Styling SHUN WATANABE
Text YUMIKO SAKUMA
Makeup HARUKA TAZAKI
Hair TAKAYUKI SHIBATA
Casting SHUN WATANABE
Production NANAMI TASHIRO
In Japan, most high schools have mandatory uniforms with strict rules and guidelines that regulate everything from the length of the skirt to the style of the hair. But that doesn’t keep students from expressing themselves and flourishing in a quiet resistance.
Though no longer high school students, the eight young women in these photographs represent a new generation of women in Japan, defying and challenging what society expects them to be and behave. Serena Motola, the model and actress who has starred in films xxxHolic and Voices in the Wind, and is famous for her uniquely beguiling look. Lauren Tsai, a Tokyo-based American illustrator, also known for her appearance in Terrace House, a popular reality series where six strangers live under one roof. Lala Takahashi, daughter of Jun Takahashi of Undercover and model Riko Morishita, a rising model herself—having made appearances in various runaways including Off-White. Kien, a model from China with a distinct blond statement; Marina, Aria Polky, Yo all have created their own unique place in the scene.
And last (but not least) Tenko whose life was documented in the photo book Tenko, a collaboration between her mother Hanayo and photographer Hajime Sawatari.
“I imagined if we were all in the same school, it would have been fun,” Serena Motola says. “I had only one close friend in school, and I’d hang out with her every day after class. After school, we would just chat in the park or ride an unknown road to see where it would lead us.”
On Lauren: LOUIS VUITTON dress and bag; Stylist;s own PATAGONIA vintage jacket; NESIAN ribbon; J.M. Weston driving loafers. On Serena: CHANEL cardigan. pinafore, and bag; OFF-WHITE C/O VIRGIL ABLOH shirt; DRESSEDUNDRESSED tie; Stylist's own socks; J.M. WESTON loafers.
On Lauren: AMBUSH sweater; SODUK puff shirt; RICK OWENS shorts; POLO RALPH LAUREN tie; THOM BROWNE socks.
On Kien: BLACK COMME DES GARCONS shirt, jacket, and skirt. COMME DES GARCONS shoes; TIFFANY & CO. necklace.On Yo: COMME DES GARCONS shirt and top; MIU MIU shorts and belt; Stylist's own bag; KUDOS x KOTA OKUDA necklace.
On Serena: CHANEL coat. vest, and bag; OFF-WHITE C/O VIRGIL ABLOH shirt; NONNATIVE plaid shirt; Stylist's own socks. On Lala: CHANEL bra top, cardigan, belt, shoes, and jewelry; BONBOM cropped long sleeve polo; AMBUSH skirt; Stylist's own socks.
From left, On Yo: COMME DES GARCONS shirt and top; Stylist's own PATAGONIA vintage jacket; MIU MIU shorts and belt; KUDOS x KOTA Okuda necklace. On Aria: VIVIENNE WESTWOOD suit; SUPREME jacket; JICHOI shirt; POLO RALPH LAUREN tie. On Serena: CHANEL vest; OFF-WHITE C/O VIRGIL ABLOH shirt; NONNATIVE plaid shirt; CHANEL bag. On Lala: SUPREME down jacket; vintage UNDERCOVER down coat; CHANEL bra top, cardigan, belt, shoes, and jewelry; BONBOM cropped long sleeve polo; AMBUSH skirt.
On Marina: THE NORTH FACE PURPLE LABEL quarter-zip pullover; MIU MIU shirt, skirt, socks, shoes, and bag.
On Lala: BONBOM jacket; JOHN shirt; NO DRESS 67 skirt; Stylist's own ribbon and socks; OFF-WHITE C/O VIRGIL ABLOH bag; AMBUSH shoes.
From left, on Serena: THOM BROWNE blazer, shirt, skirt, socks and shoes; Stylist's own PATAGONIA vintage jacket. On Yo: RALPH LAUREN blazer; Stylist's own leather jacket; NEWSIAN top; POLO RALPH LAUREN shirt and shorts. On Aria: PRADA hoodie; SUPREME bag; Stylist's own socks and boots. On Kien: SUPREME sports coat and trousers; YUEQI QI shirt; GROUNDS sneakers; TIFFANY & CO. necklace.
On Tenko: KIDILL jacket; NEWSIAN vest; KUDOS shirt; BONBOM skirt.
On Serena: PALM ANGELS blazer; SUPREME sweater; POLO RALPH LAUREN shirt and tie; AMBUSH necklace. On Marina: POLO RALPH LAUREN shirt and blazer; OFF-WHITE C/O VIRGIL ABLOH pullover; THOM BROWNE skirt; Stylist's own JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage bag.
On Aria: PRADA hoodie; POLO RALPH LAUREN shirt and tie; SUPREME bag; Stylist's own socks and boots. On Tenko: YUEQI QI blazer; Stylist's own TLC tour jacket; POLO RALPH LAUREN tie.
POLO RALPH LAUREN shirt and blazer; OFF-WHITE C/O VIRGIL ABLOH pullover; THOM BROWNE skirt and socks; CONVERSE sneakers; Stylist's own JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage bag.
It's 3:15 in Chofu by Takashi Homma in HommeGirls Volume 7