See here for Part 1.
Interview: Kimono brand "JOTARO SAITO" designer Uetaro Saito x Shiseido Top Hair Makeup Artist Yumiko Kamata (Part 1)
We want the Japanese to notice the Beauty of Japan which the world admires.
An interview with Jotaro Saito, Designer for the kimono brand JOTARO SAITO x Yumiko Kamada, Shiseido top hair ＆ makeup artist （Part 2）
On October 4, 2019, Japan’s largest kimono event “Kimono Salone in Nihonbashi” hosted the TOKYO KIMONO COLLECTION fashion show. After the show, Jotaro Saito, who is one of the most prominent kimono designers in Japan and was the final designer to showcase at the event sat down with Shiseido's top hair ＆ makeup artist Yumiko Kamada to talk about the show and true “Japanese beauty.”
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Kamada:
You always spell out the word kimono in katakana characters. Is there a reason for that? -
Saito:
There’s no particular reason why, but I guess it has to do with my desire to create something different from what already exists. I want more people to enjoy wearing kimonos, and I want to make pieces that will motivate people to do so.
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Kamada:
I think many people associate wearing kimonos with special occasions. Explain more about the fascination of wearing kimonos in the current new era. -
Saito:
The more you know about the world, the more you understand that femininity and elegance aren't just about showing skin. Kimonos produce a kind of sexiness different than that found in showing off your decolletage and back. Western style dresses are gorgeous, but Japanese kimonos are just as beautiful. As we move into a new era, I think it’s much cooler to wear a kimono than to don a designer coat.
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Kamada:
I agree with you. With so many outfits to choose from, it's in this realm that you can show off your own style. Deciding to wear a kimono when so many people choose to wear Western style clothing reflects one’s character perfectly. In that sense, there’s nothing like wearing a kimono. You also need to be mentally prepared. Both the actual wearing of the kimono and the effort put into preparing to wear one when you decide the day before to do so are wonderful. I think the kimono someone chooses really does express that person. -
Saito:
Yes, preparing to wear kimonos is not easy, but the magic of wearing one outweighs this, which is what I would like everyone to understand. There is a cafe connected to my store at GINZA SIX. Kimono lovers need a reason to wear them, so I thought it would be nice if people were inspired to wear one after coming to enjoy something sweet at my shop. -
Kamada:
While the pieces you create are incredibly artistic, you also keep the big picture of the industry in mind with the level-headed view of “as long as kimonos are being worn.” That's the amazing thing about you.
The Beauty of Japan is Not Just for Special Occasions
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Kamada:
I'm sure you're working on some challenging projects. Can you talk more about your upcoming plans? -
Saito:
I'm helping with the interior design of shops, but I want to use my experience with kimonos as a base to try new things. Encouraging people to wear kimonos more is a big goal of mine. I would like to expand my business overseas, but Japanese people have to wear them first. I want them to realize that wearing kimonos can be fun and sexy. I want people dressed in beautiful kimonos to light up the town, so it’s not just about getting people to wear any kimono. That’s why being “a bit stylish” isn’t enough. My goal is to make pieces that will be “the coolest pieces in the entire world.” -
Kamada:
It is important for the Japanese people first have to realize the beauty of their own country. I understand our fascination with Western culture, but the two are incomparable and both have their strengths. Because makeup has roots in Japan, I believe we have a certain advantage in this area. For example, Japan experiences four distinct seasons, and the warmth of the sunlight changes with the seasons, so I think Japanese people are especially good at noticing subtle changes. By matching a kimono with specific hairstyles and makeup, I want the Japanese people to realize the beauty of their country, and I want this message to spread beyond the borders of Japan.
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Saito:
We work in different fields, but we do share the idea of creating new things with our base founded in the beauty of Japan. I think everyone wants to create something new, but doing so requires courage and with so many constraints it can be a challenge.That's why I try to stand out as possible, and I think it would be fun if people will follow me in this mindset. -
Kamada:
Keep it up! Keep shining that light. -
Saito:
Right, but I don’t want to shine so bright that it blinds people. (laughs) It was a pleasure talking about our professions today, and I look forward to working with you again soon. -
Kamada:
Yes, me too. Thank you very much for your time today.
