STYLE02_AKITO
PROFILE
Born in 2004 in Chiba Prefecture. She began her modeling career about a year ago while attending college. She is currently working as a freelance model and is not affiliated with any agency. Her hobbies include taking walks and taking photos with a film camera.
Instagram:@akitooa_
—What made you start modeling?
I guess it all started because… I simply “wanted to do it.” I’ve always loved looking at magazines and photos, and naturally, I started thinking I’d like to try being on the other side of the camera.
—It’s been exactly one year since you started your activities. Looking back, what are your thoughts?
It was really tough when I first started, but lately I feel like I’ve been able to do things in my own way, little by little.
—What parts were the most challenging?
It’s still the case today, but since I’m a freelancer, it was tough having to find work on my own and figure things out on a case-by-case basis for each project. There were a lot of things I didn’t understand at first, but as I’ve gained experience working on various projects, I think I’ve gradually gotten used to it.
ANNIVERSARY 101 RIDERS JEAN ¥25,300
Based on the “101-Z RIDERS JEAN”—the world’s first pair of jeans to feature a zipper—this style has been reimagined with a wide silhouette suited to today’s fashion. The slightly tapered cut creates a relaxed, effortless balance with just the right amount of volume at the hem.
—I imagine you’ve had a variety of photo shoots over the past year. Do you have any future plans as a model?
I recently had the opportunity to travel to South Korea for work, and I ended up falling in love with the country. There were so many windows painted in light blue or pale green shades—I thought to myself, “This is a city with my favorite colors.” So, I’m thinking it would be really fun to eventually work more in South Korea or even abroad.
—As a model, what personal style do you prioritize when standing in front of the camera?
I try to be as natural as possible. Rather than striking a posed pose, I just try to be myself. I love looking at photos, so I think that’s influenced me to some extent. I prefer natural photos—the kind that look like they were taken of strangers on the street—rather than staged ones. I hope the photos I’m in turn out that way, too.
—Please tell us about Akito’s personal style when it comes to fashion.
I usually go for outfits that are comfortable, let me go anywhere, and allow me to sit on the floor whenever I want. I also want to look a little laid-back—not too dressed up. Right now, I’m in the mood for simple, comfortable clothes made from high-quality fabrics.
—That ties in with what you said earlier about looking natural. In that regard, what did you think of the “101” from that you tried on today?
The loose silhouette fits just right, and the fabric is soft right out of the box. I really love this shade of blue, too. I’d only ever tried on 〈Lee〉 jeans at thrift stores before—this was my first time wearing a brand-new pair—but they blended right in with my everyday style.
