STYLE MUSE | Maemi Ishida
Our Style Muse series is back after a one-and-a-half-year break! It's my pleasure to kick it off with Maemi Ishida.
Vancouver-based Maemi is an expert in Marketing with a career spanning companies like Nintendo, Uber, and most recently every fashion-lovers oasis, SSENSE. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Business, Maemi has always been fascinated with how business and psychology intersect.
Currently, Maemi is the Group Director at Flywheel Digital.
Maemi and I met through Collective Will. With a store full of prints and patterns, it wasn't a shock to find the attraction between our curation and Maemi's style. Aside from a bold shoe or layered jewellery, Maemi also wears her heart on her sleeve. Her desire to amplify and care for small businesses is a part of her current mission, which is why we adore her so much!
Read below to explore Maemi's relationship with fashion and brands and where she sees the industry heading.
How do you navigate the fast-paced online trends with your personal style?
My main strategy is to have a wishlist - you won't believe how useful this is! I put anything I want in there, but the rule is that it has to stay there for at least a month and go with at least three other things in my wardrobe. A month sounds short, but my wishlist is shrinking. Waiting a month also helps me calculate how much of my budget I need and how long I need to save to get that item. Planning what you're going to buy has been a game changer.
Thankfully, I grew up before trends changed so quickly, so I have had plenty of time to live and embody different styles truly. This has helped me so much now that trends come and go.
Why do you choose secondhand?
It's where you find the most unique pieces! Secondhand pieces also have more meaning, especially if you've been looking for them for a while or if they belonged to someone you love.
What is your most coveted secondhand piece?
My grandma passed along a couple of pieces she used to wear. I don't necessarily think they're the most coveted pieces in my closet, but they're the most special ones, as they helped me grieve when she passed away. I wear them whenever I miss her (which is most days).
Where do you see the fashion industry heading?
I worry that we will continue moving towards this fast-fashion / highly wasteful world where fashion trends change by the second and we throw away what is not "in style" every season. One thing that gives me hope, though, is that I've been talking to a lot of small, up-and-coming brands that are truly inspiring. All of their founders (mostly women) strive to reduce waste and raise ethical standards in production while still creating fun and unique pieces.
What fashion lessons do you want to leave for future generations?
Let your style simmer for a bit! It takes a long time to find what feels comfortable and what doesn't. Also, invest wisely. Fashion will come and go, but your financial stability should take priority. Stay within your budget, and learn how to be patient!
