Ito Marika is Nogizaka46's biggest fashion lover. She sneaks into the atelier of two of her favorite designers, Mikio Sakabe, designer of MIKIO SAKABE, and Xue Zhenfan, designer of Jenny Fax. We talk about this collaboration, which is themed around ballet, a subject Ito has studied since she was a child. ■When Ito was little, I hated having my picture taken and thought, "Why do I have to smile?" (Ito) ---I heard that this time, you're creating clothes based on the ballet you actually studied. How did the collaboration come about? Zhenfan: I've had several meetings with Marika. During our first meeting, I asked her about a memorable ballet costume, and later borrowed a photo she had taken wearing that costume.

Ito: The theme of Jenfang's work is "A Girl's Memories," so this time I gave her some actual photos from ballet recitals and a paper with notes of the ballet performances written on it, like a diary. Jenfang also requested that the notes be dated, which I found very appealing.

Jenfang: I'd like to use the photos of Ito as a child wearing this ballet costume and the notes on the performances on the tote bag.



--By the way, what kind of child were you as a child?

Ito: Hmm, I was selfish, contrary, and very particular... I also hated having my picture taken. I hated being on camera, so there are no old photos of me smiling. I always thought, why did I have to smile? (laughs) What was your childhood like, Jenfan?

Jenfan: I have four siblings: my older brother, me, and my twin sister. We didn't have much money, so I couldn't buy the clothes I wanted. I also had quite a rebellious phase, and I think that continued until I was 30 (laughs). Basically, there were a lot of things I didn't like.

Sakabe: I guess my rebellious phase lasted until I was 30. I'm 36 now, so it's okay (laughs)

Jenfan: But it's precisely because I didn't have much money as a child that it has a connection to my current creations.

Sakabe: Jenfan's creations are basically based on past memories. That's why I don't think about current trends at all. That's why the events and memories of my childhood are so important to me.



Jenfan: Even among the adult Jenfans working in fashion, there is a Jenfan from their childhood who feels like they were mean, bullied, or doing bad things. For example, they might be mean to the models at a show and only give them underwear as their costume. They're always doing that kind of bullying.

Ito: There are times when I think I have a bad personality, or maybe I'm a bully. But I think it's amazing that they can express negative feelings in a positive and cute way through their work. ■Since joining Nogizaka46, I've always been searching for a weapon that only I can possess (Ito)

--Ito's words, "I want to find a weapon that only I can possess," made a big impression on me.

Ito: I always have that desire to "find something that will become my unique weapon." I felt that way when I joined Nogizaka46, and I still do now. I enjoy being an idol, and I'm satisfied with it, but there are currently 37 members in Nogizaka46. Nowadays, the group itself is becoming more well-known, but when we first formed, we needed a keyword like, "This is what I'm good at!" to get anyone to follow us.

--That's why you've continued to share your love of fashion.

Ito: I feel like I've only recently been able to convey that I love fashion and creative things. But it took four years to get to this point. Having a blog where I can share the things I love has been a big help. Ever since the Nogizaka46 blog was launched, it's been a place where I've been uploading pictures of my own clothes and sharing what I feel are my greatest strengths.

--How would you like people to view this collaboration?

Sakabe: I'd like to create clothes that evoke the image of Ito herself, rather than the image of Nogizaka46 as an idol group. Conversely, we can't surpass the stereotypical image of Ito that fans have of her. That's why we want to create products that cherish the impression and atmosphere we get when we meet her.

The most important thing in fashion to me is freshness. This is because freshness is what most distinguishes fashion from art or architecture. And freshness is something that only living things have. That's why we have to create "cool fashion" and "cool people."

I'm always thinking about how to make the wearer feel fresher and more full of vitality. I want to show that again this time. 」 >