeous with crazy styles, and I always dreamed that I would dress myself in those outfits. I'm really happy that those styles are being revived!
Was there any specific "bad girl" from the 90s who you were thinking of as you designed the collection? Who is your favorite 90s badass?
Actually, my inspiration source was not a specific bad girl from the 90s. I started with [the idea of] teenagers and schoolgirls, and added a bad girl element after. Those girls never go to class, but instead go out in town, dressed up in hip styles.
How would you describe your personal style?
It's always different. I think I like to transform myself with new outfits a lot. However, I would rather wear simple clothes for daily life, with trashy looks sometimes, especially when I go clubbing. Also, I always love a skinny silhouette and vintage pieces.
What are your favorite neighborhoods to shop in Tokyo?
Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando.
What else are you working on that you're excited about?
Starting this month, I'm acting in a Japanese TV drama called Shitsuren Chocolatier. I haven't acted in a major TV drama yet, and they're very popular in Asia. It has lots of energy with young actors and actresses.
Finally, what's on your dream pizza?
I would love a pizza full of truffles!
Photo by Motoyuki Daifu