Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 30
Occupation: Fashion designer; founder and creative director of ADEAM
Instagram: @hanakomaeda
Hometown: Tokyo
Studio location: New York and Tokyo
Describe what you make: I design clothing and accessories for a modern woman’s wardrobe.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: Custom black suit for Michelle Obama’s book tour in December 2018, and the red dress I designed for Anne Hathaway for her International Woman’s Day speech at the U.N. in March 2017.
Describe the problem your work solves: Making women’s lives easier by designing clothing that is creative and functional. Many pieces from ADEAM are machine washable at home, which eliminates the effort to drop off your clothing at the dry cleaners. Also, most of the fabrics I use are high-tech fabrics from Japan that are wrinkle-free and/or water resistant.
Describe the project you are working on now: I just launched my new handbag collection online with Bergdorf Goodman, so I’m developing my handbag line in addition to the ready-to-wear collection.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I’m working on my upcoming Resort 20 collection that I’m presenting in June 2019 in New York. Resort is one of my favorite seasons because I always focus on what I like to wear now, and truly refine the details on each individual pieces.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Music is very important to me when I’m working in my atelier, especially during fittings. Right now, Mura Masa and Kaytranada are on my playlist. I also love taking a bite of dark chocolate when I need a break. My favorite chocolatier is Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse in Tokyo and Paris.
What you do when you’re not working: My favorite pastime is reading Japanese comic books. I recently started writing a column for Japanese fashion magazine “SPUR” on comic books and fashion.
Sources of creative envy: Marcel Duchamp
The distraction you want to eliminate: My dog, Teddy. It’s impossible not to play with him!
Concrete or marble? Marble
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse
Remember or forget? Forget
Aliens or ghosts? Neither
Dark or light? Light
