Taylor O.

Inspiration Sep 20, 2013

My fascination with Men’s Fashion runs deep. I think it’s partially the amazement at how little they have to work with and partially how much I wish I could wear their clothes, roll out of bed all rock’n’roll like, and still make people swoon. But Men’s Fashion is so much more than jeans and tees (boys, take note) and no one proves this better than Taylor Okata. Hawai’i born & raised before transplanting to New York via Los Angeles with a few stopovers in Tokyo, Singapore, & beyond, Taylor’s life and style are truly international.

Name?

Taylor Okata

Location?

New York City

What do you do?

I recently took a new role as the Senior Account Executive at adidas Fashion Group Americas. I focus on the business development of the Men’s & Women’s collections for Y-3 and Yohji Yamamoto. I basically get the products into the right stores, and thus into the hands of consumers.

Did you always know that you wanted to work in fashion?

No, I always presumed I’d work in Journalism. Yet, Fashion has always been a passion of mine.

What did you study in school?

I majored in Communication Studies, as well as Studio Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design & Photography.

What are a few of your future goals/ dreams?

A future dream of mine is to have my own talk show. My future goals include designing Men’s wear, taking care of my parents, and traveling to all seven continents (like my Grandfather, who I always looked up to).

Who is your fashion icon?

It’s a tie between Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

Working for one of the most influential designers in the industry.

What inspires you?

My environment, and people I meet. Everything I am exposed to when I walk down the streets of where I live and where I travel. Architecture, Art, Culture, Fashion, Film, Music, Photography – it is all connected and all of it inspires me.

Words of wisdom for those looking to work in the fashion industry?

Have a [thoughtful] voice. Know your unique identity, and remain true to that.

Life motto or favorite inspiring quote:

You are your best investment.