I grew up in a predominantly white town, where most of my classmates hailed from Northern European roots. The one Catholic church in our area was a rarity, as most families cherished simplicity and tulips. My high school yearbook was filled with Dutch and Swedish surnames, and the everyday attire consisted of corduroy Levi’s paired with button-down shirts and cozy Shetland sweaters—while the girls from lakeside homes sported Lilly Pulitzer.
In contrast, I found my fashion inspiration in the pages of Vogue, a magazine I discovered at the age of 12. Although haute couture was far from my budget, the lavish editorials and dreamy photography by Deborah Turbeville captivated me. I admired the innovative designs of young talents like Willi Smith and Perry Ellis. My mother would drop me off at the public library, where I would immerse myself in past issues, some dating back to the ’60s and ’70s, with Diana Ross being one of my earliest style icons. I was first introduced to her through my Uncle Joe’s vinyl collection, spinning “Meet the Supremes” during summer visits. Eventually, he passed on his Motown records to me, and I was enthralled by her story—growing up in a Detroit tenement, battling rats with a bow and arrow, and crafting her own clothes. If Diana could sew, then so could I.
On a class trip to Detroit (Diana’s hometown!) for the musical “Annie,” I pretended to be affluent as I explored the upscale shops in the Renaissance Center. I tried on a linen Perry Ellis ensemble, savoring the fabric’s texture and understanding the elegance of well-crafted clothing. Shortly afterward, I used my babysitting earnings to buy yards of soft pink linen and a Vogue pattern, crafting my own Perry Ellis-inspired jacket and culottes, which I wore to school with a sense of pride.
Inspired by Vogue, I created whimsical jodhpurs from baby corduroy, a lilac zip-up jumpsuit adorned with epaulets, and a plaid flannel mini-dress paired with tights and cowboy boots. One of my favorite pieces was a turquoise mini-skirt designed after Willi Smith’s style, complete with pantaloons. I even crafted a puff-sleeved top and skirt set from gray sweatshirt fabric, reminiscent of Norma Kamali. Most of my creations, however, were too extravagant for my conservative Michigan high school. Instead of blending in, I yearned to escape, dreaming of the vibrant fashion scenes in New York and Paris, where personal style was celebrated and couture was revered.
When a brochure arrived, inviting me to apply for a design program in Tokyo, my heart raced. Japan seemed like a dream destination. I had been enamored with Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo’s striking styles featured in Vogue, but I doubted my design capabilities. I loved appreciating beauty and following patterns, but creating something from scratch? That was another challenge altogether.
As I entered my senior year, I won a National Merit Scholarship and shared my aspirations of becoming a fashion magazine editor and writing books that would be taught in schools during an interview with a local newspaper. In the photograph accompanying the article, I wore a drop-waist dress with a double collar, complemented by a strand of fake pearls inspired by Coco Chanel. I had chosen the pattern, but my mother skillfully sewed it for me.
In college, I finally had the freedom to express myself through fashion. I crafted a flowing Issey Miyake dress and a tailored white linen shift with a distinctly Japanese flair. A female classmate borrowed the shift, but a male roommate took it without permission, and I never saw it again. I scoured vintage shops, church sales, and thrift stores, building a wardrobe filled with little black dresses and paisley blouses. Nights were spent dancing in a leopard-print jumpsuit I whipped up on my Singer sewing machine, accented by a wool fisherman’s cap and a sparkling bracelet.
At 19, I made my way to New York City, shopping at Love Saves the Day, the iconic store featured in Madonna’s “Desperately Seeking Susan.” I later ventured to Paris, where I found a red dress that remains a cherished part of my closet. Eventually, my journey led me to Japan. When asked what inspired my move, I often mention my passion for Heian Court poetry, but it was also about gathering experiences for the novels I would one day write. And yes, I did write novels, including one focusing on an all-girl band covering Diana Ross and the Supremes. Although I didn’t become a fashion magazine editor, some of my books have found their way into classrooms. Looking back, it seems my arrival in Japan was influenced more by the designers I discovered in Vogue than anything else.
I began my teaching career as an assistant English teacher at a high school on Shikoku Island. With my first paycheck, I treated myself to a black Issey Miyake jacket, a perfect reminder of how far I had come.
In conclusion, my journey through fashion and self-discovery has been shaped by the icons I admired and the dreams I pursued. From the quiet halls of my high school to the bustling streets of Tokyo, every stitch and fabric has played a role in crafting my story.
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