What's your favorite fashion film?
It's challenging to choose just one, but among my favorites is a film that, while not explicitly about fashion, boasts incredible costumes and a rich use of color: "The Color of Pomegranates" (1969) by Sergei Parajanov.
It captivates with its visual beauty and stunning aesthetics.
What's your favorite fashion city?
Tokyo holds a special place in my heart as my favorite fashion city. The eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary styles, the bustling energy of the streets, incredible vintage stores, and the creative spirit of its people make Tokyo exceptionally thrilling.
Among my Japanese fashion heroes are Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo, Chitose Abe, and Junya Watanabe.
How do you handle creative block?
Over the years, I've learned to overcome creative blocks by consistently adding to my "creativity bank." I immerse myself in a world of imagination, finding solace in watching films and delving into the enchanting realms of children's poetry and books (one of my favorite authors being Haruki Murakami). By expanding my horizons and exploring diverse narratives, I ensure that my creative well never runs dry.
What's your favorite project you've ever worked on?
We were commissioned by the Singapore International Festival of Arts to design costumes for the extraordinary 6-hour play, "The Incredible Adventures of Border Crossers." We crafted 148 unique costumes for 22 performers for this remarkable production, which debuted in 2015, at Palais de Tokyo as part of the Singapore Festival in Paris. Our work was honored with the BEST COSTUME DESIGN award at the M1-The Straits Times LIFE! Theatre Awards 2016 for our contribution to "The Incredible Adventures of Border Crossers."
What advice would you give to someone interested in fashion design?
Have grit and maintain hope. Never give up on what initially ignited your passion. When failures arise (and they inevitably will), humble yourself to learn from them, as learning is a continuous process. Keep moving forward, for things can only improve from here. The best is always ahead of us, and the greatest is yet to come!
