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

“HIDDEN BEAUTY (Hidden Beauty)” is the brand concept of “ENFÖLD”, but what kind of thoughts did you put on the back side?

Mizuki Ueda (hereinafter "Ueda") "I wanted to deliver clothes that would hit people who want to go up their life stages and cover the body shape of the same age." So, I arrived in pursuing the beauty created by hiding. I hope that it will become something that can be worn in a variety of ways, so I try to leave a margin that allows me to add one's personality while being wrapped in fabrics. I also value the fact that it is easy to live even if the design works."

Mana Yamamoto (hereinafter referred to as Mana) "Although it hides the silhouette of the body, it is unique to ENFÖLD that is highly fashionable and can bring out the inner beauty of the wearer. There are plenty of basic things that can be intimacy, but on the other hand, even if they have high design, they don't insist too much. That balance is exquisite. There are many options for color palettes, and there are various textures for one color, so you can enjoy a deep style even if you coordinate with one tone. Also, it would be nice to have a place regardless of age. In the past, I used ENFÖLD season visuals to model people in their 60s, but I was able to power up that person's charm just like when young people wear it."

Mana also works on the styling of the season visuals for ENFÖLD, but when will you go back to your encounter?

Ueda "When I was looking at the materials to start ENFÖLD, I found that all my favorite styling was Mana. At that time, I was styling myself and creating visuals to express my creations straight, but after a few years, I was finally blessed with the opportunity to offer. I was eager to speak to him to propose another step ahead of the minimalistic dress."

Mana "4 or 5 years ago. After that, the number of times and the affection deepened, and now it feels like one of Ueda's creative teams. The staff involved in visual production also enjoys each other every time."

Ueda: "I'm happy. Mana's style is interpreted as creating not only how to dress up, but also what kind of art work the photograph itself will be. ENFÖLD also has a collection line, and I'm always very inspired because I want to finally bring it to a world view like an art work. I sometimes get inspired by styling and create an item design. Is there anything that influenced Mr. Mana's style?"

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

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

Mana "The eternal theme is how to make it look adult in fantasy. I dreamed myself and entered this industry, so I want to be someone who can give a dream to someone. That's why I'm conscious of a dreamy balance in styling."

Ueda “I also asked Mana for visuals to see ENFÖLD/någonstans at the entrance of Shibuya PARCO store, but it was very exciting to see a lot of ideas coming up at the shooting site. It's my favorite one ever."

Mana "I like it very much. In the past, there was a fashion page featuring någonstans in shooting magazines, 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 field. The process of creating while exploring the way with hair stylists and makeup is substantial. It was an attractive production site where everyone went in the same direction."

What is the reason why Mr. Ueda started off "någonstans" for the on "ENFÖLD".

Ueda "The direct trigger is that the number of people wearing ENFÖLD clothes and not spending time off is increasing. I couldn't find what I wanted to wear when camping with my child 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 for scenes that I want to relax in Tokyo."

Mana "någonstans items are relaxing, but if you change from sneakers to heels, you can go to dinner. There are not many women's point of view that can be used outdoors, and the richness of colors is only here."

So, could you tell us about the Shibuya PARCO store, which will be the first complex store? The interior that embodies the playfulness of both brands is 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 with MIX, 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. Also, because I wanted to express the gentle part of women, it is also characteristic that there is no horny thing. The street fighter II arcade game is a special one designed by art director Yoshirotten (@yoshirotten). On the 2nd floor, where ENFÖLD/någonstans will enter, there are shops that handle both men and women, so we aimed to create a playful space, such as arcade games and furniture racks that resemble playground equipment, so that even if you visit the store with men and children, you will not get tired of visiting the store."

Could you tell us about the season of ENFÖLD and någonstans?

Ueda "ENFÖLD recommends voluminous items with transparent designs and decorative parts. I hope you'll enjoy wearing it in a layered look with a healthy coloring. On the other hand, någonstans is mainly earth colors inspired by natural things such as the earth and plants. We also sell swimwear that is popular every season."

Mana "I'm curious about swimwear. It covered my body shape, and there weren't many things that could be done as clothes. At the poolside, I would like to wear it with men's sweatshirts."

Not only as a designer, but also a mother and wife of three children, what is the secret to balancing private and work with Mr. Ueda?

Ueda: "I'm always doing my best. In addition to work and childcare, there are days when I forget to play with designers and mothers, while there are days when I do nothing. You may be changing the mode unconsciously. When my child was small, going to work and having a little time on my own helped me refresh, but since they grew up and became able to see the world, I became able to do what I like."

Mana "Is it a casual type that doesn't take much sleep?"

Ueda: "I'm going to sleep amazingly (laughs). When nothing happens, I get into bed at 21 or 22 o'clock and wake up at 6 o'clock in the morning. On the other hand, I drink until midnight and have breakfast at 6 o'clock. It's tired to think in parallel in various ways, so it's the secret to balancing and giving up at all. I don't aim for a total of 100 points, especially for raising children, so I'm going to clear 60 points in myself."

Mr. Mana held the first exhibition "Czeshech=Hello" in 10 years last year at ROCKET, Omotesando.

Mana "The collaborative photographer Lukasz Wierzbowski (@lukasz_wierzbowski) asked me to shoot någonstans. When I work with overseas creators, I think it's a waste to be completed in Japan. There are many wonderful staff members in Japan, so I would like to convey the splendor through my work, and I myself want to be a stylist who can communicate from Japan to overseas. I would be happy if you could feel it through the work."

Ueda: "I really sympathize with the transmission of Japanese creation overseas. ENFÖLD is holding an exhibition in Paris, and will have an installation at the end of the month. Last year, we held POP UPs in three overseas cities, including Liberty in London."

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

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

Mana "It's an area where adults can enjoy. There are many restaurants, and I want to continue to discover various spots around Shibuya PARCO."