Often I’ve been asked where I look for fashion inspiration, and although there’s no simple answer, the short answer is: anywhere but fashion. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration; I do follow street style blogs, and on a semiannual basis I’ll look at a fashion magazine.
But everything I know about fashion can be attributed to things besides fashion. For example: I’ve no doubt that my penchant for big bows and full skirts derives from my love of Sailormoon, nor do I doubt that My Little Pony had a profound effect on my love of multi-colored hair. Hell, I even dyed my hair red at the age of 16 after an Evangelion marathon (and have kept it for the past six years).
Below are just a few non-fashion influences that have shaped my personal style over the years. What are some non-fashion sources that you look to for inspiration?
Michiru & Haruka, Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon
“The Artist’s Model”, Benes Knüpfer
“Space 3″, Aya Takano (via Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin)
Jacquelyn Jablonski by Thomas Lagrange (via Fashion Gone Rogue) (yes, I’m cheating a bit here! But really it’s the mood that’s inspiring)
My Little Pony: Escape from Katrina (via Tumblr) (yep, I went there)
The Holy Mountain, 1973, Alejandro Jodorowsky (screencap via film110)
“溶けちゃう”, けーしん
Samejima Mamimi, aka The Native Girl, from FLCL
Miwako from Paradise Kiss, Ai Yazawa
Chungking Express, 1994, Wong Kar-Wai
The Last Unicorn
February 26, 2011 at 3:28 pm
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Lovin’ the retro anime flashbacks, Paradise Kiss is a definite WIN :D
February 26, 2011 at 3:36 pm
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This is probably one of your best posts yet, Kaki! You have unique and beautiful inspirations. I especially like Mamimi & Miwako :)
February 26, 2011 at 4:22 pm
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Ahh, this is so inspiring! Maybe if I nail down my non-fashion fashion inspirations, I’ll understand what my best style is. Kaki, you rock. Your taste is amazing!
February 26, 2011 at 7:05 pm
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Funnily enough, some of your inspirations are actually very similar to my own! Although, additionally, I’d also add books in there. Although not visual, the descriptions of certain characters/dress/whatever provide enough visual stimulus for me to be inspired. I dyed my hair red when I was 12 after reading about a red headed character I liked. :)
February 27, 2011 at 7:01 am
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oh, man! awesome influences! i wish i wasn’t so brain dead right now to really think this through, perhaps i’ll blog about it as well! i can only say HELL YES to evangelion, the holy mountain and chung king express!
February 27, 2011 at 6:45 pm
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My fashion inspiration comes from place. I try to imagine and time and a place and think about what I would wear to survive there…
February 27, 2011 at 6:45 pm
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PS. Love ParaKiss and love love Chungking Express so much
February 28, 2011 at 9:43 pm
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Oh my god! Sailor Moon! I learned how to draw from that cartoon series, and I have a big Sailor Moon collection. They had some great outfits on that show!
Wida
Missing Amsie Blog
February 28, 2011 at 11:02 pm
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oooh! i’d have to say most of my sartorial inspiration derives from what i wanted to be ‘when i was a kid’ (i think i’m still a kid), such as a pioneer (little house on the prairie), and the ocean (which shows up in the colors i prefer). other non-fashion influences include my friends and my notion of etiquette.
March 1, 2011 at 3:32 pm
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Those are all wonderful inspirations! I loved Little House on the Prairie as well~
March 1, 2011 at 2:50 pm
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I find that Ai Yazawa’s work in general inspire me. I wish I could wear all her awesome designs for Miwako and Yukari!
Yay for FLCL love :)
March 14, 2011 at 12:09 am
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Oh whoa… I totally forgot about Chungking Express.