interview - Midori

After bursting onto the scene only a few years ago, Midori has quickly become an icon of Lolita, kodona and punk fashion in Japan. Her versatility has made her popular among fans of alternative fashion of all styles, and she's a regular face on magazine covers (Gothic & Lolita Bible, KERA and others) and at events of all types.

Some of the questions below came from you! If you'd like to be involved in our next Q&A, watch our blog for future announcements!

Q. How did you get into modeling? Was KERA your first modeling experience?

A. The first thing was being invited to become a salon model of a beauty parlor, then I started appearing in various hair catalog magazines, and then I started being called to be in fashion magazines.

 
Q. What do you do besides modeling?

A. I do only modeling.

 
Q. You’re known for modeling both Lolita and punk coordinates. How would you describe your own personal style?

A. I wear dressed down Lolita style in my private time. I go out wearing punk style too, although it is very rare.

  
Q. What do you do when you have a day off?

A. During my days off, I usually spend relaxed time reading manga and watching anime at home. When I have long days off then sometimes I go out with my friends or family members to do activities such as bungee jumping and rafting.

    
Q. Are there any styles you do not often get to model, but would like to model more of?

A. I haven’t worn make-up that involves putting a lot of black color around my eyes much, so I would like to try gothic style.

 
Q. What are your personal favorite brands?

A. BABY, THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT
Innocent World
Jane Marple

 
Q. Do you approach modeling Lolita and punk differently? Do you have a different mindset for each style?

A. I keep in my mind to change my facial expression and posing to be elegant for Lolita and rough for punk. I even notice my personality also changes.

 
Q. What’s your favorite movie and TV show?

A. My favorite movies are Alice in Wonderland, My Neighbor Totoro, and Moulin Rouge. I often watch anime and comedy shows on TV.

 
Q. What kinds of music do you like? Any recommendations for punk? Or Lolita?

A. Jane Birkin, Sound Horizon, Kanon Wakeshima. I recommend all of them to Lolita-chan.


Q. How did you first become interested in Lolita style? Who or what inspired you?

A. I was interested in Lolita style from a long time ago since my grandmother liked me to wear clothes with lots of bows and frills, and also I was admiring the princess dresses in girls’ animation (such as La Rose de Versailles). I started to wear it after knowing the existence of BABY while I was in high school.


Q. What do you think is the key item for you in a Lolita coordinate? What ties the outfit together?

A. I think the point is head accessories.
Gorgeousness could be changed depending on what to wear among katyusha, headdress or bonnet, and you can make a dressed down style if you don’t wear any of those.
For making a well-balanced Lolita look, adjust the volume of petticoat and hairstyle to make the silhouette like a doll.

 
Q. What is your favorite item that you've worn?

A. It's BABY's ROLLED ROSE one-piece.
It has cute fine embroidery, when I wear it my feeling goes up.

 
Q. You’ve been involved with many big events recently. What are some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had at fashion events?

A. BABY’s tea party at the FOUR SEASONS HOTEL Chinzanso Ball Room was very gorgeous and fun although I became a little bit nervous.
The best part that made me impressed was seeing so many Lolita-chan gathering together enjoying tea very elegantly.

 
Q. What are your dreams for the future? Would you like to stay involved in fashion even later in life?

A. My dream is to do something related to the fashion industry, like being a fashion writer.

 
Q. Is there any country you would want to visit? Where is it?

A. It’s America!

 
Q. Have you been to New York City?

A. No.

 
Q. What kind of food do you like?

A. Something healthy such as pot dishes, sashimi, vegetables and fruits.

 
Q. What kind of sweets do you like?

A. Fruit tart or financier.

 
Q. What kind of Christmas gift would you like to have this year?

A. Coat.

Q. Is there any gift you received from your fans that was impressive?

A. Handmade gorgeous head accessory.

 
Q. How are you planning to spend this Christmas?

A. I will be working or having a party with KERA models.

 
Q. Do you think you would stop wearing Lolita sometime?

A. I may stop full Lolita coordinate sometime however I will keep some parts, like adding one item to my coordinate even when I become a grandmother.

 
Q. Do you have any message for western Lolitas?

A. まだまだ偏見が多いファッションですが 自分自身が可愛いと思うものを信じて素敵なロリータライフを送ってください。

Although it is a fashion that still receives much prejudice, please believe what you think is cute and live your lovely Lolita life.