White Story: Q&A with Tomoko Yano

We put on clothes each day when we wake up. The outfit gives others quite a bit of ideas about who you are, what you've done in the past and what you want to become. Some are well put together. Some are sloppy. Some may dress ugly on purpose or just because of the lack of fashion sense. However the person dresses, it tells his or her stories. Fashion magazines often show clothing in storylines. Professional stylists create photo essays working with photographers. In the fashion photo titled White Story styled by Tomoko Yano, I read her amazing sense of style, great sensibilities, professionalism and her warm personality. It made me want to hear the story behind the work and her life.

1: What is the theme of the styling? What magazine was it for?
It's called "white story " and it was for Vibe Vixen Magazine. She is wearing lace baby doll dress by DKNY, white dress by Fornarina, necklace by Subversive Jewelry. I was preparing my wedding that time and I was really into white. I like the innocence and pureness of white but I like to break that sweetness by using black model to make a contrast.

2: What was the worst or hardest shoot you had to do?
Two huge hip-hop artists (well, cannot tell their name) came with full of baggy jeans and asked my assistant and me to steam them all. On top of that, their gangs start clearing up catering in a doggy bag. We missed lunch that day.

3: Tell me about the most memorable model you worked with?
A girl who used to be a boy. She is a beautiful girl who is represented by a big model agency in NY. I could never imagine she transgendered until I could not put a bangle on her.

4: How did you start your career? Any tips for people who want to become stylists?
I was a market editor at Trace magazine for 4 years. I did not know a fashion editor has to style a shoot in this country (not so much in Japan) and I just enjoyed it! Well, tips are.... do not be so serious I guess.

5: What did you wear as a teenager in Japan?
I honestly choose my junior high and high school because of the school uniform. I thought it was important because you wear it almost everyday. It cannot be ugly. My uniform was the traditional Japanese school girl uniform that you can imagine in cartoon. (the sailor collar)

6: What is your favorite movie?
"Juliet of Spirits" by Fellini. I like Dario Argento movies too.

7: What are you wearing right now?
Well, better not to know...because I am at home in front of the computer.

8: What is your most favorite piece of clothing in your closet?
Wow! It's a tough question.
People think stylists have a lot of clothing in their closet. In my case, I do not keep that much clothing in my closet. I like to see the space in between the clothing so that they can breath. I only keep what I really love. If I have to choose one, I'd say my silver Dolce & Gabbana high heels that I would never wear outside. It makes me feel like a woman. I like the things that move people's feelings.

9: What's your favorite restaurant and cafe in the neighborhood?
The favorite cafe is Caffé Capri at 427 Graham Avenue. They make the best ice coffee. I love talking to the owner Joe. The cafe has been around for 30 years and Joe was the first parson to bring Italian style coffee in Brooklyn. The favorite restaurant is Du Mont. I believe their burger is the best in the neighborhood.

10: What is the style you can't stand?
Sneakers with a long coat.

Thank you, Tomoko!


See Tomoko's gorgeous stlying work

Her work also apperars on Trace magazine.