Hello!
I’m Makiko, the designer behind KARAKU by me.
Let me ask you something—have you ever found yourself influenced by people or experiences when it comes to fashion?
For me, the answer is definitely yes!
Looking back, I realize I’ve been inspired by so many different people and things.
The very first influence I remember is manga!
I especially loved the works of Ai Yazawa, and I would read “Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai,” “Neighborhood Story,” and “NANA” over and over.
Out of all her characters, my favorite was Midori Saejima, the main character in “Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai.”
I even copied her style by wearing clogs just like she did! Even now, if I come across a cute pair, I can’t resist.
Later on, Yazawa-sensei’s “Neighborhood Story” played a big part in my decision to go to fashion school.
I remember trying to make pumpkin shorts just like the ones Mikako Koda, the main character, wore—it still makes me laugh!
Outside of manga, I was also inspired by YUKI from the band JUDY AND MARY. I even tried her signature bob with black hair because I admired her so much.
Recently, I’ve been influenced by the idol group XG. Their take on modern “gal” fashion has really sparked my interest.
Thanks to all these influences, I even ended up designing a glitter ribbon headband for KARAKU by me!
Looking back, I realize my fashion interests have been pretty wide-ranging!
How about you? Who or what inspires your personal style?
I’d love to hear your stories—leave me a comment on Instagram!
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**Ai Yazawa** is a renowned Japanese manga artist and writer, best known for her stylish, fashionable, and emotionally engaging stories. She was born in 1967 and gained international fame through her unique art style and compelling characters. Yazawa's works often explore themes of love, friendship, and personal identity, set against vibrant urban backgrounds.
Yazawa's distinctive art style often features fashionable, stylish characters, and her stories resonate with young adults and fans of contemporary fashion and music. Her influence extends beyond manga, impacting Japanese pop culture and fashion trends.
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**YUKI** is a prominent Japanese singer-songwriter and former lead vocalist of the rock band **Judy and Mary**. She is known for her distinctive voice, energetic performances, and versatile musical style that blends rock, pop, and alternative genres. After Judy and Mary disbanded in 2001, YUKI launched a successful solo career, releasing many hit singles and albums. She is widely admired in Japan for her unique fashion sense, expressive singing, and influential presence in the Japanese music scene.
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"Gyaru" (ギャル) is a Japanese youth subculture that emerged in the 1990s and became very popular in the 2000s. The term "gyaru" is derived from the English word "gal," and it represents a style and attitude characterized by bold fashion, distinctive beauty standards, and a rebellious spirit against traditional Japanese norms.
Gyaru was once a dominant youth subculture in Japan and influenced fashion, music, and media. Although its popularity has waned somewhat, it remains an iconic symbol of youthful rebellion and self-expression.
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