Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Ishimoto.
Kyle, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born to a middle-class family, raised in Etiwanda, CA. When I was younger, I enjoyed a variety of art mediums. I spent most of my adolescence trying to find something that stuck. Near the end of my journey, I stumbled across a runway photo. It was a picture of a model wearing a beautiful mask embroidered with extravagant jewelry. I later found out it was Maison Margiela. So, I began to research and spent countless hours analyzing articles, books or pretty much anything that had to do with art philosophy or fashion. Later on, I released my self-titled clothing line.
But never had the courage to pursue it seriously. When I was 18, my father went missing. I found him a few weeks later. It’s hard to go into detail, but he didn’t look the same as when he left. The coroner’s reported it as suicide. I think it killed a part of me as well. So, I took to my clothing line and photography to escape my home life. My ambition and passion were driven not only for proving something to myself, but to my dad as well. So here I am.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I design and create clothing. Initially, the goal was to incorporate nature-themed work into every piece of ISHIMOTO. Eventually, I shifted that concept over to GIRLS LOVE FLOWERS and paired it with youthfulness. As for now, ISHIMOTO is about romance and permanence. The industry is oversaturated with negative and depressing graphics, there needs to be someone who shakes this up. That’s me.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
A general rule, I’ve always followed is to be genuine and kind. Don’t get caught up in your own ego, people deserve the same respect that you’re after. I believe this industry lacks such a basic principle.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find several pieces that I do online (Instagram, Twitter, my website, etc.). I’ll occasionally do shows where I will release custom pieces that are 1 of 1 as well. The biggest compliment and support, I can ask for is to wear my clothing proudly. There aren’t words to describe the gratitude I feel when I see someone walking confidently in my garments.
Contact Info:
- Website: kyleishimoto.com
- Email: ishimotoclothing@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kyleishimoto
- Twitter: @kyleishimoto
Image Credit:
Models: Savannah Russell(@soupvannah), Hannah Marte(@etramen) and Nick Lee(@nico_1ee)
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
