{"id":58956,"date":"2022-11-30T11:00:09","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T16:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/?p=58956"},"modified":"2023-05-02T08:49:53","modified_gmt":"2023-05-02T12:49:53","slug":"the-graduates-kayako-higuchi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/the-graduates-kayako-higuchi\/","title":{"rendered":"The Graduates: Kayako Higuchi"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class='row' id='cover'>\n<div class=\"small-12 medium-12 columns\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/220906_MYLES_MDOT0021_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2500\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-58962\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/220906_MYLES_MDOT0021_2.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/220906_MYLES_MDOT0021_2-1280x1600.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/220906_MYLES_MDOT0021_2-160x200.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/>    <\/div>\n<div id=\"covertitle\">\n<h3>The Graduates<\/h3>\n<h1>Kayako Higuchi<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<style>\n#content .row {max-width:100%}\n#cover {\nbackground-color: white;\nposition:relative;\nmargin: 0 auto 30px auto;\ntext-align:center;\n}\n#covertitle, #covertitle h1, #content #covertitle h3 {color: white;}\n#covertitle {\nposition: absolute;font-family:'Neue Haas Unica W01',helvetica,sans-serif;\nbottom: 12%;\nwidth: 100%;\nfont-size: 3.8rem;\nfont-weight:900;\n}\n#covertitle p {}\n#covertitle h1 {display:inherit;}\n#content #covertitle h3 {font-size:1.7rem;}\n#content div.post {color:black;}\n.post p, .post div p:first-child {padding:0}\n.coverpic {max-width:1280px;padding: 4%;margin:auto;}\n#introbox,.txtbox,.introblurb {text-align:justify;}\n.introblurb,.introblurb p {line-height:1.6;}\n#introbox,#creditbox {border:1px solid white;padding:90px 30px !important;max-width: 850px;margin: auto !important;}\n#introbox, #introbox p {font-family:'Neue Haas Unica W01';}\n#introbox{font-size:20px;text-align:center !important;}\n#introbox .introcredits {font-size:.85rem;}\n#introbox, .introcredits {font-family:'Neue Haas Unica W01', sans-serif;}\n#introbox,.txtbox,.rside {margin:0px 0 10px 0}\n#introbox,.rside {font-weight:300;}\n.title {font-size:4.2rem;color:black;font-weight:normal;margin:auto;padding:60px 0;text-align:center;text-transform: capitalize;font-family: 'Neue Haas Unica W01';font-weight: 400;}\n.title a {color:black;}\n.subtitle {margin:auto;padding:60px 0;text-align:center;font-size:.8em !important;}\n.photogtitle {font-size:2rem;}\n.pullquote {font-size:1.8rem;text-align:center;font-style:italic;max-width:900px;margin:auto;padding:20px;font-family: 'Neue Haas Unica W01';}\n.txtdiv {padding: 0 40px;clear:both;}\n.txtbox {font-family:'Neue Haas Unica W01', sans-serif;font-weight:400;width:36%;border:0;margin:auto;padding: 10% 10% 20% 10%;}\n.txtbox strong {font-weight: 700;}\n.credits {font-size:.75rem;padding:2rem 0;font-weight:normal;text-align:center;clear:both;text-transform: uppercase;max-width: 800px;margin: auto;}\n.subcredits {font-size:.9rem;}\n.separ {border:1px solid white;clear:both;margin:60px;}\n.center {text-align: center;}\n.center img {max-width: 80%;}\n.pic40 {margin:2% 10%;text-align:center;}\n.fullwidth {max-width:100% !important;margin-top:20px;}\n.videodiv {height:auto;width:auto;background-color:white;padding-top:20px;padding-bottom:20px;max-width:1280px;}\n#content div.post h2 {margin: 20px 0;\n    background: white;\n    font-family: \"Helvetica Neue\";\n    font-size: 2rem;\n    color: #333;}\n#thumbsul {margin:0 8%;}\n<\/style>\n<link type=\"text\/css\" rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"\/\/fast.fonts.net\/cssapi\/1ee7eecc-8318-40d7-9f60-2840770611c0.css?1\"\/>\n<!-- mdc set, L Futura W01,Linotype Didot W01,Neue Haas Unica W01 --><\/p>\n<div class=\"txtdiv\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"introbox\">\n<div class=\"introblurb\">\n<p>Since 2013, Models.com\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/tag\/the-graduates\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Graduates<\/a> series has been a visual check-in with the models of the moment who have risen through the ranks of the Hot List to the top working models in the world. Cementing themselves in editorials, advertisements, lookbooks, and on the runway, these global muses have consistently locked down luxury clients. Shot in New York before fashion week by photographer <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/myles-loftin\">Myles Loftin<\/a>, this year&#8217;s list stands as a testament to the fashion industry&#8217;s tenacity and forward expansion.<\/p>\n<p>Visit her <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/models\/kayako-higuchi\">Models.com page<\/a> and click or tap the Lists button <i class=\"fa fa-heart-o\"><\/i>to favorite Kayako and <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/lists\/\">keep track<\/a> of her work.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"introcredits\">\n<h3>Photography by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/myles-loftin\">Myles Loftin<\/a> for Models.com<\/h3>\n<p>Styling &#8211; <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/roberto-johnson\">Roberto Johnson<\/a><br \/>\nHair &#8211;  <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/ro-morgan\">Ro Morgan<\/a><br \/>\nMakeup  &#8211; <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/tyron-machhausen\">Tyron Machhausen<\/a><br \/>\nNails &#8211; <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/jazz-style\">Jazz Style<\/a><br \/>\nModel &#8211; <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/models\/kayako-higuchi\">Kayako Higuchi<\/a><br \/>\nPhotographer Assistant &#8211; Andrew Espinal | Stylist Assistant &#8211; Alexa Levine | Hair Assistant &#8211; Kristen Lynet<\/p>\n<p>Sittings Editor &#038; interview by <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/irene-ojo-felix\">Irene Ojo-Felix<\/a><br \/>\nProduction &#8211; <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/sasha-grinblat\">Sasha Grinblat<\/a><br \/>\nAssociate Editor &#8211; <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/anire-ikomi\">Anire Ikomi<\/a> | Social Media Coordinator &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/riverdemetri_\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">River Rodriguez<\/a><\/p>\n<p>On Kayako above: Dress &#8211; <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/client\/bottega-veneta\">Bottega Veneta<\/a> | Jewelry &#8211; <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/jennifer-fisher\">Jennifer Fisher<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pic40\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/42972_MLO_Personal_001_02_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1299\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-58961\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/42972_MLO_Personal_001_02_2.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/42972_MLO_Personal_001_02_2-1280x831.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/42972_MLO_Personal_001_02_2-200x130.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"credits\">Top and Pants &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ayamuse\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aya Muse<\/a> | Jewelry &#8211; <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/jennifer-fisher\">Jennifer Fisher<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"txtbox\">\n<p>Japanese stunner <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/models\/kayako-higuchi\">Kayako Higuchi<\/a> is a long way from the fateful coffee order that catapulted her into discovery. Discover by a Spanish mother agency in Tokyo while on her Starbucks shift, she has ascended as one of the most in-demand faces of the moment. When she opened her first show at Burberry with newly shorn hair and at the height of the pandemic, there was only an audience of digital fashion spectators. The permeating, stressful energy made it hard to predict the future. \u201cFrankly speaking, I hadn\u2019t felt anything specific at that time [of my debut] due to it being a very small event during the pandemic,\u201d she recollects. \u201cHowever, emotions do build up whenever people around me, such as friends and family, mention the show in conversation.\u201d Since then, Higuchi has gone on to land billboards with Dior, Kenzo, and Burberry, along with the cover of Dazed Magazine this year. \u201cDazed gave me the confidence to be myself since sometimes there are negative emotions for me when perceiving myself as a model,\u201d Higuchi explains. \u201cAfter that shoot, I finally felt that I could identify myself as a model in this world, recognize there is no replacement for me, and feel no need to change who I am.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>During the shoot with <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/myles-loftin\">Myles Loftin<\/a>, I spoke briefly with Higuchi about my experience back in 2015 <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/tokyo-fashion-week-report\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">traveling to Tokyo<\/a> for fashion week. I noticed then that Japanese mother agencies&#8217; boards would be split into two categories, Asian, or interchangeably, domestic and international. There is a long-lived practice of sending new models to Tokyo before their \u201cBig Four\u201d debuts to gain runway and editorial experience, perhaps at the <a href=\"http:\/\/[https:\/\/ww.fashionnetwork.com\/news\/Japanese-clothes-but-few-japanese-models-at-tokyo-fashion-week,473130.html\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">detriment of the local market<\/a>. \u201cThe concept of attractiveness within the modeling industry in Japan is completely different compared to Europe,\u201d Higuchi breaks down. \u201cI hope everyone can support Japanese talent who are embraced more internationally, so they can become more confident about their physical appearance &#8211; time and time again, we have felt much discomfort about judgment from commentary back home.\u201d  <\/p>\n<div class=\"pullquote\">&#8220;I really want to make fellow models feel comfortable and encouraged about themselves, even if we are completely opposite of Japanese beauty standards. In the future, I hope that more Japanese models are interested and embraced on the global stage.&#8221;<\/div>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s actually a huge reason for my passion to keep modeling,\u201d Higuchi declares. \u201cI really want to make fellow models feel comfortable and encouraged about themselves, even if we are completely opposite of Japanese beauty standards. In the future, I hope that more Japanese models are interested and embraced on the global stage.\u201d It\u2019s the standard motivation for Higuchi\u2019s deep pride in working with Asian designers. \u201cI felt honored to represent Asia\u2019s presence in a world of few, core Asian brands. Nigo, who is the Artistic Director of Kenzo, has also given Asian models opportunities to be part of that representation.\u201d When\u2019s she not nabbing covers and money jobs, Higuchi enjoyed singing with her band <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ofurodepeanut\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ofuro de Peanut<\/a>. \u201cI worked remotely with my friend recently to set up some gigs for a new album coming up next year,&#8221; she says excitedly. &#8220;I will also hold performances next January. Singing is a crucial part of my life. I dive deep into that creative process.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pic40\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/42972_MLO_Personal_001_01_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1329\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-58960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/42972_MLO_Personal_001_01_2.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/42972_MLO_Personal_001_01_2-1280x851.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/42972_MLO_Personal_001_01_2-200x133.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"credits\"> Top and Pants &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ayamuse\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aya Muse<\/a> | Jewelry &#8211; <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/jennifer-fisher\">Jennifer Fisher<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"small-12 columns\" id=\"thumbs\" style=\"text-align:center;\">\n<h2>The Graduates<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"small-block-grid-2 medium-block-grid-5\" id=\"thumbsul\">\n<li id=\"thumb-alva\"><a href=\"\/mdx\/the-graduates-alva-claire\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/Alva-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/Alva-21.jpg\" style=\"display:none\"\/><br \/>\n  \tAlva Claire<br \/>\n  <\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"thumb-barbara\"><a href=\"\/mdx\/the-graduates-barbara-valente\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/Barbara-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/Barbara-2.jpg\" style=\"display:none\"\/><br \/>\n  \tBarbara Valente<br \/>\n  <\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"thumb-kayako\"><a href=\"\/mdx\/the-graduates-kayako-higuchi\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/Kayako-11.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/Kayako-21.jpg\" style=\"display:none\"\/><br \/>\n  \tKayako Higuchi<br \/>\n  <\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"thumb-sherry\"><a href=\"\/mdx\/the-graduates-sherry-shi\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/Sherry-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/12\/sherry-cropped.jpg\" style=\"display:none\"\/><br \/>\n  \tSherry Shi<br \/>\n  <\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"thumb-vilma\"><a href=\"\/mdx\/the-graduates-vilma-sjoberg\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/Vilma-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/i.mdel.net\/mdx\/i\/2022\/11\/Vilma-2.jpg\" style=\"display:none\"\/><br \/>\n  \tVilma Sj\u00f6berg<br \/>\n  <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"separ bottom\"><\/div>\n<p><script>\n$(\"[id^='thumb-']\").hover(function() {\n    $(this).find('img').toggle();\n});\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Graduates Kayako Higuchi Since 2013, Models.com\u2019s The Graduates series has been a visual check-in with the models of the moment who have risen through the ranks of the Hot List to the top working models in the world. Cementing themselves in editorials, advertisements, lookbooks, and on the runway, these global muses have consistently locked [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":81,"featured_media":58963,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3044,155,2701,4257,1538,3066],"tags":[4179,1260,2554,4178,3699,3858,4177,4022,3968,3103,2739,2901],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58956"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/81"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58956"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58956\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59008,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58956\/revisions\/59008"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58963"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58956"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58956"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/mdx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58956"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}