HAUS OF TWELV #8: Bruna Nakano
Have you ever wanted to know what's going on behind the curtains of a runway? What it's like to be a fashion insider? We know the answer, and that you will love Bruna Nakano’s blog, Get The Look. As a journalist and fashionista who also has a background in advertising, Nakano writes about the “backstage” of the fashion world in Sao Paulo, New York, Tokyo, and other fashion cities. Unexpectedly, Bruna post pictures of her outfits, but she also shares her insights into fashion: what the industry really is, what it means to work in fashion, and what she loves about it! She teaches her audience how to be more critical of trends and how to learn oneself first, before expressing your individuality through clothes and accessories. TWELV brings Bruna Nakano's unique perspective on the fashion industry, inside and out.
---------BRUNA NAKANO's INTERVIEW---------
1. Tell us about yourself! What do you do? Where do you live?
Hello! I’m Bruna Nakano and it’s a pleasure to be here! I’m a journalist, fashionista, and I work in advertising. I am currently the face and courage behind the website, “Get The Look,” a place where we talk about fashion in an easy way. I also host two TV Shows in Brazil. One is called “Linha Phina,” which is only online, and the other one is called “Super IT,” which is on a TV Channel. I live in Brazil, but I travel the world a lot because of my work. So, sometimes I stay in Japan for three or four months and in New York for one month.
2. Which 5 words would you choose to describe yourself?
Vibrant, hard-working, honest, committed, and positive.
3. What motivated you to start blogging?
My start in blogging came from so many people telling me, “I like your style,” and asking “Where do you buy your clothes?” or “Can you help me to choose an outfit?” It started like this, but has developed over these 2 years to now, where I show the fashion that comes from backstage to the catwalks.
And I started in fashion working for a fashion marketing agency and also working São Paulo Fashion Week backstage with Alê Queiroz, director of casting. I come from the reverse process, where there is more work than glamor– where there are thousands of people working tirelessly for those 15 minutes of amazing catwalk.
4. Can you tell us more about your blog and the message you want to convey ?
I talk a lot about the fashion that comes from backstage, the factory floor, the creations of stylists, and the clothing from the hands of the seamstresses. It’s something that I really like to talk about, because people have no idea how huge the fashion industry is.
I cover the fashion weeks of New York, Milano, Paris, São Paulo and Tokyo, and give my impressions on the shows, trends and catwalk. I also talk a lot about “What is in, but I’m out,” a very famous column on Get The Look. Some readers send me trend tips to put in this category, but things they would never use. People have to learn to be critical of the trends, because before any trend, we have to know our bodies well and know if it fits with our style.
5. Recently you wrote a post about the “end of fashion weeks” and the transformation the fashion world is going through. What do you mean by this?
The fashion week will evolve, and we are already in full evolution. Whoever works on brands, backstage, websites, or magazines, [they] know how difficult it is to catch the attention of consumers. For that reason, it’s extremely important that fashion weeks be attended by influential people in the media who can take that show or trend to a huge number of people.
The fact is that real fashionistas are tired of the lack of relevant content in fashion. We look for information, the history of the clothing, and content relevant to our day-to-day. Fashion has a lot of content, but why does no one talk about it? That’s where the new fashion week formats come in– with a fashion chat involving designers, influencers, journalists, seamstresses, casting directors, models and the like– people who really make fashion happen. In addition, we have the “see now, buy now” that already happened two seasons ago. And you want something cooler than that? When watching a show we have desire for consumption, and the clothing is right there to buy it.
6. Is it important for you to also write about more serious topics like this one ?
Yes, I have the privilege of being in places for fashion weeks, events, and fashion chats. I think I should teach my audience about fashion and the future of fashion. Issues like this generate controversy, but it is extremely important to comment.
7. How has blogging affected your life?
In everything! It’s a digital magazine and I have to search and approve relevant content for my audience. It’s very laborious, but satisfying at the same time. I love doing it!
8. How would you describe your style?
I define it as high-low and consider myself a mix of prints. I like clothes with good modeling and quality fabric, but I do not choose by brand, because I love it all. I love tailoring mixed with sport.
9. What and who are your sources of inspiration?
In addition to fashion weeks, the street style of many places in the world brings me a lot of inspiration. A person who inspires me is also my mother, who has always had a keen eye for fashion.
10. What does fashion mean to you?
It represents a way of expressing myself and showing the world who I am. It represents millions of jobs and accomplishing dreams. Working in fashion is everything for me.
11. How would you describe the fashion scene in Brazil?
Fashion in Brazil follows world trends adapted to our reality. Some trends work well and remain for many years in South America. An example, the flare pants– a trend that Brazilians love, but in Asia or North America, they stayed for very little time. We have great fabrics here and stylists, as well.
12. What do you think are the main differences between fashion in New York and in Brazil?
The size. In New York, the parade rooms are huge and you can only really get inside if you have an invitation. In Brazil, you also need an invitation, but you can spend time in the lounge outside the parade rooms. Another difference is the influence of the designers. In New York, the brands are known worldwide, but for Brazil, some of our brands are known only in Brazil. The difference in popularity is glaring, but still we have amazing designers. My favorite is Ronaldo Fraga, because he always brings a cause behind his creations. I love Brazil, but New York is New York. The place is magical! There is no way to compare it with any place in the world. It’s the best fashion week ever! My favorite!
13. What do you think is the next big trend?
Fashion is increasingly going to the natural and comfortable. We are so tired of riding ourselves, and we just want to be ourselves. Be it in the makeup, with natural makeup showing the freckles, or in comfy looks, like the pajamas and oversized looks. I think they will remain for a good time with some evolution.
14. On your blog, you wrote that you want to start an NGO. What would its mission be?
I love dogs! I think they heal us. In Brazil, we have a very large number of abandoned dogs. Near my house, we already take care of some dogs that live in the street by feeding them, giving them vaccines, and taking them for castration. But still, it’s nothing close to all we have to do. My dream is to have an NGO one day to house all of these dogs.
15.What are your future projects ?
I never talk about my future projects until they happen. I’m superstitious about it, and they are all secret projects. I really can’t say anything because of contracts. I can tell you that I will have a lot of work to do, both on the site, in advertising campaigns, and in my TV show for next year. I feel very fulfilled and happy with all of this!
BLOG: Get The Look
INSTAGRAM: @brunanakano
FACEBOOK: @getthelook
YOUTUBE: @getthelook
SNAPCHAT: @brunanakano
INTERVIEWED AND WRITTEN BY LOUISE GUILLOT
EDITED BY HOLLIS DE LANEY
PHOTO CREDIT: BRUNA NAKANO
