Tokyo a la Mode. Web Magazine for Japanese Fashion and Urban Culture

Kawaii Kid - Yume Ninja

By Bobby / Mar 27, 2008
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Yume Ninja is your not-so-average girl by day and fashion ninja by night.  In between secret missions I asked this kawaii kid about her style, fashion influences and other stealthy stuff…

Your style rocks! Where do you get your inspirations?

Originally most of my inspiration came from Japanese Street fashion and Japanese subcultures; so there’s always an element of that in my current style. But these days I’m really influenced by various aspects of art like historic fashion, architecture, graphic design patterns.

Where do you find your cool clothes?

I’m always on a budget so I shop mainly in vintage stores or 2nd hand stores and try to reconstruct or layer to change texture and look of pieces.

Do you make any of your own clothes?

I recently got a sewing machine so I’m hoping I can start!! For now though, it’s a lot of ripping and safety pins

Do you have any favorite brands?

As far as western designers go, I love: Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and Anna Sui, and Lipservice. When it comes down to Japanese brands: Baby The Stars Shine Bright, h.Naoto, Japanese Super Girl (JSG), LizLisa,

Have you been to Japan?

I’ve never been to Japan. One day I’ll go, to be honest though – London has my heart so this year when I had to choose between the two, I chose London.

What makes Japan so cool?

I think it’s really how they perceive and display their perceptions of the world really. Everyone loves Japanese fashion, but most of it is a perception of westernized fashion through Japanese eyes. It’s what makes Japan individualistic, when they take hold of something from anywhere it becomes their own thing.

What’s your favorite Japanese food?

I have to say Onigiri beats out all. Nothing wins over Rice balls with seasoning.

What is “kawaii” to you?

When I think of Kawaii it always reminds me of Japanese girls in various fashion videos pointing out something pink and furry. I think Kawaii has become too over used for me that I really don’t get anything out of it.

How did you get into modeling?

When I was 12 I did some small catalog modeling; but then I didn’t really start getting into it until about 2.5 years ago. I like it better now because I have more control over what I wear and the concepts I shoot. It’s really just a hobby now; so I can find an outlet for my fashion.

Have you watched “Revenge of the Ninja?” It’s a cult classic. Do you have a favorite Ninja flick?

Revenge of the Ninja! Actually I think even though it’s an anime, “Ninja Scroll” ("Jubei Ninpou") is the best ninja film. Second to that I really like “Shinobi,” which was also another film based off the Kouga
Ninja Scroll novel.

Domo Yume Ninja!