Paris Fashion Week is like a mother to me
The Asahi Shimbun and FHCM are pleased to welcome Ai TOMINAGA, a Japanese top model, as the official ambassador of Paris Fashion Week in Japan. The Asahi Shimbun interviewed her about her enthusiasm for becoming an ambassador, created interview articles and video contents in The Asahi Shimbun, as well as spreading it on social media.
How does it feel to be a PFW ambassador in Japan?
I am very honored and happy to be taking part in PFW. I am believing that PFW is the most special FW among others, so it is very rewarding to be an ambassador to me. One of the reasons I think it is so special is that I have been involved in PFW since I was a teenager. It brings up a lot of emotions, and it is a place I’ve always wanted to be.
What do you think of comparing PFW to other FW?
I think Paris is the home of fashion, including couture. Compared to FWs from other countries, I feel it’s very special.
How do you feel about returning to PFW this spring?
I feel that we are in the midst of a change in what the future of fashion is going to be, and it makes me think about how I can communicate the meaning of fashion, including issues like the global environment. I feel like everyone is going through a trial and error process.
What do you think of FW under Covid-19 situation?
I think everyone is thinking about how to present FW in this situation where it’s difficult to get a lot of people gathering physically together, and since it’s not an option, each Fashion houses are trying to express their worldview as much as possible within the context of what is unavoidable. I feel everyone thinks very hard about how to express what they want to convey in this moment.
Ai TOMINAGA was born in 1982 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. She made her debut in New York Fashion Week at the age of 17 and has been active as a top model ever since. She is also active in social activities such as being an ambassador for the JOICFP (Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning) and the Ethical Lifestyle SDGs Ambassador for the Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan, as well as taking part in acting in TV drama. Also, she published her book “Ai Tominaga: The Law of Beauty” (Diamond Inc., 2020) in March.
More articles and video contents are here: https://www.asahi.com/special/fashion/pfw2021ss/