The daughter of actor Takuya Kimura and singer Shizuka Kudo, Kōki made her runway debut for Chanel in Paris earlier this year. Writing songs for her mother’s most recent album has brought the 16-year-old debutante renown in her own right, and in Tokyo’s Hoshinoya Hotel, bathed in photographer Yulia Shur’s signature light — red for this issue, naturally — we present another debut: Virginie Viard’s Cruise 2019/20 collection for Chanel. Bouclé jackets are served in shades of sherbet, and oh-so-Chanel towelling skirt-suits paired with sharp white shirts and ruffled blouses are worn with an effortless elegance — la nouvelle Parisienne, en effect.
Q: YOU WROTE THREE SONGS FOR YOUR MOM’S ALBUM. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
A: So, I started composing one song when I was seven but I didn’t finish it. When I was tidying up my scores, I found it and completed it, and then I got really into composing. I write songs with a particular pitch and style, and when my mom sings them... I just love it.
Q: WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS?
A: My favorite musicians are Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker and Jyo Hisaishi.
Q: WHO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO WORK WITH?
A: Really, my dream collaborator is Naomi Campbell. She is one of the reasons why I was inspired to start modeling. I love her.
Q: WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST?
A: I know it might be cliché, but it’s my mom. I am so lucky to have her as my mom. She is always optimistic, positive, and she never gives up.
Q: THE LAST SONG YOU CRIED TO?
A: Chet Baker – I Fall In Love Too Easily.
Q: YOU’RE HEADING TO A PRIVATE ISLAND; WHAT WOULD YOU BRING WITH YOU?
A: My family, of course. Can I take all of them? And some music, and my sketchbook.
Q: SCHOOL OR STARDOM?
A: Both? I go to school now, and I wouldn’t give it up, but this path is so natural for me, I have to follow it.
Q: WHAT’S TOP OF YOUR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST?
A: An osmanthus tree or a gardenia tree.
Q: YOUR FAVORITE FLAVOR OF SORBET?
A: I like strawberry.
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