Hello fellow fashion lovers! My name is Hanayo and I am a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I study Journalism, Communication Arts as well as Educational Policy Studies. I don’t study fashion but my passion for fashion is as strong as the subjects I study at school. I am beyond excited to be able to express my love for fashion this semester through this Style Guru internship!
My story about growing up is a little out of the box; I am what people call a third culture kid. I grew up across four different countries: Japan, Thailand, Singapore and the U.S. I am 100 percent Japanese by blood. However, I don’t fully identify with my parents’ culture or the culture of the countries that I have lived in. You could definitely say that my taste in fashion is a fusion of all the places that I’ve lived in.
A big part of my sense of style is influenced by the inner-city vibe. I grew up in big cities, that are also fashion capitals of the world, like Tokyo and New York. I would definitely go for the thrifted denim jacket before a sharply pressed blazer. That reminds me, thrift stores are my favorite places to shop. There’s no other place where you can get one-of-a-kind pieces at reasonable and affordable prices! Although I do appreciate all kinds of trends, styles and looks, I’d have to say that Japanese street fashion is what inspires me the most. There is nothing more exhilarating and inspirational than walking down and shopping in Harajuku or Shibuya.
When I put an outfit together, I usually mix and match items that are different in style. I love mixing the old and the new and feminine pieces with masculine items. There is something from every generation that I like and appreciate. For example, I incorporate vintage pieces into my outfits like this gold Hamilton watch that I got from my mom. It’s pretty awesome that I fit into her clothes too; I get to wear free stuff from the ‘80s and ‘90s! My love for fashion styles from the past explains why I have way too many items from American Apparel like this crop top that I’m wearing (other than the fact that I interned for them last summer). I also wear their white tennis shoes with almost everything. I own a lot of high-waisted items as well, like this A-line skirt from Bershka.
Although Madison is unlike any of the other places I have lived in, I love the difference and diversity of the style people have to offer here. I can’t wait to snap and share the styles of fashionistas/os that are wandering around on my campus!
