Interview Mizuki Ueda（ENFÖLD/någonstans） ＆ Mana Yamamoto（STYLIST）

“HIDDEN BEAUTY” is the brand concept of “ENFÖLD”, but what kind of thoughts did you put behind it?

Mizuki Ueda (hereinafter referred to as Ueda) "I wanted to deliver clothes that would hit people who want to cover the body shape of the same age as the life stage has risen. So I came to pursue the beauty created by hiding. I hope that it will become something that can be worn with various possibilities, so I leave a "space" that can add one's individuality while being wrapped in fabric. Even if the design works, it’s easy to live.”

Mana Yamamoto (hereinafter, Mana) "ENFÖLD is unique to ENFÖLD that hides the silhouette of the body but has high fashion and can bring out the beauty of the interior of the wearer. There are plenty of basic things that can have a sense of affinity, and on the other hand, even if it has a high design, it is not too assertive. That balance is exquisite. There are many options for color palettes, and there are various textures even in one color, so you can enjoy a deep style even if you coordinate with one tone. Also, it's good that it doesn't matter the age. In the past, I used ENFÖLD's season visuals to model people in their 60s, but as young people wear it, I was able to power up their charms.”

Mr. Mana also works on the styling of the season visuals of ENFÖLD, but when will you go back to the meeting?

Ueda: "When I started ENFÖLD, when I looked at the materials, all my favorite styling was Mana-san. At that time, we were styling ourselves and creating visuals to express our creations straight, but after a couple of years, we finally had the opportunity to offer. I was eager to speak to you to suggest another step ahead of minimalism."

Manna: 4 or 5 years ago. Since then, the number of times has deepened and the affection has deepened, and now it feels like one of Ueda's creative teams. The staff involved in visual production also enjoys each time.”

Ueda: I'm happy. Mana's style is interpreted as creating not only clothes, but also what kind of art work the photograph itself will be, considering everything. ENFÖLD has a collection line, and I'm always very inspired because I want to finally bring it to a worldview like an artwork. You can get hints from styling to create an item design. “Is there anything that influenced Manna’s style?”

Mana "When I went to Tim Walker's photo exhibition about 10 years ago, there was an installation and I was so moved to tears. Even photographers were inspired by the style of designing space.”

Ueda: I also went to a recent exhibition. I think there is a distance between the image of ENFÖLD and the fantasy, but I like that at the bottom, so I express it in the collection line. "I like Mana's fantasy not only because it's sweet, but because it's poisonous and cool."

Mana "In the fantasy, how it looks mature is an eternal theme. Since I dreamed of myself and entered this industry, I want to be a person who can give a dream to someone. So I am conscious of the balance of dreams in styling.”

Ueda “I asked Mana for visuals for ENFÖLD/någonstans at the entrance of the Shibuya PARCO store, but it was very exciting to see various ideas born at the shooting site. This is my favorite one ever.”

Mana: I like it very much. In the past, there was a fashion page featuring någonstans in a magazine shoot, but the intuitive approach I tried at that time was a good feeling, so I decided to try it again. I decided only the base of the styling, and then made it together with the atmosphere of the site. The process of creating while searching for a way with hair stylists and makeup artists is substantial. It was an attractive production site where everyone went in the same direction.”

Please explain why Mr. Ueda started off "någonstans" for the on "ENFÖLD".

Ueda: "The direct trigger is that more and more people don't wear ENFÖLD clothes and don't spend off. I couldn't find what I wanted to wear when camping with my children or going to the festival. Basically, I want to deliver what I want, so I launched it in 2018 as a brand specializing in items that can be useful for outdoor activities and relaxing in Tokyo."

Mana "Någonstans items are relaxing, but if you change from sneakers to heels, you can go to dinner, right? There aren't many women's point of view, and there's only a lot of color here."

Please tell us about the Shibuya PARCO store, which will be the first complex store. The interiors that embody the playfulness of both brands are also eye-catching, but what kind of image did you design?

Ueda: "I projected everything I wanted to do now. In fact, even in private, I often wore both brands mixed and worn, so it was in the form of a complex store. The interior of the store has a cash register in the center, and we are particular about the conductor that makes you want to travel around. In addition, since I wanted to express the gentle part of women, it is also characterized by the fact that there is no horny thing. Street Fighter II's arcade game is a special one designed by art director Yoshirotten (@yoshirotten). On the 2nd floor where ENFÖLD/någonstans is located, there are shops for both men and women, so we aimed to create a space where we can play, such as arcade games and fixtures racks inspired by the play equipment, so we will not get bored even when visiting the store with men and children."

Tell us about the season of ENFÖLD and någonstans.

Ueda "ENFÖLD is recommended for a transparent design and a voluminous item with decorative parts. I hope you'll enjoy wearing it in a layered manner with energetic coloring. On the other hand, någonstans are mainly earth colors that are inspired by natural things such as the earth and plants. We also have a good swimsuit every season.”

Manna: I'm worried about the swimsuit. It also covered the body shape, and there were not many tensions that could be used as clothes. I'd like to wear it on the poolside, in combination with men's sweatshirts."

What is the secret to balancing work and private life of Mr. Ueda, a mother of three children, as well as a designer?

Ueda: You're always doing your best. In addition to work and childcare, there are days when I forget about designers and mothers, while there are days when I do nothing. You may be changing mode unconsciously. When my kids were small, going to work and having a little bit of their time was a refreshment, but as they grew up and became able to see the world, they became able to do what they liked.”

Manna: “Are you comfortable with not getting enough sleep?”

Ueda: I'm going to sleep a lot (laughs). When there is nothing, I go to bed at 21:00 or 22:00 and wake up at 6 in the morning. On the other hand, drink until midnight and have breakfast at 6:00. I'm tired of thinking in various parallels, so it's the secret to putting a break and giving up anyway. I don't aim for a total of 100 points, especially for raising children, so I'm going to clear 60 points within myself."

Mr. Mana held the exhibition "Cześć = Hello" for the first time in 10 years at ROCKET, Omotesando.

Mana “I collaborated photographer Lukasz Wierzbowski (@lukasz_wierzbowski) asked me to shoot någonstans. When I work with overseas creators, I think it's a waste of being completed in Japan. There are many wonderful people who are based in Japan, so I would like to convey the splendor through my work, and I myself want to be a stylist that can be transmitted from Japan to overseas. I hope you feel it through your work.”

Ueda: "I really sympathize with the transmission of Japanese creations overseas. ENFÖLD is holding an exhibition in Paris and plans to install it at the end of the month. Last year, we held POP UP in three overseas cities, including Liberty in London.”

Finally, what kind of city is Shibuya, where Shibuya PARCO is located, for both of you?

Ueda: I think it's the most interesting area right now. I think the range of fashion and visiting dates has expanded, so I feel like it has become a city that is easy for adults to spend.”

Mana "It's an area that adults can enjoy. We have a lot of restaurants, and we will continue to discover various spots around Shibuya PARCO.”