Shinobu Uchida, the director of muller of yoshiokubo.

We spoke with her about her lifestyle and daily outfits, having moved her base from Tokyo to LA last summer. ―What was the reason for your move to LA last summer?
Moving to the US has been a dream of mine since childhood. While I love to travel and have had opportunities to go abroad for work, I really wanted to experience "living" there. I felt, "I can't die without fulfilling this dream!" so I decided to move my base of life to LA.

―Please tell us about how you spend your weekdays, and what is unique to life in LA.
Since I live here with my two daughters, honestly, my weekday routine hasn't changed much since coming here. However, it's a big change in terms of work, as I miss having the team I used to work with nearby. Even though I cause them some trouble, I am able to work thanks to their support.

My routine is designing for the next season of muller during the day and having meetings with the team in Japan at night. Even after coming here, the content of my work and my way of working haven't changed much. However, being close to nature and being able to interact with it is a major difference from Tokyo. When I hit a wall, I refresh myself by experiencing the nearby ocean or mountains.

―Is there a difference in your outfits for on and off days between LA and Japan?
The city has a relaxed atmosphere unique to LA, and there are many people on the streets wearing casual attire like T-shirts or sweatshirts paired with leggings. I myself have started wearing denim and sweatshirts more frequently than I did in Japan. However, only wearing relaxed clothes doesn't keep me focused, and it doesn't lift my spirits. Above all, this is "the land of the free," so I wear dresses even in my daily life.

For example, this linen one-shoulder dress.
When I'm with my children during the day, I dress it down with a T-shirt and sneakers, but when I go out for dinner, I wear it on its own for a dressy look. I've been switching up my styling much more often. ―What about the city inspires you?
The mild climate and the people.

The US has many immigrants, and people of various races live here, wearing clothes that fit their own backgrounds. That is interesting to watch and, I think, is the charm of fashion.

The impression of colors changes just by the skin tone, or colors look more vibrant depending on the climate; the way a person perceives things changes just because the place they live or the person wearing the clothes is different. That might be something I didn't really feel while living in Japan.

―Will that influence future muller designs?
Since this is an environment where diverse races intermingle, I get new discoveries from the outfits of people walking on the street. There are really so many moments when I'm struck by the use of materials, color combinations, or hair styling. Everything I see is completely different from my life in Tokyo, so it is likely that I will be naturally influenced by it.

―For example, for the 24 Spring/Summer collection? If you were to name any "items influenced" by this?
The first is the LINO vest and pants. The second is the fringe dress. ―Please tell us what you like about each of them.
For the vest and pants set-up, which uses linen, one of my favorite materials, I feel that the cooling sensation and the rough texture of the material itself are influenced by the lifestyle here. I focused on its stiffness, how nicely it drapes, and the placement of the darts to create a silhouette that feels feminine with curves. The other is the fringe dress from the series I created while keeping in mind feathers, which can be worn in the summer. I made the loose silhouette coexist with glamour.
I went through trial and error to figure out how to add "dimension" while creating a "lightness" appropriate for spring and summer, so the base has a sheer feel and you can enjoy the long-haired jacquard fringe, while aiming for a balance that isn't too sweet. It's a piece that can be used daily and worn all season. This concludes muller's director interview vol. 1.

In vol. 2, we will introduce more personal content, such as her favorite spots in LA and her own styling. Please look forward to it!

■ Click here for the items worn
LINO ONE SHOULDER DRESS
LINO VEST
LINO PANTS
SURGE FRINGE DRESS

■ Profile
muller of yoshiokubo Director
Shinobu Uchida
After working in sales, she moved to NY, where she gained experience in PR and sales. Upon returning to Japan, she was in charge of sales at a showroom. She has held her current position since 2007. She works hand-in-hand with her husband on "muller of yoshiokubo." Mother of two. She has been based in LA since the summer of 2023.

Instagram Account
@uchidashinobu

muller of yoshiokubo Official Instagram Account
@mullerofyoshiokubo_official

Official LINE Account
＠mullerofyoshiokubo