Hello Erika, it's my pleasure to be able to do an interview with you. I know you are still studying at Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Fashion Department) in Antwerp right now, so why did you want to become a fashion designer?
Actually I am not sure if I want to be fashion designer or not yet. At this moment, I just want to create something in my life. When I was a high school student I was studying oil painting and fine art ,but now I'm studying fashion because at this moment fashion is what interested me the most. I always want to use different mediums to invite people to explore my world.
There is one more reason why I want to be in the fashion industry. When I was a child, my mother was a fashion model and I saw a lot of interesting garments on her. Therefore, you can say I was heavily influenced by the fashion culture when I grew up.
It is amazing to know you have the fashion background ever since when you were small and because of your fine arts background, I can now understand why your pieces are so artistic! What is your inspirations?
Animals. I'm always thinking about them.
First there is the bear skirt, then there is the rabbit skirt, I wonder what you will create next! Well, if you need to use words to describe the clothes you have created so far, what words will you use?
I would have to say wild and cute since these are the words people use to describe animals. As you know my inspiration is from animals so these words can best describe my creations.
Mind if I add dreamy as another word to describe your works too since I always feel like they are coming from the fairy tales? Since you are originally from Japan, is there a big different between Japan and Belgium fashion culture? If so, what is the difference?
I feel there is a big difference between these 2 countries. Before I came to Belgium, I studied fashion in Japan for 2 years. During those 2 years, I learnt about techniques such as pattern making and how to stitch clothes. I did not need to take a lot of time to think about designs and inspirations. On the other hand, in Belgium, I always take a lot of time for the design process.
I think Japanese are always thinking for the customers and they are true workmen for the fashion industry. On the other hand, most students in Antwerp are leaning more towards the artistic appraoch and sometimes they make crazy and artistic things.
I like how each country teaches me different things and because of that, I am able to explore the fashion world with different views and this helps me to create the fashion pieces.
It's always nice to absorb different countries' fashion strength and use those knowledges to create something fresh and different. So, what is the project you are working on right now?
Right now I am working on a collection which is the assignment for the 2nd year students in Antwepr. This collection is also about animals so you will have to keep an eye on it.
I have to be honest with you, I really cannot wait to see your new creation because I know it will be fantastic! Last but not least, who would you want to see to wear your fashion pieces?
Anyone who likes my clothes. It will make me happy when I see someone wears my clothes.
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Now it is time to take a look what are her favorite things and these clues may give you a hint on what kind of fashion designer she is.Favorite weather:
rain, I like the sound and smell of the rain.
Favorite number:
3
Favorite month:
december
Favorite fruit:
persimmon
Favorite color:
saxe blue
Favorite material:
wood
Favorite animal:
my cat
Favorite place to go in Belgium:
Brugge
Favorite sushi:
salmon roe
Favorite cartoon character:
Gegege no Kitaro
Thank you so much to Erika for answering my questions and I wish her all the best in the future. I am excited to see the clothes she is going to make for this 2nd year assignment and hopefully I will have the news for you very soon! Stay tuned! All images are courtesy of Erika Mizuno.
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