Designer Interviews INTERVIEW with SHINICHI MATHY of SHIKI DESIGNS
Written by Brendan Macarthur Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:14
Hello everyone. I have been given the pleasure of speaking with Shinichi Mathy of Shiki Designs.
Shiki Designs is known throughout the grid for high-quality fashion for men and women.
Thank you taking the time from your busy schedule to meet with me today. And welcome as a designer to the growing commercial district in Costa Rica Sims. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Well in RL, I was born in Tokyo but raised in Hawaii. I decided to come back to Tokyo where I currently live today. Most of my family lives in Hawaii still so I do go and visit them once a year.
How long have you been on Second Life?
I’ve been in Second Life since July of 2007.
What made you decide to get into the clothing design business? And how long ago did you get started?
One of my first jobs in SL was modeling. Back in those days, there really weren't that many clothing choices for men. And other than blue, black and brown, the color choices were very limited. I decided that I wanted to help take men's fashion to another level in SL. I launched my first collection in the spring of 2008.
Did you start with men’s or woman’s clothing and which do you find more challenging to create?
I started with a small collection of men's casual wear. I gradually started to create women's clothing during that same year. I actually find the level of difficulty the same. Design-wise, I find it easier to create men's clothing because I'm a guy. With women it's easier to get creative because of the variety of pieces women wear. At the same time, if you go overboard, it can just start to look ugly and messy. For men's clothing, it's hard to get as creative and unique and that can be a challenge. In the end though, they are both equally challenging for me.
Looking at your products, I see a blend of “east meets west” in your creations? How did that come to be?
East meets west describes my clothing exactly. I lived all over the world during my life and used to travel extensively for work and pleasure. I used to make a yearly visit to Paris, New York and Bangkok. Last year it was mostly Singapore and Taiwan for me. I'm influenced by what I see and because of traveling so much and living in both Tokyo and Honolulu; my sense of style reflects that.
I love the brilliant colorations that you incorporate into your products. What influenced you to use the blends of colors and designs that you use?
I look to nature for my color palette and the colors that I use depend on that particular season. With every collection, I work around a theme. I do love colors but my last fall-winter collection was all black and white with absolutely no colors. The latest collection is about combining the colors of the tropics with an urban feel. Last year's spring collection was about using more muted colors with lots of denim. The collection was called urban country. So I guess I choose the colors depending on what my theme is for that season.
I’m sure you have seen great improvements in the clothing that is offered on SL especially for the guys. Do you think the items offered for men have reached its greatest advancements, or is there more to come. ? And that also applies to women’s apparel.
Things have definitely improved especially for men. I don't think perfection is ever achieved and there will always be ways to improve. I am sure that when mesh arrives, it will once again take clothing to the next level.
As we all know, there will be a fashion show this week showcasing your designs. How did you go about selecting the products we will see this week?
All the designs shown at this week's show is from my newest collection. In fact, half of the collection is not sold in stores yet. The theme is "tropical urban" and it's a collection that I enjoyed creating.
I noticed you do have a group for your stores. And that you do offer free gifts to your group members. That is a really nice touch. Do you see that incentive works for you to attract more customers?
I think so. I believe fashion is an integral part of the SL experience and I think free gifts are great for newbies. I also have loyal customers who purchase my designs and I like giving them something that they could add to their inventory. Without my group members SHIKI would not be here so it gives me great satisfaction offering those free gifts.
How do you like the new commercial district created here in Costa Rica Sims?
I think it's very well designed and just beautiful. I feel privileged to be a part of the Costa Rica community.
Shiki location @Costa Rica Sims - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Old%20Costa%20Rica/15/43/26
In closing, we would like to thank you for your precious time. And any words of wisdom you may want to offer the residents as to fashion tips or what me might be seeing in the future?
My only tip would be..to be yourself and have fun with fashion! As long as there is Second Life, SHIKI is here to stay. Stay tuned for more!
Shinichi Mathy is the talented Second Life® designer behind the colorful Spring / Summer 2011 collection for Shiki. These stunning creations, for both men and women, range from casual wear, to elegant evening creations, to fantasy couture. This collection from Shiki is a must have this season, and will add a bright burst of color to your wardrobe.
So mark your calendars and be prepared to view some of his new collection themed “Tropical Urban” as Costa Rica Sims Productions presents the SHIKI Fashion Show. Saturday May 14th @ 5pm SLT.
For more information on Shiki Designs, visit
http://shikidesign.blogspot.com/
