Hi Shoko! We’ve been long-time fans of your colourful corner on Instagram and your endlessly inspiring outfits. We’re so happy to chat with you. Let’s start at the very beginning - how did you find yourself posting your outfits on Instagram, and what do you love most about it?
After moving to the US from Japan with three babies aged under five, and having two more babies here, I’ve always felt isolated raising children and lonely. I wanted friends who share the same interests, and that’s one of the main reasons I started posting pictures on Instagram. Another big reason was to challenge myself to take pictures of myself and put them out there so I could feel more comfortable about my appearance. I’d always hated getting pictures taken. I’d even hated looking in the mirror growing up. Posting pictures definitely helps to build confidence I think.
What I love most about it is that people simply enjoy seeing outfits I come up with. Sometimes I get messages saying I helped them to find joy in wearing clothes and feeling more confident and free despite the “flaws“ they’ve been trying to hide. If I’m helping someone in a small way, or brightening someone’s day even a little, that makes me so happy!
You’re a master of layering and mixing unexpected colours, textures, and prints. Have you always dressed like this, or has your style evolved over time?
Thank you so much for saying that :) Believe it or not I used to only wear black. I’ve always loved seeing others in colorful clothes, but for some reason, I didn’t think that was for me. It wasn’t until I discovered many small brands that make colorful clothes and I started having fun coming up with different outfits in a community of like-minded people.
Do your outfits ever reflect your mood, or do you use colour and pattern to change how you feel?
Both. I don’t even try to get dressed when I’m down. But I try to use colors and patterns to change my mood, and it definitely helps.
You grew up in Japan and now live in the US. How has that shift influenced your aesthetic, style, and comfort choices?
I think it’s hard to wear “unique“ outfits in Japan because there is more pressure to blend in and not stand out than other countries. I’m sure that’s part of the reason I used to wear only neutrals, too. I think I’m now compensating for the desire that I’d always had when I couldn’t dress colorfully.
Is there a colour, print, or material you find yourself drawn to again and again? What makes it special for you?
I like unexpected color combinations that are satisfying to the eyes – one of the outfits that people really liked was orange and mint green. But I also love subtle colors like blue and black. Material-wise, I’m really drawn to crispy, papery cotton, and heavy linen – both fabrics look beautiful when wrinkled.
What’s the most treasured or unusual piece in your wardrobe, and what’s the story behind it?
A few years ago, I saw these shoes on my favorite designer’s feet and got completely obsessed with them. After much sleuthing, I tracked down the maker of the shoes and ordered the exact same pair (it was a company that makes shoes in the style and colors of your choice). A few weeks later, I received my dream shoes. At the time my adult child and their cat was temporarily living with us. It’s completely my fault, but I left the shoes on the floor and the cat scratched and bit them. Though shocked and devastated initially, I soon thought they got even more unique because of the scratches and bite marks lol. I tend to treat “precious” pieces too precious, and not wearing/using them often enough, but now that the shoes are “ruined”, I can wear them out with absolutely zero hesitation. This is why I love buying used stuff, too. I joked that these are a one of a kind art piece made by Clover the cat.
Who or what inspires the way you dress? Do you have any unexpected style icons or people whose wardrobes you secretly wish you could raid?
People on Instagram – there are so many talented people who are truly inspiring. Art pieces and nature photographs people share. I’m very grateful for all the artists. It’s no secret that I adore Erica because I always talk about how awesome she is. She has the best style.
If you could collaborate with any designer, artist, or brand, living or not, who would it be and why?
My favorite designer is Adrienne Antonson of STATE the label. Nothing sparks joy like what she makes. I have acquired many pieces from the brand and I never ever get tired of them. (And yes, the shoes I talked about in question #6 were worn by her). Many of what they make are hand-painted, which is really fun. It reminds me of children’s art – playful, fearless and joyful.
Your outfits radiate happiness - something we love to celebrate in our own designs. What do you hope people feel when they see your looks?
There is nothing wrong with wearing neutral colors, but I really would love to see more people dress more colorfully. But I understand most of us don’t dress without colors and patterns because we don’t want to stand out or feel out of place. If more people wear colors, then it wouldn’t be so intimidating to wear colors, right? I hope people feel they can also wear colors – if Shoko, a 50-year-old, short and kind of chubby Japanese lady can “pull it off”, then you can, too.
Your style celebrates individuality so beautifully. We’d love to hear if there’s someone you know (or know of) who expresses themselves through the way they dress especially well - whose outfits feel like a true extension of their personality.
Hands down, Sara Emami- if the color blue (but not any blue, it’s the intense, very saturated, the most vibrant blue, like Klein blue) was a person, it would be her. I think most people associate the color blue with calm and quiet, rather sad than happy, but her blue is powerful, passionate, and full of joy and happiness. I’ve never seen her in person but I can tell that every outfit she wears is a reflection of herself.
Have you ever had a truly memorable outfit mishap? Something that looked brilliant in your head but didn’t quite work out in real life?
I don’t have any memorable ones, but I’ve had so many in the past. Most of them were proportion problems rather than colors or patterns. Proportion is something difficult to grasp until you take pictures of your own self in outfits, I think.
For someone wanting to embrace more colour, print, or playfulness in their wardrobe, what’s your best advice?
I say start with small things like socks, scarves, bags, or even nail polish. Just a dash of bright color will change the look and your mood. I’m personally not a jewelry person, but colorful earrings or necklaces would be great options too. If you’re willing to go for a bolder move, wear some footwear in an unusual color. You will be surprised how big a difference shoes make.
Finally, what matters most to you in life?
Nothing matters more than my family’s happiness.
Thank you so much, Shoko!
Shoko is wearing the Mog Totem Scarf in Pink, Fauna Jumper in Daffodil, Kaleido Socks, Grid Block Jumper, Sprig Green Socks, Mighty Oak Scarf, Blue Spotty Neckerchief and Sunshine Jumper in Pink.