Kumiko Watari- MIGH-T Sensation!!!

January 11, 2011

We interviewed the fabulous Japanese Designer, Kumiko Watari, founder and creative Designer for MIGH-T, a couple weeks ago. Look out for the next collection from this lady next Fashion week. Also Lucy is helping to make some knitwear for this lady, so watch this space!!!

The concept of the label “migh-T” is “mighty=strong” and also “my-T-shirts” for people who have a strong mind and enjoy being unique in their lives.

Kumiko is now based in London where she has also collaborated with various individuals and companies as a print designer.

Now for the interview—

1. How does living and working in London inspire your work?

London is so multi cultural. For my work, it is very important to be free from mind limitation. You can do what ever you like in London.

2. If you had to create a character that embodies everything about your label, who would this character be?

I made this koala character for my AW09 collection “pioneering spirit”. I’m not Australian, but I see myself in this koala traveling to Europe who is missing home but is still brave enough to discover new things in unfamiliar places. I want to experiment with a lot of different designs using my textile techniques and unique ideas in my label.

3. What is your creative process and what is inspiring you right now?

I first come up with some animal or motives which I like to think of and I make stories based around them. I design prints and garments with developed imagination.

4. If you could collaborate with one Designer/ Design house dead or alive who would you collaborate with and why?

Bernhard Wilhelm. First I wanted to come to Europe to become just a textile designer to collaborate with the other designers like him. His clothes have stories. You can’t help thinking about the story behind the design. That is very important.

5. If you could dress a famous personality, who would it be and why?

Yukimi Nagano from Little Dragon! She is already wearing my clothes, but she is the ideal personality for migh-T ‘s concept. Very unique, quirky, kind, naive and strong!

6. What music, movies and artists drive you?

Shonen Knife, Guns n’ Roses, The Beatles and Little Dragon!

I like 80’s American comedies and kid’s films.

7. Finally, do you see yourself creating more Knitwear in your collections and which Knitwear Designers are exciting you right now?

Yes, of course! Knitwear is new to my collection. I made some knitted accessories before, but I’m making jumpers and cardigans for the first time for the new collection. I enjoy designing them!

I am a regular customer of Cooperative Designs. They are my old classmates.

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We love that Kumiko is embracing Knitwear into her collections. We look forward to seeing her success grow and grow.

Here are some images from her most recent SS2011 Collection-

“LONG DISTANCE LOVE”