Growing up as a fashion socialite in an environment of clashing cultures, the Japanese-American multifaceted model and talent explains her dedication to preserving heritage.

PHOTOGRAPHER KIZEN

STYLIST MIDORI OIWA

INTERVIEWER JANE ZHENG

HIKARI MORI: A LIGHT IN THE NIGHT SKY

Hikari Mori’s first impression for the global audience was probably her stunning Met Gala debut in 2018. Gracing the red carpet in a fern green Prabal Gurung dress paired with Tasaki pearls from her homeland, the fashion It-girl was the first Japanese to attend the reputable event. Back then, fashion enthusiasts were more likely to know her as the granddaughter of the legendary Japanese couturière – Hanae Mori – the first Asian woman to be admitted in the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Five years later, she is now recognised as the ambassador of luxury brand Bulgari, a frequent cover girl for prestigious publications including Vogue, and most importantly – a significant figure in the younger generation that commits her career to enlighten traditional crafts of her community.

Like the Japanese saying “運命”– by the turn of fate –Hikari Mori, whose name also means star, is now the cover girl of The WOW’s ‘STAR’ issue. Speaking to her after the shoot for this issue, Mori shares stories of her upbringing at the heart of Japanese fashion, and her ambitions with her brand ‘TEFUTEFU’, a social and e-commerce platform giving visibility to Japanese artisanship. Mesmerised by the beauty of ancient craft and its potential in contemporary lifestyle – we explore Mori’s evolving passion.

THE WOW: If you had to choose three keywords to describe yourself, what would it be?

HIKARI MORI: Spontaneous, vigilant, baby.

THE WOW: The theme of this issue is ‘STAR’, and we are very fortunate to have you on our print covers, as your name also means ‘STAR' in Japanese. What comes to your mind when you see the word ‘STAR’?

H: [It reminds me of] a fleeting light in the night sky. The meaning of my name – given to me by my grandmother, is to shine as elegantly as a star.

Dress, shoes, earrings and necklace *VERSACE,*
bracelet *YOHEI OHNO,*
gloves *STYLIST'S OWN*

THE WOW: Was becoming a model always a precise dream of yours, or did it happen along the way?

H: As a child I wasn't interested in fashion, I wanted to be a cashier in a supermarket or a baker, but I was gradually inspired as I went to my sister's photoshoots and visited the backstages of my grandmother’s shows.

THE WOW: Working in fashion from a young age, what does fashion mean to you personally?

H: Fashion is an inspiration to me and is one of the tools through which my lifestyle is visually expressed on a daily basis.

“THE NAME WAS CHOSEN TO SHINE A LIGHT ON THE BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP BORN OUT OF THE JAPANESE LIFESTYLE AND TO LET IT SPREAD ITS WINGS TO THE WORLD.”

— Hikari Mori

Jumpsuit and rings *TANAKADAISUKE,*
earrings *CRITICAL:LAB,*
bodysuit *STYLIST'S OWN,*
shoes *MELISSA X MARC JACOBS*

Dress *COURRÈGES*, earcuffs *CRITICAL:LAB*

THE WOW: You launched the brand ‘TEFUTEFU’ in 2021, could you please share with us your thoughts on the brand name and how it was established?

H: TEFUTEFU is an ancient Japanese expression meaning ‘butterfly’. The name was chosen to shine a light on the beautiful craftsmanship born out of the Japanese lifestyle and to let it spread its wings to the world.

THE WOW: What’s your favourite Japanese tradition or ritual?

H: There are many examples, I think ‘Kintsugi’ (the art of repairing broken pottery), for example, is a creativity born from the ‘Mottainai’ (too good to waste) spirit of the Japanese – to breathe new life into broken objects.

I have also studied calligraphy, tea ceremony and flower arrangement, which are cultures that value the seasons and have respect for nature – an attitude which I can still apply to the present day.

Top, skirt and hat *ISSEY MIYAKE,*
earrings *KALEVALA*

Coat and top *ANREALAGE,*
balaclava *RABANNE,*
tights *MARINE SERRE,*
shoes *GROUNDS*

THE WOW: Born to an American mother and Japanese father, you grew up in a diverse family with contrasting cultures. How did this affect you?

H: By having an Eastern and Western perspective…

The full cover story was published in The WOW N° 9.

Issue9 available now.

Talent: HIKARI MORI

Photographer: KIZEN

Stylist: MIDORI OIWA

Hair: TETSUYA YAMAKATA

Make-up: KIE KIYOHARA

Casting Director: SHIMANA

Prop Stylist: HANYI CHENG

Retoucher: MARI OBARA

Producer: NANAKA SAKURAI

Location: MOKUSEI FILM STUDIO

HIKARI MORI

YEAR OF THE DRAGON 2024

STAR QUALITY