Our fifth installment of the "Secrets of Shining Women" series of interviews explores the secrets behind the radiance of women active in a variety of fields. Kato Miliyah celebrates her 10th anniversary as a musician this year. In addition to her musical career, she's also expanding her horizons by launching her own fashion brand. This fall, she's collaborating with Isetan MiRROR's original cosmetics brand, "Isetan MiRROR beaute." What are Miliyah's thoughts on fashion and makeup? I heard that your first collaboration with Isetan MiRROR will feature limited edition makeup kits. Isetan is a place I love to shop for cosmetics, even when I'm not there. My friends and I often talk about how convenient Isetan MiRROR is, allowing you to browse products from various brands and pay in one place, so I'm thrilled to be collaborating with such a great place. This time, I've been given the opportunity to create four kits. Among them, "ROMAN" is the title of a song I wrote for my fans, and it conveys the message, "Let's live in the romance we envision!" I chose my iconic makeup items, a red lipstick, and a sophisticated brown gradient eyeshadow, so that at first glance, the message "This kit will help you look dramatic" is conveyed. "BABY LOVE" evokes the image of the moment when love is born. The soft pink blush gives off a babydoll vibe, and is completely different from my usual look, so it's refreshing. I also chose gloss because I thought it was an essential element for girls to be popular (laughs).
--What are the key points when applying makeup with each kit?
For "ROMAN," apply the darkest brown eyeshadow broadly from the inside to the top of your eyelid. Blend it a little from the top and then blend in a lighter color toward the center for a nice effect. The key is to apply a little of the lightest brown eyeshadow to the inner corner of your eye to capture the light. For the red lipstick, apply it slightly over the lipstick, creating a slightly heart-shaped, rounded line, like in the visual, for a cute finish. "BABY LOVE" blush turns into a powder on the skin, so it's incredibly smooth and non-sticky. For a cute look, apply it softly and widely from the center of your cheeks to create baby skin. In the visuals, I use a secret trick: I apply the blush to my lips and then layer on top of the lip gloss. --I heard you also designed the uniforms for Isetan Mirror. I wanted a uniform with a slightly more mature and sexy feel, like the uniforms worn by lingerie store staff. When I first saw the mirror girl uniforms, I thought the red tights were cute. I also wanted to add a cool vibe to them, so I added red piping to the black uniform I designed. The original inspiration for the uniform was actually the piping shirt dress from my brand, Kawi Jamil. It was originally a super miniskirt, but I lengthened it a little to just below the knee for a more mature look. --The fashion you see in the catalog and other visuals that matches the makeup kit is also lovely. For the "ROMAN" shoot, I created my own creative touches by showing off my décolletage and combining lace and leather to create a soft yet hard-edged look. This collection also features clothing from Kawi Jameel. On the other hand, "BABY LOVE" has a cute feel, so I added a 1960s vibe to the fluffy feel of mohair. These are from a shop called "Nadia" in Harajuku. I believe the most important thing about fashion is to wear what you love, when you love it. I love fashion as much as I love music, so sometimes I choose my outfits with a stylist, and sometimes I go to vintage shops to do research. When I was little, my mother loved dressing me up, so I naturally developed an interest in fashion. I was often dressed in "Pink House" clothes at the time. A secondhand clothing store opened in my neighborhood when I was in fifth or sixth grade. I was so impressed by the Vivienne Westwood clothes they carried there that I think that was the catalyst that awakened my interest in fashion. I was moved the first time I visited the Vivienne Westwood "World's End" store on London's King's Road.
--What does makeup mean to you, Miliyah?
The moment I put on makeup and put on a costume for a concert or photo shoot is the moment I become Kato Miliyah. When people see you, the first thing they notice is your face, right? That's why makeup, which influences a person's impression, is so important. It's the same with fashion, but makeup gives me the strength to perform. I use different makeup depending on the situation, such as when I'm on stage or shooting for a jacket or magazine. I think girls have an advantage because makeup can transform me into a completely different person.
If you're trying to get everyone to like you or accept you, you won't develop a unique style. The red lipstick that's become my iconic style now wasn't popular when I first started wearing it, so it wasn't well-received, and people around me even advised me to stop. That's why I don't just play it safe when it comes to makeup and fashion, and I still want to try anything that I think looks good.
The kits chosen from Isetan Mirror's original brand, Isetan Mirror Beaute, to match the four themes imagined by Miliyah are four types featured in the catalog: "BABY LOVE" (creamy cheek 02, lip gloss 06, cotton pad, oil blotting paper/5,076 yen), "ROMAN" (eye shadow 01, lipstick 06/5,508 yen), "Young Lady" (creamy cheek 03, lip gloss 02, cotton pad, oil blotting paper/5,076 yen), and "EMOTION" (eye shadow 06, lipstick 03/5,508 yen). There are only 500 sets in total, and each comes with an original purple scrunchie (with fur) designed by Miliyah. In addition, to commemorate the collaboration, each Isetan Mirror store will have special displays, including photo panels and interior decor that express the world of Kit. The in-store background music will also be a special version, and Isetan Mirror Girls (Isetan Mirror staff) will wear uniforms designed by Miliyah.
