How do students of fashion school wear? 10 students from Tokyo Bunka Fashion College share their experience
After several months of distance learning, the students of Tokyo Bunka Fashion College finally returned to campus. Vogue talked to them about the feeling of returning to school after the blockade was lifted and what they were wearing on the first day of returning to school.
As we all know, Tokyo Bunka Fashion Academy is one of the world's authoritative fashion schools[1]. Since its establishment in 1919, the college has sent a large number of highly influential people to the fashion industry[2], among which Kenzo Takada, Yoji Yamamoto, Junya Watanabe, Hidetoshi Takahashi, and Chisato Tsumori are outstanding alumni of the school.
"All the teachers, students and staff of the Cultural and Fashion College have an incomparable love for fashion." Dean Sachiko Aihara said, "The greatest achievement of the college is to send thousands of talents to all walks of life around the world. In this challenging period , We continue to carry out teaching work with high standards and keep pace with the times."
After months of lockdown, schools across Japan reopened, and under precautions to maintain social distancing, students returned to the classroom. In this interview, 10 students from the Cultural and Fashion College shared with us their experience of doing homework and online classes remotely, their feelings of returning to school, and what they wear to commemorate the first day of returning to school.
1. Honoka Shinamura, 20 years old, bachelor degree in fashion design, second year
Tell me about your outfit.
"I'm wearing a Keisuke Kanda dress. The Haori kimono [a kimono up to the thigh] comes from my grandmother, and the hair band around my head is made of a kimono belt given by my mother."
What do you like most about the Culture and Fashion Academy?
"The facilities are well-equipped, and the teacher treats us like family. It is also very happy to be recognized for wearing."
What challenges did you encounter in completing the remote job?
"It's difficult to draw sketches and paper patterns in a small room, and without instant feedback, the progress will slow down."
Which song best expresses your feelings about 2020?
"Perfume's Dream Fighter."
2. MinamiUrushibata, 22 years old, fashion director majoring in undergraduate, third grade
Tell me about your outfit.
"I am wearing my personal favorite Molly Goddard light blue dress, Miu Miu ballet shoes, and VermeeristBEAMS velvet bag."
What do you like most about the Culture and Fashion Academy?
"You can really enjoy every aspect of fashion here."
How does it feel to be back to school?
"It's really fun to be able to communicate face to face with friends and teachers. I will stay with them as much as possible now."
Which song best expresses your feelings about 2020?
"Journey's Don't Stop Believin'."
3. Ryo Ishikawa, 22 years old, bachelor degree in fashion design, first year
Tell me about your outfit.
"Today's styling theme is survival, which is also the theme of this year."
What do you like most about the Culture and Fashion Academy?
"The teacher not only teaches practical skills to solve problems, but also gives students the freedom to express themselves in creation."
What challenges did you encounter in completing the remote job?
"Solving problems becomes tricky and time-consuming-much worse than in-person teaching."
Which record best expresses your feelings about 2020?
"MF Doom's Operation: Doomsday."
4. SakuraNakajima, 20 years old, Bachelor of Fashion Director, third grade
Tell me about your outfit.
"I wear my favorite vintage dress. I love the luster, patterns and rich colors of velvet."
What do you like most about the Culture and Fashion Academy?
"Everything is related to fashion, and the people around me have brought me a lot of inspiration."
What challenges did you encounter in completing the remote job?
"It's hard to concentrate at home-can't go to the classroom, it doesn't feel right."
Which movie best expresses your feelings about 2020?
"Any science fiction movie is fine. It feels like everyone is living in a science fiction movie this year."
5. SeidaiFujii, 20 years old, undergraduate in retail planning, second year
Tell me about your outfit.
"I added a lot of black items to the outfit, but this leather jacket is really elegant. The red vintage knit cardigan from the 1980s is a highlight, and the shoes are Converse Chuck Taylor."
What do you like most about the Culture and Fashion Academy?
"Everyone has a personality. Here you can confidently create your own style."
How does it feel to be back to school?
"During the school closure, I spent a lot of time practicing in the fashion industry. After returning to class, I felt that those experiences were really valuable."
Which song best expresses your feelings about 2020?
"SZA's Hit Different."
6. Sena N'Singi, 22 years old, undergraduate degree in textile design, third grade
Tell me about your outfit.
"Every piece of clothing on my body is second-hand."
What do you like most about the Culture and Fashion Academy?
"There are opportunities for cooperation everywhere, and the teachers will continue to encourage you to break through in creativity. In addition, as an international student, I can also learn Japanese traditional textile technology in practice."
How does it feel to be back to school?
"There are many areas that need to be adapted. For example, the library has new regulations to abide by, and I have to think about how to use masks with clothes every day."
Which movie best expresses your feelings about 2020?
"Richard Linklater's "Love Before Dawn"."
7. MikuKuroda, 18 years old, bachelor degree in fashion design, first year
Tell me about your outfit.
"I like black, so the whole body is black. Witch costume."
What do you like most about the Culture and Fashion Academy?
"This is a place where individuality is recognized and cultivated, and it has a deep history."
How does it feel to be back to school?
"It's fun. The atmosphere is very motivating, and you can finally use the school facilities. Being able to ask questions to teachers is much better than online lessons."
Which song best expresses your feelings about 2020?
"Hyde's Believing in Myself."
8. Kenta Yoshida, 21 years old, undergraduate degree in menswear design, third grade
Tell me about your outfit.
"I was wearing a three-button Saxon wool suit made by myself in the second grade."
What do you like most about the Culture and Fashion Academy?
"There are all kinds of people here, and the library has a lot of good books."
How does it feel to be back to school?
"Meeting friends is very encouraging and full of energy."
What challenges did you encounter in completing the remote job?
"Through the practical skills lesson on the screen, the effect is not very good."
9. Mashiro Morioka, 19 years old, bachelor degree in fashion modeling, second year
Tell me about your outfit.
"I am wearing a Perverze dress, Chanel leggings, Tsumori Chisato plush jacket and cowboy boots."
What do you like most about the Culture and Fashion Academy?
"The people here are cool and interesting. It's nice to meet them."
How does it feel to be back to school?
"Everything is not 100% normal, but it is peaceful. I am very happy to be back, but I still miss the lively atmosphere of a large group of students together."
Which song best expresses your feelings about 2020?
"Sakamoto Shinnosuke's Stay Home."
10. Haruka Miura, 22, BA fashion global business, year four
HarukaMiura, 22 years old, bachelor degree in global fashion industry, fourth grade
Tell me about your outfit.
"I am wearing light blue Levi's straight jeans and black Dr Martens six-eye boots. Of course, the black Prada woolen coat is the protagonist."
What do you like most about the Culture and Fashion Academy?
"I will meet people from various backgrounds and ideas, which gives me a lot of inspiration. It is also interesting to learn about their tastes through fashion and music."
How does it feel to be back to school?
"I rarely see people during the quarantine period. I haven't seen the teachers and classmates for a long time, so I am very happy to be back. It is much more convenient to learn by myself than online."
Which song best expresses your feelings about 2020?
"Do it by Chloe X Halle."
