A long way from the Starbucks order that catapulted her into discovery, 21-year-old Japanese model Kayako Higuchi made a huge splash opening the first major runway show of London Fashion Week at Burberry yesterday. With newly shorn hair and only an audience of digital fashion spectators, Higuchi held her own amongst veterans like Anok Yai, Joan Smalls, and Mariacarla Boscono in Riccardo Tisci‘s enchanted woods in the English countryside. We briefly chatted with the newbie about the experience, how she got her start, and how she’s more elegant on a runway than a basketball court.
Congrats on your debut! How was the experience opening Burberry?
Thanks very much! I’m so grateful to open such an incredible show. I’ll never forget the moment of starting it for sure.
Where are you from and how did you get scouted at first?
I’m from Japan. About 3 years ago, I was scouted at a Starbucks in Tokyo by Joan Tornay, the owner of my mother agency, Trend Models, located in Spain. He just came to Starbucks during a business trip and we met. It was the best miracle happening in my life.
When you’re not modeling, what mostly takes up your time?
Singing in my band Ofuro de Peanut with my friends in Japan.
What’s one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
My height is 182cm (5’10”) but I’m really bad at all kinds of sports. Most people ask me, “Were you on the basketball or volleyball team?” when we meet for the first time.
