Congratulations on the collection! Every time you see your work presented out there for everyone to see, does it always feel as exciting as the first time? Does it ever get old?
Every time when I present my collections it feels like something new to me, so I hope everyone also feels the same way.
Amongst your amazing designs, it says that you incorporate artistic styles, including Japanese Shibori, which is a beautiful method of creating patterns.
What was your first exposure to the method and why has it become so crucial to your own collections?
I learned of Shibori in 2003 when I was in the kimono industry but I did not relate this to fashion design for a long time. In 2018, while I was researching in an art library, I found a craft from the Ivory Coast and it reminded me of Shibori. I started to think about how to create shapes by using this method without seams and it became a technique I have deeply invested in.
Throughout the different seasons, you keep your signature designs but adapt them to the time of year.
Which season is your favourite to design for or is there any time in particular when you feel you create your best work?
I love designing for the in-between stages of spring and autumn, there is lot of freedom to how to integrate styles or techniques.
Your pieces always bring together textures and colours that look like a piece of abstract work, which artists inspire your designs or were influences as you studied design?
David Kim Whittaker was the big inspiration for my first collection. I enjoy visiting the Tate and seeing what different ideas come from the collections there.
Your SS24 pieces really focus on texture using different colours and materials to create beautiful garments but pieces that work perfectly together. Was there something specific that inspired the colours and fabric you used?
For SS24 I was inspired by Tate Thames Dig 1999 by Mark Dion. I was inspired by the colour groups they created from nature. The fabric used took six years of testing to create the structure seen in the collection.
From this collection what are your favourite pieces?
Probably... the shibori black jacket, the white top and the yellow skirt. My personal preference!
The collections always pride themselves on being gender fluid, why do you think it’s so important and why was it important for you to make it part of the brand’s identity?
I typically find inspiration from art which doesn’t assign gender to a style as heavily. If something resonates with you it resonates with you.
When you're causing the models to reflect your creations what do you like to look out for?
Sophisticated, mature... not too sweet or cute. Some strong vibes.
Being based in London, many see it as a pioneering city in fashion. How have your studies been impacted by the trends you’ve seen throughout the years in the capital?
I think cultural differences have impacted me a lot since I moved here from Japan. What people wear and how they style is quite different from that in Japan.
What are your further dreams and hopes for JU-NNA?
More opportunities to show these collections to people in Europe, the US and Asia too. So that more people can enjoy it.
When each season ends, how much have you already planned what you want to explore next creatively?
Every season, I'm already starting to think about next season. It just keeps going!
If you could tell your younger self - your younger self dreaming of becoming a designer - what would you tell him?
Just keep going!
