「アメリカンドリーム」をニューヨークと東京でつかもうとしているクリエイティブ界のピープルにインタービュー!メロディー洋子、尚玄、QUINTIN & RON他!
Tokyo Mode Diaries #2 “See Me Fly” Featuring Michael Kors
As we all chase our own dreams, whether in Tokyo or New York or Hong Kong or Sao Paulo, it’s always a question of, “When will it happen to me?”. I spoke yesterday of myself seemingly living the “American Dream” while in Tokyo. I thought it best to ask some others around me who I believe are living, or on their way to achieving the ultimate American Dream. And I’ve got the New York-based team from my Michael Kors shoot ringing in on why they are chasing the dream there, and I’ve got longtime friends Melody Yohko, Shogen and Maciej around me who I’ve seen come to be great successes in Tokyo through sheer work and determination on this side fo the pond. Here’s what they have to say about working hard, failure, and chasing the dream.
私たちはみんなそれぞれ、自分の夢を追っている仲間。
今回の Michael Kors の撮影のために集ったNYCベースのチームにも聞いてみた。
1) Melody Yoko : Model (Tokyo)
Melody is a So-Cal born, half Japanese fashion model in Japan. Right now, we together host the NHK World TV show “Kawaii International” together. When we met, “Melo-chan” was already quite popular, but in the last couple of years she has blossomed into a true superstar. See her on every Tokyo Girls Collection, Tokyo Runway, Kobe Collection catwalk and in the pages or the covers of most major Japanese magazines.She’s also super fun to hang out with, and she’s currently on a crazy-cool adventure in Europe. Interview below:
メロディー洋子: モデル (東京)
メロディーは南カリフォルニア生まれ。ハーフの日本人で、
1. Where do you come from, and why did you initially move to Tokyo?
I am originally from Redondo Beach, California. My mother entered me into a model search in LA for an entertainment agency in Japan and I won, so during the summer of 2006 I came to Japan to try modeling. It went really well and in September 2006 I decided to make the big move to Tokyo to start my career as a fashion model.
2. Do you believe the American Dream is alive in Tokyo?
I definitely believe that the American dream is alive in Tokyo. Tokyo is such a vibrant and magical city. It makes you feel like anything is possible. I think that every person in Tokyo believes in that dream as well. You see it when you talk to them and hear about their passion and their love for Japan and Japanese culture and how it has really influenced and changed their lives. It is a place where you can make your dreams come true.
3. At what point did you feel “I’m making it!”.
I don’t know if that time will ever come as we are all hungry and passionate and always push ourselves to climb the next step.
But a time when I felt sure about myself in my career was my first job ever. It was for a new fashion brand called “Laguna Moon” and this would be their debut catalog. It was really an amazing opportunity for me and it proved not only to the clients and my agency that I was capable model, the biggest thing was that I proved to myself that this is what I was meant to do. And I landed my first cover ever! To this day it is still one of my favorite cover shots!
I also feel it every time I get the opportunity to work with new people, to go to new destinations, and to see how happy my work makes others. And being able to make people feel inspired, happy, beautiful, love, through my work makes me feel passionate and thankful for my job.
4. Did you ever feel like giving up?
Being in the fashion industry there is a lot of pressure to look and act a certain way. I definitely struggled with figuring out who I am and to not be afraid to be myself regardless of what other people may think. I haven’t had the feeling of giving up but there have been times where I’ve been really disappointed with myself. I’m happy to say that I never did give up and through all of the challenges that I faced, although they were really hard and sometimes heartbreaking, I believe that they have made me stronger today. I owe a lot of that courage and strength to the people who have always been by my side supporting and loving me.
5. What’s your dream/s for the future?
I would love to start my acting career and hopefully be featured in a big Hollywood movie one day. I love being active so to do an action movie or a dance movie is a dream of mine. I also would love to continue my career as a model and expand it to the rest of Asia and the US as well as Europe and to all over the world. I love meeting new people and experiencing new things and cultures so I would love to continue my journey as an international traveler. Maybe someday even have my own travel TV show!
I also love the beach and warm weather so I would like to start a swimwear line for young women in Asia. So please be on the look out for that in the future!
Extra:
I really am so thankful for all of my family, friends and fans!!! Without your love I would not be where I am today! We still have lots more to do together so thank you from the bottom of my heart!
1. 出身はどこ?なぜ第一に東京へ引っ越したの?
私の地元はカリフォルニアの Redondo Beachというところ。母が LA で行われていた、
2. 「アメリカンドリーム」は、 ここ東京に存在していると思う?
私は心からアメリカンドリームは東京に潜んでいると信じている。
3.あなたはどんなときに「今成功してる、ノってるぞ!」 と思いますか?
わからない… 。私たちは常にハングリーで、情熱的で、
だけど私が今まで培ってきたキャリアの中で、「これが私だ」
新しい人たちと仕事ができる機会を持つ度に、
4. 今まで何かに断念した事はある?
ファッション業界にいるっていうことは、常に「見られる」
5. 将来の夢は何ですか?
女優としてのキャリアをスタートさせたい!
それから暖かい天気が好き。ビーチも大好き!
家族のみんな、友達、それからたくさんの人たち!
2) Maciej Kucia: Photographer (Tokyo)
Ah, Maciej is where I got everything started! We had both arrived from our respective countries in Tokyo at the same time, both with minimal experience. A chance meeting had us arranging some test shoots (作品撮り) and as a Freshman in Bunka I was getting amazing shoots for my portfolio thanks to Maciej’s keen eye. Now he is repped by one of Tokyo’s top agencies Avgvst, and shooting celebrities for GQ Japan every month.
Maciej Kucia, フォトグラファー(東京)
Maciej は何を隠そう私が全てをここで始めた鍵となる人物。
1. Where do you come from, and why did you initially move to Tokyo?
I’m from Wroclaw, Poland.
There was never a decision to “move”. Initially, it was just a visit to the unknown and I kept extending that visit. At some point it started to feel more like home…
There was no reason or purpose. I brought my photography portfolio and music production demo reel, but I had no idea what to expect.
2. Do you believe the American Dream is alive in Tokyo?
It very much is, especially in creative industries. It’s just you, your talent, personality, and the choices you make that bring you to the place where you want to be.
3. At what point did you feel “I’m making it!”.
I felt it many times, just to realize little later that it was only a tiny step forward which brought me to the next “I’m making it” moment. It’s funny how it’s just a state of mind and not really any measure of success. “I’m making it” feelings vanish with time, leaving me with the reality of where I actually am.
4. Did you ever feel like giving up?
Too often. Giving up would actually be a very reasonable and logical thing to do. I’m glad I haven’t. But I needed to understand that the process of building a career takes a very long time.
5. What’s your dream/s for the future?
The future scares me. Every step leads to a new story and all stories connect in some funny, unexpected way. I don’t have any plans or dreams… I’m just trying to catch every new opportunity that comes, and I’m trying to make the best of it. I hope my creative-life will just keep evolving. I don’t want to set any “checkpoints”, but I want to be able to continue doing my job. I’m excited to see what the future brings.
I’m a photographer living in Japan! How unreal is that… I’d never even dream of it.
1. 出身はどこ?なぜ第一に東京へ引っ越したの?
ポーランドのヴロツワフという所。
「引っ越す」っていう決断は、そのときには全くしていなかった。
そこには何の理由も目的も無かった。
2. 「アメリカンドリーム」は、 ここ東京に存在していると思う?
それはもう、とっても。クリエイティブな業界では特にね。
3.あなたはどんなときに「今成功してる、ノってるぞ!」 と思いますか?
たくさんのときにそれはそう感じる。
4. 今まで何かに断念した事はある?
毎日のように感じる。「断念する」っていう行為は、
5. 将来の夢は何ですか?
未来はボクを怖がらせる。あらゆるステップが、
ボクはフォトゴラファーで日本に住んでいる!
Shogen: Actor (Tokyo)
Shogen and I go back pretty far through mutual friends, when he was modeling and known in Tokyo as “The hot guy in the Koda Kumi music video”. The Okinawa native moved to Tokyo to pursue a dream in acting, and he’s now pulling through with awards and a new film “Street Fighter” (yes, THAT one!) in production. Funny thing is he actually studied abroad in the tiny town next to mine in the US… divine coincidences!
Shogen: 俳優 (東京)
Shogen と私の出会いは、Shogen がモデルをやっていて、東京で「倖田來未の PV に出ているかっこよすぎる男」として知られていた頃にさかのぼり、
1. Where are you from and why did you move to Tokyo?
I`m from Okinawa, and I came to Tokyo to go to University. But it was my dreams since I was a child to become an actor and thought there might be a chance for me, too.
2. Do you believe the American Dream is alive in Tokyo?
Yes. I think that if you believe it, then a road will open up to you to get there.
3. At what point did you feel “I’m making it!”?
Yeah, when the movie I starred in was nominated at the Tokyo International Film Festival and I walked the red carpet. As well as after a successful stint abroad, I returned to do a special appearance at the movie theater in my hometown. My grandmother gave me a big bouquet of flowers when I was on stage and I was speechless with pride for that moment.
4. Did you ever feel like giving up?
I’ve never considered giving up my dream. No matter what befalls upon me, I will continue to express myself, and who I am in the only way I can.
5. What’s you dream for the future?
It’s too hard for me to talk of all my dreams here. I`d love to do a film based in Okinawa about all the military troubles it faces. It’s where I grew up and I’d like to give something back sometime.
1. 出身はどこ?なぜ第一に東京へ引っ越したの?
沖縄。元々は大学で東京へ。でも幼少時代から俳優を志していたので東京ならチャンスがあるのではないかと思って。
2. 「アメリカンドリーム」は、 ここ東京に存在していると思う?
はい。信じ続ければ道は拓かれると信じています。
3.あなたはどんなときに「今成功してる、ノってるぞ!」 と思いますか?
主演映画が東京国際映画際のコンペティションにノミネートされて初めてレッドカーペットを歩いた時。そして高校時代足繁く通った地元の映画館に凱旋公演をした時。舞台挨拶の時に祖母が花束を渡してくれた時は感極まって喋ることができなかった。
4. 今まで何かに断念した事はある?
夢を諦めようと思ったことはないです。この先どんな状況に陥ろうとも、なんらかの型で自己を表現していくことは止めないでしょう。
5. 将来の夢は何ですか?
ここで夢を語るには大き過ぎる。ひとまず今やりたいことは沖縄の基地問題を扱った映画を作りたい。自分の生まれ育った故郷に少しずつ還元していきたいです。
Quintin & Ron: Photographers (NYC)
These handsome boys are up and comers in the NYC fashion photography scene. Did I mention they were handsome? Because they have the total package. If there’s any reason that photog duos a la Mert & Marcus are so popular, it’s because the photos they produce are dynamic, a melding of two viewpoints into one. These boys came highly recommended to me and I’m glad I took a chance on them to shoot the “See Me Fly” story for Michael Kors in NYC.
Quintin & Ron: 今回の撮影のフォトグラファー(NYC)
このハンサムな2人組は、
1. Where do you come from, and why did you move to NYC ?
We are Jersey boys. Growing up so close to New York City, we are practically a native to the Big Apple. We moved to New York City to make our dreams come true.
2. Do you believe the American Dream is alive in New York?
Yes, we believe the American Dream is alive in New York. Dreams do not come true with just luck. It takes hard work, dedication, commitment, and patience. If you stick to what you truly believe in, your dreams will come true. New York gives you the push and the inspiration to pursue your dreams.
3. At what time(s) do you feel “I’m making it!”?
The time that we felt “We are making it!” was when we were featured on VH1 and BET Network. We were so blessed and thankful to be able to photograph Carmelo Anthony’s wife, Lala Vazquez. Also, each time we see our work online or in the magazine stands, we feel like we have made it.
4. What’s your dream/s?
Our dreams are to be able to travel the world and photograph/film different people, places, and things while supporting our families.
1. 出身はどこ?なぜ第一NYCへ引っ越したの?
ボクらはジャージーボーイズ。ニュージャージー出身さ。
2. 「アメリカンドリーム」は、 ここNYCに存在していると思う?
うん、アメリカンドリームはNYCで生きていると信じているよ。
3.あなたはどんなときに「今成功してる、ノってるぞ!」 と思いますか?
ボクたちが「成功している!」と感じたとき。それはボクたちが
4. 将来の夢は何ですか?
ボクたちの夢は世界中を自由に飛び回ることが可能になって、
Charlotte Bos: Model (NYC)
This model came to us through divine luck. Since the theme for our shoot was “New York”, we thought it best to work with New York Models office, and Charlotte was the best of the bunch. Naive yet fierce at the same time. A true chameleon. And she never once complained about having to jump all day, or be out in the rain, or having to work a little late even though her brother had just flown in to visit her. A champ!
Charlotte: 今回の撮影のモデル(NYC)
このモデルの子は私たちに、神々しい幸運と共にやって来た。
1. Where do you come from, and why did you move to NYC ?
I’m from Holland and I moved to NYC for modeling.
2. Do you believe the American Dream is alive in New York?
Yes!
3. At what time(s) do you feel “I’m making it!”?
I find it hard to say since I’m still ‘new’ in a city which is full of people who already made it, but the moment when I look out of the window and see the skyline of New York –instead of grass and cows- belongs to the ‘I’m making it’ feeling.
4. What’s your dream/s?
To rock my career, stay happy & healthy with the people I love and keep on smiling every day.
1. 出身はどこ?なぜ第一にNYCへ引っ越したの?
オランダ出身よ。モデルをするためにニューヨークへ移ったの。
2. 「アメリカンドリーム」は、 ここNYCに存在していると思う?
もちろん!
3.あなたはどんなときに「今成功してる、ノってるぞ!」 と思いますか?
すでに成功した人たちがたくさんいるこの街で、私はまだ未だに「
4. 将来の夢は何ですか?
私のキャリアを貫いて上がって行く。
Tadayoshi Honda: Makeup Artist
I first met Honda in NYC earlier this year when he came recommended to me for another magazine shoot. I’`m alwasy fascinated to hear why someone like him with such skill and experience would choose to run the rat race in New York instead of Tokyo. Well, Honda worked under the world’s best makeup artist Pat McGrath, a dream come true in itself I`m sure! I mean, I know how to be a stylist, but if someone said I could work under Carine Roitfeld or Katie Grand for a while I`d say “yes!” too. He’s a force for sure.
Tadayoshi Honda: 今回の撮影のヘアーアーティスト (NYC)
今年の始めにニューヨークの別撮影で、私に推薦して初めてと彼と出会った。
1. Where are you from and why did you move to NYC?
I`m originally from Yokohama. Before I came to NYC I was in London for a year and a half. Then I was chosen to be Pat McGrath’s full time assistant so that’s when I came to NYC.
2. Do you believe that the American Dream is alive in NYC?
I do think that the popularity of social media and creating stars from it has lessened New York’s advantage a bit. But the city is still so alive and bursting with power . I believe there are still chances to be had here.
3. When did you feel like “I’m making it!”?
When I first went freelance I had no jobs and was just doing test shoots I somehow caught the eye of an American fashion magazine editor who then introduced me in her magazine.
4. Have you ever thought of giving up?
I do sometime feel down and tired but I have never thought of giving up.
1. 出身はどこ?なぜ第一にNYCへ引っ越したの?
神奈川県横浜市出身です。NYに来る前は、ロンドンに1年半住んでいました。Pat McGrath女史のフルタイムアシスタントになる事が決まり、NYに移りました。
2. 「アメリカンドリーム」は、 ここNYCに存在していると思う?
インターネット、ソーシャルメディアの発達で、昔に比べNew Yorkというアドバンテージは少なくなっていると思いますが、街は活気があふれ、パワーがあります。チャンスもあると思います。
3.あなたはどんなときに「今成功してる、ノってるぞ!」 と思いますか?
アシスタントを経て、フリーランスになったばかりの頃、仕事もなく、テストシューティングばかりやっていましたが、ある作品を憧れでもあつたアメリカのファッション雑誌、Vs magazine の編集者に気に入ってもらい、Web site で紹介してもらった時。
4. 今まで何かに断念した事はある?
落ち込んだり、悩む事はあります。でも、諦めた事はありません。
5. 将来の夢は何ですか?
自分のメイクアップラインを作る事が、今の夢であり、目標です。これまでに、撮影やショー等の仕事で海外に出る事が多く、世界の様々な化粧品を見てきました。その中から選りすぐりのものを使っているのですが、メイクのデザインによって色を混ぜたり、テクスチャーを変えたりしていると、発見があります。メイクデザイン、新しい色味や、テクスチャー、形にしていきたいです。
I would love to have my own makeup line someday, so that’s my goal. Until now I`ve been all over the world on shoots and doing shows and have seen a multitude of beauty products. I only use the best of the best and I have discovered just how much can change with how makeup is mixed or applied. I want to take makeup and create new colors, designs, and texutres.
http://honda-world.tumblr.com/
Kunio Kohzaki: Hair Artist (NYC)
Kunio is one of the coolest guys on the planet, and surely the coolest hair artist I know. He has created a number of amazingly creative works for the likes of Dazed & Confused Korea and Vision Magazine that first caught my eye and I kinda pursued him after that. Fast forward and he announces that he’s on his way to New York. “Noooo!” I first thought.. but then I realized his skill shouldn’t be confined to Japan or even Asia; he is good enough to be a contender for top in the world. Guido, watch your back!
Kunio Kohzaki: 今回の撮影のヘアーアーティスト(NYC)
Kunio はこの惑星で最もクールな男性の1人。
1. Where are you from and why did you move to NYC?
I was in Nagoya for 18 years, Tokyo for 8, London for 4, back to Tokyo for 2 and now I’m in New York..for who knows how long.
I was kind of worried that I’v been bouncing around the world and my time there is cut in half each time… but I’ve managed to break the spell by being in NYC for two years now. Actually when I was in my teens and 20s I never really thought about NYC as anyplace special. I was always obsessed with London, but when I got back to Tokyo the idea to try and live here just kinda came to me naturally. I brought my portfolio with me here and after about three weeks I had a contract with an agency.
2. Do you believe that the American Dream is alive in NYC?
Yes I believe it is.
3. AT WHAT TIME(S) DO YOU FEEL “I’M MAKING IT!”?
It was before I had moved here permanently. I was on my second interview with my agency and was so nervous, just there with my portfolio. Suddenly the agency door opens up and a contract with my name on it was presented to me while the guys there all welcomed me with applause saying “Welcome to New York!!”
4. have you ever thought of giving up?
Yes of course, it’s always a possibility in the back of my mind.
5. What is your dream for the future?
I want to make some hair pieces that are like already set styles of hair. I love creating on both sides, but I want to take the head pieces I’ve created thus far and perhaps make my own line. It would be purely me starting from the beginning.
1. 出身はどこ?なぜ第一にNYCへ引っ越したの?
名古屋18年、東京8年、ロンドン4年、東京2年、ニューヨーク(?年)
今までの人生で一つの場所に滞在する期間が半分ずつ減っていたので少し心配してましたがNY生活、無事2年目に突入しました。実は10代20代の頃は一度もNYに魅力を感じた事はありませんでした。ずっとロンドンに憧れていたので ロンドンから東京に戻ったとき時に自然と人生で一度はNYに住んでみたいと思いました。 ポートフォリオを持ってNYに3週間滞在し、今の事務所と契約しました。
2. 「アメリカンドリーム」は、 ここNYCに存在していると思う?
信じます。
3.あなたはどんなときに「今成功してる、ノってるぞ!」 と思いますか?
それはまだNYにちゃんと住む前。今の事務所に2回目の面接に行った時、緊張しながら会議室で待っていると、ドアが急に開き自分の名前が書かれた契約書が用意されていて、『WELCOME TO NY!』 とスタッフに拍手で迎えられた時です。
4. 今まで何かに断念した事はある?
はい。常に紙一重でどこかに隠れていると思います。
5. 将来の夢は何ですか?
瞬間のヘア、 形に残るヘッドピース。僕には両方のクリエーションがとても大切なのですが、 今までもやってきたヘッドピースを もう一つ発展させて、自分のヘッドジュエリーのブランドを始める事。自分を1から発信する事です。
See the fashion story this was inspired by, “See Me Fly” directed by me, featuring Michael Kors AW 2013 here
ここの原作のストーリーも是非ご覧ください。ミーシャ監督『飛んでみせる』、NYC舞台にマイケルコース秋冬2013年をフィーチャー
Asst editor Yoshi Peter