If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career, it’s that curiosity is the most underrated skill in fashion. It’s easy to get caught up in the need for perfection or feel like you need a clear plan to succeed—but curiosity doesn’t ask for that.
It just asks, “What if you just tried?”
For me, curiosity wasn’t just a mindset—it was the tool that helped me carve my path in fashion and art, even when I had no idea what I was doing.
Curiosity Helped Me Find My Place in Fashion
When I was a fashion student, I didn’t feel like I fit the mold. While my peers were busy crafting incredible garments, I found myself drawn to editing videos. At the time, it felt out of place—like I was wasting my time doing something unrelated to what I was “supposed” to be learning.
But I was curious: *“What if this skill could lead to something bigger?”*
Years later, that same skill became one of the most important tools in my career. Today, video editing is how I share my digital and physical fashion creations with the world. It’s a core part of my work, and it’s one of the ways I’ve connected with global audiences.
Taking the Leap with 'Alice.'
Curiosity also pushed me to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. One of the biggest leaps I’ve taken was creating Alice., a project that merged the digital and physical worlds.
It was my first attempt at presenting art in a physical format, and it was a logistical nightmare. I spent days obsessing over how to size and print the pieces for the exhibition space, worrying about whether the quality would be good enough. But curiosity kept me moving forward: “What if this actually works?”
And it did. Alice was showcased in a Tokyo exhibition and later appeared on a billboard in Times Square. It was a turning point for me—proof that exploring the unknown could lead to something extraordinary.
What Curiosity Taught Me About Fashion
Here’s how curiosity changed the way I approach fashion and art:
1️⃣ You don’t need a perfect plan to start.
Fashion often feels like an industry where you need everything figured out before you begin. But curiosity taught me that experimenting is more important than perfection.
2️⃣ Mistakes are opportunities in disguise.
I made plenty of mistakes with *Alice*, from misjudging print sizes to doubting my work’s quality. But each mistake taught me something valuable that I’ve carried into future projects.
3️⃣ Everything connects in unexpected ways.
What seemed like a distraction—like video editing—turned out to be one of the most important skills I use to tell stories through fashion. Curiosity helped me see how my passions and skills could align.
How You Can Use Curiosity to Grow in Fashion
Curiosity isn’t just for artists—it’s a tool anyone can use to grow in the fashion industry. Here’s how to start:
- Explore the unknown: Is there a skill or medium you’ve been curious about? Maybe it’s learning 3D modeling, experimenting with AI, or revisiting something you set aside. Start small and take one step toward it today.
- Follow your instincts: Not everything you do has to fit perfectly into your portfolio. Some of the best work comes from unexpected detours.
- Keep learning: Fashion is always evolving, and curiosity is what keeps you ahead of the curve. Ask questions, experiment with trends, and explore technologies like digital fashion and NFTs.
Curiosity and the Future of Fashion
Right now, curiosity is driving some of the most exciting changes in fashion. From AI to digital wearables, we’re at the forefront of a new era where creativity and technology are blending in ways we’ve never seen before.
For me, curiosity continues to guide my work. I’m exploring how digital and physical fashion can coexist, incorporating kawaii aesthetics into my designs, and diving deeper into the possibilities of AI. I don’t always know where it’s leading me, but that’s what makes it exciting.
Your Turn
What’s one thing you’ve been curious about in fashion? Is it a new tool, a design concept, or even a collaboration idea?
Take one small step toward it today—you never know where it might lead. And if you’re already exploring something new, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s inspire each other to keep pushing boundaries.
