Miyuki Ott, The Featured Designer for August

Clothing Designer

What inspired you to start designing?
I've always loved fashion and clothes since I was a child. I was such a big girl in Japan that I had a hard time finding clothes to fit me, so I started designing, altering and sewing clothes.

What's your background and have you always been creative? Are there other artistic endeavors you're involved in?
I've been always creative since I was a child. My mother sewed all our dresses when my sister and I were little and my grandmother was a skilled knitter. Thanks to them I love to sew and knit and create something unique and original. I went to the New York Fashion Academy and learned the more technical side of designing.

Your line shows a clear love for Japanese fabrics and prints. What other things inspire you? Music and movies inspire me. When I design I usually play random music or a movie in the background. I picture the atmosphere or scene in my mind and that helps me to create a new design.

What was it about corsets that fascinated you?
I love the fact that corsets send two messages - nice and naughty. You could be totally elegant or you could be really sexy when you wear a corset. I believe human bodies are beautiful as they are, but I like to form and shape them.

What other fabrics and patterns are favorites of yours?
I love tailored clothes, so suiting fabrics are my other favorite, especially lightweight wool in black with red pinstripes.

What has been the most difficult thing about starting your own line?
Time management has always been a struggle in my busy life.

Whose work do you admire?
Gianni Versace, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

What advice would you offer new designers entering the market?
Even if it seems too hard, just keep going.

What is your vision for your business and where would you like to be in five years?
I would like to see my corsets on the red carpet in L.A. or NY.

Any other area of fashion you'd like to delve into?
Men's clothing.

What current trend would you like to see go away?
Leggings.

If you could have one item, new or vintage, what would it be?
Hermes Birkin bag.

What clothing item did you wear to shreds growing up?
Jeans. My mother forbid me to wear them when I was little. When I was 16, I got my first pair and I wore them all the time.

Which designer has really inspired you?
Kenzo and Hanae Mori from my childhood and Kenneth Cole and Max Azria of BCBG.

You can find Miyuki Ott's signature couture corsets at:

Archive of Past Featured Designers:
Miyuki Ott - August 2007
Seed Clothing - September 2007
Moxie & Oliver - October 2007
MishMash - November 2007
Tarah Prater Designs - December 2007