My favorite part about being an ethical model is that everything I do feels connected to positive causes. It feels nice to work with a team with ethical values and spreading love to their customers and the world. Everything is linked to love and that makes me happy.
1. Tell us more about your background and journey.
My name is Kiko and I'm an ethical model based in Paris and Berlin. I mainly work with ethical and sustainable brands as I believe models can be a voice for positive change. I'm originally from Japan and I'm also a fashion and model activist.
2. How did you become a model and reach this stage?
I became a model by being counted on the street of Tokyo when I was 12. My modeling career started rolling when I was 17 studying abroad in Canada. I got signed to one of the top model agencies there and I did Paris, NY, London, Vancouver fashion weeks. I have done some editorials for Vouge Italia and i-D Japan and commercials.
Over 4 years ago, I learned about the negative impacts the fashion industry has on its people, animals, and environment. Ever since then, I've been principally working with ethical brands that are changing the world for the better and spreading awareness on my Instagram @kiko.sunflowersoul. As an ethical model, I had a blessing opportunity to work with ECOALF, and Courbe, OR DU MONDE, Wildling shoes, Son De Flor, Story Of Mine, AVASAN, and many other sustainable brands.
3. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way, and how did you respond to them?
When I was 17 living in Canada, I suffered from anorexia. I had a lot of pressure on me to look a certain way as my agent asked me to not only lose weight but also fix my nose and teeth. I went on an extreme diet where I only ate an apple and a 'salad' (only lettuce) per day and exercised for 3 hours at the gym. As a result, I was hospitalized and became anorexic.
My heart rate was 36 beats per min and I was close to having a heart attack. My recovery journey was not easy but worth it as I not only learned how to eat to feel good but also to love myself. I'm grateful for what I went through because it shaped me into the person I am today.
4. What is your favorite part about being an ethical model?
I came up with the name 'ethical model' over 4 years ago when I found my passion for ethical fashion. The definition of an ‘Ethical Model’ for me is someone with ethical beliefs and values and who wishes to make the world a better place through their work, activism, social media, and other platforms.
My favorite part about being an ethical model is that everything I do feels connected to positive causes. It feels nice to work with a team with ethical values and spreading love to their customers and the world. Everything is linked to love and that makes me happy.
5. Outside of modeling, do you have any other major interests or passions?
Yes, I am passionate about connecting sustainable brands with models who share their ethical values for meaningful campaigns. Therefore, last year, I created an ethical model agency called Ethical Models. And we are currently working on a new project to organize a REUSE fashion show in Paris as part of the Sustainable Fashion Week events program.
The concept of the show is to showcase pre-owned clothes to bring awareness and appreciation to the clothes we already have and inspire fashion experts to value them more.
6. What do you think your greatest achievement has been?
My greatest achievement so far is that I've been able to surround myself with such supportive, kind, and understanding people.
7. What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?
My idea of success is to love myself and spread the love I have for myself to the world. By me being happy, I believe I can make others happier and the world a bit happier place.
Kiko - Fashion & Model Activist | Founder @ethicalmodels
Interviewed By: Farhana Khatoon
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