Fashion Story "REAR WINDOW IN MIU MIU" is now available!
Check inside for the Full Page Editorial
KIMIKO EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW / Fashion story
September 14, 2017 2:00 PM
KIMIKO Exclusive Interview / Fashion Story "Kimiko" is now available!
Check inside for the Full Page Editorial.
KIMIKO
Taiwanese dance and fittness sensation KIMIKO imbues her abounding fans and followers with messages of body positivity and self-confindence.
Originating from Taiwan, KIMIKO, a choreography expert and active player in the entertainment industry, developed her KIMIKO body sculpting system to help women achieve their inner and outer confidence and beauty. She holds dance classes, collaborates with celebrities, has published three exercise and self-improvement books, and every year, she visits New York to further her training. To satisfy your curiosity, TWELV sat down with KIMIKO to discuss her inspirations, challenges, and passion for teaching.
You visit New York City once a year– What makes it one of your favorite cities?
I like moving forward. The most exciting part of New York is that it always makes me keep doubting myself and makes me feel anxious. Even if I have a great job opportunity now, what’s coming next could be jobs that I haven’t tried before, or I could lose my job. It makes me feel that I’m not good enough, and it makes me want to be better and better. Like a blank sheet of paper, I am ready to start over at anytime. I always set goals for myself, but in New York, I keep forcing myself to do better than just “good.” Most importantly, no matter how old I am, New York always gives me the courage to take a risk. New York is like a switch. Every time I enter the city, my breath, pace and thinking speeds up. Instead of someone pushing me, it’s a motivation that makes me willing to do more, and at the same time keep moving forward.
What’s fashion to you, and what do you see as the relationship between fashion and dancing?
I have my own standard for fashion. Bold things aren’t bad, but if it makes you feel reluctant, you may have to rethink it. My kind of fashion is trying to take a risk or trying something new, while still creating or designing in my comfort zone. Fashion is more than just outward appearance– it comes from your heart. People will never feel tired and reluctant if they are doing things they love. All the major brands are telling people that your body and fashion is a combination. Of all sports, dancing uses the body the most, so I think dancing and fashion are inseparable. The influence that dancing and body gestures has on people will never disappear as long as fashion exists.
You are always so energetic and in good health. Could you share your beauty secrets?
I drink a lot of water everyday. The only thing that I never touch is sweetened drinks. Otherwise, I won’t limit myself. If a girl wants to be pretty, she must have a delighted and satisfied mood. Do not stop traveling. Keep yourself in relationships, and don’t force yourself to do things you don’t like. For example, a lot of unexpected things will come to you if you use your eyes and a smile to communicate with others, even if you aren’t good at chatting. When you look at someone and smile, it brings luck to you. When you are facing anxiety, try to take a step back. It’s not because you’re scared. On the contrary, it is an effective and powerful way of dealing with upset feelings. This idea brings me a lot of good luck.
What got you into dancing and teaching dance? What inspires you to teach?
New York was a turning point. When I came here after college, I just wanted to be a great dancer. But during that time, I found another side of myself– rather than being a great dancer– I wanted more for people to learn to dance and become more beautiful. That year I had a lot of desire. If I see someone who starts to love him or herself, both inside and out, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. And I never use the word “fix” in regard to my students. I think they just don’t understand themselves that thoroughly. I listen to them first, let them talk about their disappointment about themselves, and then help them realize that they are pretty excellent. This is why I am here, to help them discover themselves.
How do you handle your anxiety before a performance?
I think that after throwing myself into New York and graduating from college without any money, I wasn’t afraid of anything anymore. That year was impressive. Being able to survive at that time, I had no fear of my future. The one thing that New York taught me was that it’s no big deal to start over. I am an ultra-perfectionist, but I started to realize when to let go. I used to think there is no “letting it go,” and if you tell me to “let it go,” I would get angry. But last year, I was surprised because I realized that many great people know how to let go. So when I worked hard, gave my 150%, I will let things be, because there is nothing I can do from this point. It’s up to God. This idea make me not to regret anything. And I’m lucky because as I work longer in my career, I have met many more professionals. Because of their preparation, I can turn my 150% of hard work into a 180% result. They are able to help me let go, be relaxed, and I am very thankful for their support.
Is there anyone in particular you would like to collaborate with on a project?
I like working with anyone who has a creative mind, and I hope to have the opportunity to work with talent outside of Asia. In my opinion, everyone needs to find their own way of beauty And I’d like to know what kind of chemistry can be created through collaboration between Western and Eastern cultures. My work has taken me many places– Paris, Japan, a round trip to Shanghai in one day and Beijing the next and even just a phone call has taken me to places where I’ve never thought of going. I can fit into new places easily. Also, you can see a lot more culture and deeper experiences when you are on a business trip, rather than simply traveling. This is addicting to me!
How do you balance your work with other obligations in life?
I’m still trying to overcome this. Especially after becoming more well-known, there is basically no personal life, and this is a bigger challenge than my job. I used to think I had to do a very specific thing in order to for me to take a real “rest,” but now I’ve learned to change the way I think. I won’t set such a big goal for myself, because if you’re working nonstop for three weeks, you won’t be able to stand it, and you’ll pity yourself. If I know ahead of time that I don’t have a day off, I’ll take all my colleagues to a good restaurant to have anything we want, and make that our day off. Knowing to change your mindset in every different moment and setting a small goal everyday to make yourself happy will help you become less emotional and less upset. Nobody is responsible for your negative emotions, so once you know how to please yourself, you can easily let go of a lot of things.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking of becoming a professional dancer?
I think that we should always be grateful. I know that professionals can easily consider themselves “geniuses,” and of course, if I did not have this idea, I don’t think I would have been able to face all the challenges that I do. But over the years, I am very grateful that so many people are still willing to help me even when I sometimes act arrogantly. At the same time, because I try to act grateful, there are still many people who are happy to help me whenever I am stuck. So, I think that you can believe yourself to be a genius, but always keep in mind that being a genius means you are helped by and protected by willing others. Even if you work hard, you still need to be grateful. You can’t take everything for granted.
What are you focusing on now? What does the future hold?
Great question! I am currently preparing KIMIKO Studio, the Academy that I founded for international celebrity training. I hope that the KIMIKO workout system and KIMIKO dance can make a big difference for millions of Asian women, in terms of their bodies, minds, and appearances, and I hope they can be introduced to the rest of the world. These two systems of exercise can help you find your own unique beauty. When I came to New York this time, I saw many American women with great bodies. But one thing that made me so happy was being asked by foreigners, “How can my body become like yours?” or “How can I have a smaller butt and beautiful legs?” And I realized that people in the Western world might not have the same conception of a perfect body as I had assumed– like big boobs and perky butts– and of course, some people may think this way, and it’s totally personal preference. This made me realize that my system might not only be suitable for Asian women, but for many body types.
INTERVIEWED BY SOPHIA PENG
CHINESE TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY FUXIANG QU, LIUXIN CHEN
EDITED BY HOLLIS DE LANEY
PHOTOGRAPHY: CHAMA
STYLING: HISSA IGARASHI
HAIR: KAZUHIDE KATAHIRA
MAKEUP: JUAN JAAR
FASHION ASSISTANTS: YI DUAN, WEIYI SUN, XUEYAN CAO
ART DIRECTOR: HOLLIS DE LANEY
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: HISSA IGARASHI
related posts
LET'S PLAY: COMME DES GARÇONS PLAY AND CONVERSE DOES IT AGAIN
On Tuesday May 28th, Comme des Garçons PLAY and Converse Pro Leather Collecion will debut their newest sneaker collaboration in New York City.
Parsons Fashion Benefit 2013
Parsons The New School for Design hosted its annual Fashion Benefit red carpet event on Wednesday, May 23.
A CESARE PACIOTTI EDITORIAL "FADE TO WHITE"
Fashion Story "FADE TO WHITE" is now available!
Check inside for the Full Page Editorial
WILD AT HEART
TWELV's Behind the Scenes takes a step back and visits the masterminds behind the camera.
BACK TO BLACK: BOTTEGA VENETA’S F/W2013 READY-TO-WEAR
Tomas Maier’s Fall Winter collection for Bottega Veneta explored updated classic silhouettes with modern details, fully representative of his French and Italian roots.
ONE MOMENT WITH MARY ELLEN BEAUDREAU AND JENNY LAI
On May 8, RISD grad and designer Jenny Lai of "NOT" collaborated with dancer Mary Ellen Beaudreau for a performance at the South Oxford Space with The Alliance of Residences Theatres in Brooklyn...
SKINGRAFT OPENING
Renowned designer Jonny Cota of SKINGRAFT has opened the brand’s first boutique in Nolita on Manhattan’s Prince Street.
CARRERA IGNITION NIGHT @ 5 BEEKMAN
On May 7, Carrera Sunglasses hosted Ignition Night to celebrate their new line of sunglasses and honor the brand’s roots: “Racing Since 1956”.
CLASSIC GLAM WITH A HOGAN TOUCH
Hogan McLaughlin has already titillated the fashion community with his collaboration with his muse Daphne Guinness and produced pieces for Lady Gaga's "Born This Way Ball".
André Leon Talley's Little Black Dress
Former editor-at-large for Vogue and well-known influential fashion personality, André Leon Talley is now editor-in-chief of Numero Russia and continues as contributing editor of Vogue online.
TWELV ISSUE #3 LAUNCH PARTY
On Tuesday April 9th Twelv Magazine hosted a party at Santos Party House to celebrate the launch of the newest issue of Twelv.
Chrome Hearts: Jewelry and more...
Chrome Hearts merchandise was first featured in a New York store in 1995.
Louis Vuitton Ambassadors Bring on Posh with TL-180 Handbags
My guilty pleasure in handbags materialized when I came across two young, French-Italian designers, Antonine Peduzzi and Luisa Orsini, of handbag label TL-180.
Carlos Miele Brings the Glamour Goddess to Miami for A/W2013
Brazilian designer, Carlos Miele, has been showing his eponymous collection for a decade at New York Fashion Week, but surprised the fashion industry when opting to show his AW'13 collection at...
THE MARC BY MARC F/W2013 CLAN: SOPHISTICATED CHIC
MARC by MARC JACOBS RTW FALL’ 13
DNA "IT" GIRL, CAITLIN HOLLERAN x NOUVEAU PR
Coming off of a worldwide exclusive for Saint Laurent’s SS’13 season, Caitlin Holleran (DNA) is one young beauty that should be on your radar this upcoming season. Chek Wu, Chama, & Maria...
MAISON KITSUNE SEES PEOPLES
The announcement of an exclusive capsule collection between Maison Kitsune and Oliver Peoples seemed only natural as the two brands, driven by a similar aesthetic and minimal design...
BEHIND THE SCENES AT ICB BY PRABAL GURUNG'S DEBUT NYFW RUNWAY SHOW
While Prabal Gurung has been creative director of the iconic Japanese label ICB since its re-launch during the AW'12 season, this outing marked his debut runway show with the brand during NYFW.
PRABAL GURUNG & ZANA BAYNE A/W2013: HARD VS. SOFT
For his AW’13 Collection, Parbal Gurung took inspiration from Time Magazine’s ‘Best Inventions of the Year 2012’ feature on body armor for woman. Naturally, then, his newest outing...
FREJA BEHA & BOTTEGA VENETA'S SCINTILLATING SS'13 CAMPAIGN
The luxury brand Bottega Veneta recently announced their collaboration with famed photographer Peter Lindbergh on their Spring-Summer ’13 ad campaign.
"My Fair Lady" S/S2013 Paris Couture Week Highlights
With fast-fashion retailers mimicking designers’ collections weeks after they’re shown on the runway, and the intense pressure put on designers to now deliver a minimum of four collections a year...
AMELIA TORO: DESIGNING TO EMPOWER WOMEN
You might not have noticed, but back in early October, right between The Highline, all the meatpacking district nightlife hotspots, and the Chelsea projects, a new designer boutique opened up at...
"LIGHTS CAMERA FASHION" PARIS MENS WEEK HIGHLIGHTS
As each year continues to spin on its axis, fashion madness seems to be on its own path to discovery.
THE ESSENCE OF ALAIA
After 30 years of dressing many of the world’s most beautiful women, Azzedine Alaia, with the help of Beaute Prestige International, announced yesterday the upcoming release of the brand’s first...
LUIGI MURENU : BEAUTY GOD
Fashion Story "BEAUTY GOD" is available!
Check inside for the Full Page Editorial
"THE GRAPHIC SKY'S THE LIMIT:" HIGHLIGHTS FROM MILAN MENS FASHION WEEK
The next stop on the fashion calendar brings us to Italy, first to Florence with Pitti Uomo filled with menswear tradeshows and finally to Milan where some of the most renowned designers showed...
SMELLING THE FUTURE: BLACK LABEL BY Y-3
After a celebrated 10 years of collaborating, Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas take their partnership on a new venture. The announcement of Y-3’ first fragrance, Black Label, will take...
"GLADIATORS, STREET PUNKS, SHARKS: OH MY!": HIGHLIGHTS FROM LONDON'S MENS FASHION WEEK
The AW’13 season kicked off last week in London with three days devoted to men’s collections from burgeoning new talents as well as industry veterans like Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen.
IRIS VAN HERPEN SS'13 COUTURE "VOLTAGE" TEASER
Since July 2011, Iris van Herpen has presented her couture collections during Paris Couture Fashion Week as an invited guest of la chamber syndicale de la haute couture.
TWELV TRIES ON G-STAR
In a recent photo shoot, TWELV got up close and personal with the prowess that makes G-Star a force to be reckoned within the competitive world of denim design.
PRADA'S BLOSSOMING SS'13 CAMPAIGN
Miuccia Prada is always fascinated with the conflicting components that surmise contemporary femininity: the freedoms of modernity flush with the constraints of upholding rigid traditions. This...
THE ROW & DAMIEN HIRST'S NILE CROCODILE BACKPACKS
Damien Hirst is one of the most renowned contemporary British artists, best known for his assortment of “Circle” or “Dot” paintings which were first conceived in 1988 with the original painting: “...