Designer Interviews INTERVIEW with SHINICHI MATHY of SHIKI DESIGNS
Written by Brendan Macarthur Wednesday, 26 October 2011 11:32
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.
And this Saturday, we are all in for a treat. Costa Rica Productions will be showcasing some of his new Fall Collection. But, even better, it will feature outfits done in shades of pinks for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Hi Shinichi my dear friend, thank you taking the time from your busy schedule to meet with me today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
SM > Hi Brendan. It's my pleasure to be here. Well, I was born in Japan but moved to Hawaii with my parents when I was 5. I stayed there for about 20 years then decided to move back to Tokyo, where I currently call home. I'm a blend of Japanese and Hawaiian cultures.
How long have you been on Second Life?
SM> My rezz date is July 14, 2007 so it feels like a really long time.
What made you decide to get into the clothing design business? And how long ago did you get started?
SM> One of my first jobs in SL was modeling. At that time there really weren't that much variety when it came to men's clothes. One of my friends urged me to try and learn photoshop and create clothes that I like. I studied photoshop for 3 months and launched SHIKI in the spring of 2008.
Did you start with men’s or woman’s clothing and which do you find more challenging to create?
SM> I started out creating men's designs but started created for women soon afterwards. I actually find that they each have their own challenges. Because I'm a guy in RL, I find it easier to come up with designs for men but find it much more time consuming to create a complete outfit for men. You have the shirt, jacket, pants and whatever else you want to add to your outfit. With women it's harder for me to come up with the idea but if I go with a dress, it's basically one piece to make. So it's really the same for me.
Looking at your products, I see a blend of “east meets west” in your creations? How did that come to be?
SM> My background definitely influences my designs. I live in Tokyo where my senses are constantly stimulated. You never run out of inspiration here. I also visit my parents in annually in Hawaii and everytime I go there, I'm amazed at the beauty of nature and how Hawaiian design is all inspired by nature.
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?
SM> I find blending different colors into one design is a challenge because you can go overboard with the colors so it's a balancing act. I love doing that and spend days trying to come up with the right colors for the final design.
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. And have you taken advantage of the new “mesh” that is available now?
SM> I would like to believe there is more to come for both men and women's fashion in SL. Fashion is limited only by your imagination. I don't use mesh yet as I don't really see the advantage of it yet.
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, keeping in mind the breast cancer theme?
SM> I did a lot of recoloring of my newest designs for this show. I incorporated pink hues into each design that will be seen in this show. A few of the designs you will see are exclusive to this particular show.
I also understand that many of you products will be on site for those in attendance to purchase right on the spot. And that a portion of all the sales will be donated to a cancer charity. How did you become involved in this great cause?
SM> I've always participated in charity events that I believe in. It gives me an opportunity to contribute to the cause. I have to thank the people at Costa Rica Sims for giving me this opportunity.
Well we'd like to thank you for your involvement and creativity in putting this show together. 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?
SM> I don't think it attracts a lot of paying customers but it does help get my designs out into the public. I have immense gratitude to my group members as most of them are loyal in that they return month after month for their exclusive gifts. For that I am truly grateful.
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?
SM> I believe that fashion helps express yourself and says a lot about the person, especially in a place like Second Life. Have fun and enjoy the designs you see. Always be yourself and express yourself. I am still undecided on the theme for my next collection, but rest assured that it will be different from last year!
MAINSTORE LOCATION
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Shiki/91/153/
So mark your calendars and be prepared to view some of his new collection ….. as Costa Rica Sims Productions presents the SHIKI Fashion Show. And watch your group notices for your taxi!
Shinichi Mathy is the talented Second Life® designer behind the new, exciting and colorful Fall/Winter 2011 collection for Shiki. These stunning creations, for 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.
Make sure you don’t miss this show. What a great opportunity to add to your wardrobe and help this worthy cause. This Saturday, October 29th @ noon SLT. I'm Brendan Macarthur, Estate Reporter, Costa Rica Sims
MARKETPLACE: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/24743
WEBSITE BLOG: http://shikidesign.blogspot.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/people/Shinichi-Mathy/100002933121546
