Mikan Mandarin is a J-Fashion Instagrammer & YouTuber from London, UK. She has a strong following on social media from fans around the world, who can't wait for her next post.
We had the honor of interviewing her via e-mail last week and was able to talk to her about her favorite Japanese brands and her fashion inspirations.
1. What got you into J-Fashion?
When I grew into a teenager I had parents who let me express myself with clothes in any way I wanted to, so around the age of 13 I became obsessed with emo and scene styles of clothing and dedicated myself to it completely. Looking back on those pictures now I cringe, but I’m also glad I had that phase because it paved the way for me to confidently dress how I want to now. When I was around 15 I became interested in anime and mixed in j-fashion styles with my scene clothes and slowly transitioned into full j-fashion!
2. What Japanese fashion style inspires you the most?
I’ve always been someone who needs variety, so it’s hard for me to pin down one style because my mind changes every day but I love seeing Instagram accounts like Tokyo Fashion that do street snaps of all the different styles you can find in Harajuku!
3. Where is your favourite place to shop in Japan?
I love both Takeshita Street in Harajuku and Shibuya 109, if you gave me enough money I could keep shopping there non stop for weeks on end.
4. What are your top 3 Japanese brands and why?
It’s a tough one, again because it always changes, but if I had to choose right now:
Bobon21 is actually a long time favourite, partially because their being an online store meant it was easier for me to access their clothes when I lived in the UK and partially because their sizes fit me so incredibly well that I never end up disappointed in what I get. The clothes I buy from them all last me years - I’ve never had to throw away anything I got from them, but my favourite thing about them is that the clothes they put out is my absolute favourite style, time and time again they release clothes that make me excited just to look at.
This one might be surprising because I actually never wear Swankiss, their style is sooo cute and sweet and I’m a bit nervous about if it’d suit me or not, but going through their stores I just love the frilly and lacy yet somewhat more mature Larme styles they have.
Although Pink Latte is technically a brand for younger teens their sizes fit me so well and I adore the pop teen kpop idol loving styles they have, their clothes are so much fun to mix and match, it’s always the first place I go if I decide I want to do some shopping!!
5. What is the most precious Japanese item you have ever bought?
This is difficult, because my mind changes constantly with clothes, but if I had to choose something I’d say my green and black plaid skirt from bobon21 which became an absolute staple for me. It’s almost like my replacement for jeans; I’ll wear it with a simple tshirt on a lazy day or I’ll dress it up when I wanna wear something that makes me feel cute. The material is thick and of great quality, it’s lasted me several years of continuous wear, not to mention I adore how perfect the size is for me!!
You can find Mikan Mandarin on Instagram & YouTube.
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