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My Journey Through Fashion and Dreams
Growing up in a mostly white town, I found myself surrounded by classmates who were descendants of Northern European families. Most of us shared a culture that prized thriftiness and tulips, with a single Catholic church serving the community. The high school yearbook was filled with Dutch and Swedish surnames, and the popular attire for guys was corduroy Levi’s paired with button-down shirts and Shetland sweaters, while the girls flaunted Lilly Pulitzer dresses by the lake.
But my style inspiration came from the pages of Vogue, which I started flipping through when I was just 12. While I couldn’t afford the high-end fashion, the extravagant photo spreads and the dreamy photography of Deborah Turbeville captivated me. I would often persuade my mom to drop me off at the library while she ran errands, and I’d spend hours sifting through old issues, drawn to the glamorous features of style icons like Diana Ross.
I first discovered Diana through my Uncle Charlie’s record collection, where I would spin classics like “Meet the Supremes” during summer visits. He eventually passed down his Motown albums to me, and I learned about Diana’s humble beginnings in a Detroit tenement. Her resilience and creativity inspired me; if she could sew her own clothes, so could I.
On a school trip to Detroit—Diana’s hometown!—I played the part of a girl of privilege, exploring the upscale shops in the Renaissance Center. I even tried on a chic Perry Ellis outfit just to feel the fabric against my skin. Soon after, I used my babysitting money to buy pink linen and a Vogue pattern, crafting my version of a Perry Ellis jacket and culottes, which I wore with flair.
Motivated by Vogue, I created various outfits, from jodhpurs in soft baby corduroy to a lilac jumpsuit that paired perfectly with silver ballet flats. I even made a whimsical plaid mini-dress, but my creations often felt too bold for the halls of my western Michigan high school. Instead of blending in, I dreamed of escaping to New York or Paris—places where style was celebrated and couture was revered. I longed to be a bohemian fashionista.
Then, a brochure inviting me to study design in Tokyo arrived in the mail. Japan sounded fascinating, especially after seeing Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo’s avant-garde designs in Vogue. While I admired beautiful creations, I doubted my ability to design them. I preferred connecting with my words.
During my senior year, I won a National Merit Scholarship and shared my aspirations with a local reporter. I dreamt of editing a fashion magazine and writing books that students would read in school. In the accompanying photo, I wore a drop-waist dress with a double collar, styled with faux pearls like Coco Chanel. I had chosen the pattern, but my mom did the sewing.
College allowed me the freedom to express myself through fashion without judgment. I made an airy Issey Miyake dress and a stylish white linen shift with a Japanese influence. Unfortunately, a classmate borrowed the dress and never returned it. I filled my closet with finds from vintage shops and secondhand sales, dancing at night in a leopard-print jumpsuit I crafted myself.
At 19, I finally made it to New York City, shopping at Love Saves the Day, featured in Madonna’s “Desperately Seeking Susan,” and later to Paris, where I found a stunning red dress that I still cherish. Eventually, I arrived in Japan, where I often say my love for Heian Court poetry brought me. I also wanted to gather experiences for the books I eventually wrote, including one about an all-girl band covering Diana Ross songs. While I didn’t become a fashion magazine editor, some of my novels found their way into classrooms. Reflecting on it now, I realize my journey to Japan was likely influenced by the designers I discovered in Vogue.
After landing a job as an assistant English teacher on Shikoku Island, I treated myself to a black Issey Miyake jacket with my first paycheck.
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Summary
This narrative reflects on the author’s journey from a small-town girl inspired by Vogue to a creative individual who made her way to Japan, all while crafting her own unique style. The story highlights the influence of iconic figures like Diana Ross and the journey through fashion and self-discovery.