Hey, Fashion Lovers!
Picture a girl growing up surrounded by paintbrushes, canvases, and quirky street art in the UK. That’s Hana Tajima – a British‑Japanese designer whose head is a buzzing blend of cultures, creativity, and a unique spiritual perspective.
Why Hana’s Identity Feels Like a Fresh Fabric Knot
- She’s a Muslim revert, infusing cool, modest vibes into every stitch.
- Her upbringing glued together the laid‑back vibe of the UK with the bold aesthetics of Japan.
- Hana’s work screams “unity”—the colors, patterns, and silhouettes are universal, speaking to anyone who loves style without limit.
Fresh Scroll: Uniqlo’s Spring/Summer 2025!
So, what’s on her latest line?
- “Simple, Elegant, Versatile”: Think clean cuts, light hues, and perfect, everyday drape.
- Each piece is a blank canvas ready for personal expression—no committing to a single wardrobe style.
- Designs shine with subtle cultural nods, like artful prints hinting at her Japanese roots.
Chatting With Hana About Modesty & Modern Fashion
When we asked her why modesty matters, she shrugged and said, “Fashion should be a voice, not a prison.” She believes:
- Modest fashion is a global conversation, not a niche trend.
- Future silhouettes will get even more minimalist, focusing on texture and form rather than exclamation marks.
- She wants designers to keep exploring cross‑cultural sounds, turning inspiration into wearable harmony.
Take it from Hana: If you’re looking for pieces that whisper rather than shout, the Spring/Summer Uniqlo collection is your ticket to an inclusive runway.
The Singapore Women’s Weekly (SWW): What do you think is the biggest misconception about modest wear?
Hana Tajima Shares Her Take on Modest Fashion
Ever wonder who’s got the final say on what “modest” actually looks like? Hana Tajima (HT) says the answer is anyone who’s wearing it.
Why “Modest” Isn’t a One‑Size‑Fits‑All Closet
- Abayas & Shalwar Kameez are just two chapters in the modest fashion manual.
- They’re cultural cheat codes, not mandatory rules.
- Mods aren’t limited to traditional fabrics or silhouettes — they’re about confidence and comfort.
Brands Are Joining the Trend, Even If They Don’t Say It
Even fashion houses that don’t shout “modest” on their tags are starting lines that hit the right vibes. It’s like a secret club that opens its doors to anyone who wants to dress wisely.
From a Woman’s Perspective
Women are the ultimate trend whisperers. “If a garment speaks to you, it’s worth adding to your wardrobe,” says HT. No auto‑generated syllabus needed.
Quick Checklist for the Modern Modest Consumer
- Feel good in your own skin.
- Make sure your outfit truly speaks to you.
- Don’t forget to add a splash of personality—whether it’s a pop of color or a daring neckline.
In a nutshell: Modest wear means less eye‑rolling and more eye‑opening. Embrace whatever style feels right for you, and enjoy the freedom to mix, match, and modernize the tradition.
SWW: What’s special about your latest SS21 collection?
The 2021 Spring/Summer Collection: Embracing Life’s Constant Evolution
Picture a wardrobe that melts the lines between work, weekend, and everything in between. That’s exactly what the new “Changing Lifestyles” theme is all about.
As our days grow increasingly eclectic, designers are stepping away from rigid “occasion” cuts and pulling forward pieces that fit effortlessly into any moment.
Comfort Meets Style in Every Stitch
- Rayon‑linen bliss: From breezy trousers to light jackets, this blend offers a sturdy feel while gliding like silk.
- Seersucker swirls: Think ankle‑length pants that hug and summer dresses that bloom into playful flares—perfect for staying cool and feeling chic.
- Soft, semi‑translucent blouses: They’re all about subtle drama—fine details that whisper “you’re in vogue” without shouting.
Patterns That Speak Volumes
Iconic, gentle geometric prints dance across fabrics, while organic lines and earthy tones highlight each material’s unique texture. The result? An elegant, airy feel that says, “I’m ready for whatever surprises tomorrow throws at me.”
Why It Matters
Think about it: The modern hustle is never on pause. With a wardrobe that flexes, you transition from a morning coffee run to a midnight rooftop soirée in a single stride. The 2021 collection doesn’t just offer clothing—it offers confidence, comfort, and a dash of effortless flair for every curious lifestyle.
SWW: You’ve designed a couple of collections with Uniqlo so far, is there a particular piece or collection that you hold dear? Why?
A Personal Touch in Every Print
When I sit down to create a new season of prints, it feels a lot like a secret diary‑plus‑hobby. I paint and sketch designs that are more than just patterns — they’re life‑pages in tiny, vibrant form.
These Prints Are My Little Family Memoirs
I often forget that people don’t really know the backstory behind each piece. But that’s the charm: the prints carry invisible “notes” tucked away just for the folks who matter most.
Influences That Pop Out of My Past
- Dad’s Ceramic Palette – In an early season I borrowed a motif straight from my father’s pottery. Think of it as a graceful transition from clay to canvas.
- Grandma’s Kimono Lining – The latest collection drew inspiration from the soft, beaten‑down lining of my grandmother’s kimono. It’s all about that delicate, worn‑beautiful texture.
- Every Season, a New Story – Each batch of prints is a fresh chapter: a dash of memories, a touch of humor, and a sprinkle of childhood dreams.
Why This Keeps It Feeling “Personal”
Having these hidden nods turns each print into a mini‑conversation between me and the people who see them. It’s like saying, “Hey, this is for you. I’ve slipped a piece of my heart right here.”
The Comedy of Craft
Honestly, mixing pottery designs with kimono linings is a bit of a culinary mash‑up for visual art — but that’s the secret sauce. When I show them to friends, they often get a chuckle and then a warm sigh. It proves that a little personal history can make a piece feel alive and a bit extra.
Bottom Line
So if you’ve ever stared at a print and wondered what hidden stories it might hold, the next time you admire one, keep in mind that there’s probably a little family riddle tucked inside. That’s what makes every season feel like a warm, hidden hug.
SWW: While the world has been in and out of lockdowns, how do you stay creative through it all?
Creative Fever
Ever caught yourself in a creative slump? “If I didn’t feel a spark to weave clothes, I’d pick up a paintbrush. If the canvas felt dull, I’d crank up a guitar.”
That’s the honest truth from a creative soul who knows that art isn’t a single‑track playlist.
Why Mixing Mediums Rocks
- Fresh Perspectives: Jumping from textiles to tunes forces you to re‑think how textures and rhythms play together.
- Cross‑Pollination: A splash of color on a canvas can inspire a pattern in a wardrobe, and a jamming session can spark a new design concept.
- Brain‑Boosting Magic: Switching gears keeps the mind active and prevents the creative “dead‑end” traps.
In short, having a suite of creative outlets isn’t just a hobby—it’s a secret sauce that keeps your main craft spicy and full of fresh ideas. So when one door closes, another opens—unleash the next big thing!
SWW: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Raising the House‑Built Hero
I never saw myself as a “nerd” or a “handyman” in the classic sense, but growing up, I somehow got a crash‑course in the craft of building. No sermon to a 16‑year‑old other than a polite “ask the adults” and a door to the world that wasn’t glued to a textbook.
Why the School of Hard Knocks
When I dropped out of school at 16, the real lesson began: learning by doing.
- Observing – A simple chair on the floor is a walking puzzle. You see where joints meet, notice the wood grain, and deduce if the person with a hammer put it together or a Tesla works its magic.
- Questioning – “How does this fit?” “I don’t know, how can you tell?” The questioning wheel keeps spinning.
- Trial & error – You try to up‑grade that chair, break a leg, then put it back. Mistakes taste like humor and, more importantly, learn.
Every time I fail (and get a theory of how to fix it), you get a step up, a little more confidence, and a whole lot of new knowledge.
Putting It Into Practice – “Make a Chair” Edition
It turns out that building isn’t harder than the math your school did you think it was. All you’ need is a few saws, a hand or power tool, and a willingness to not mind if the first prototype looks a bit like an artichoke.
- Watch how a woodworker puts a chair together.
- Sketch a quick diagram.
- Follow the plan – or evolve your own.
- Be patient; prototypes have less success rates than nailing a pizza.
Through this attitude, I discovered my future: building stuff that was more than just functional. Facing the mess and learning to get it right felt like an unstoppable skill: how to learn, ask questions, and eventually build the perfect piece.
Wrap‑up
If you’re considering a DIY project, or just want a laugh at your failed assemblies, remember: the best teachers are scratched, splintered, and stubbornly open. Learn from the process, not just the final product, and you’ll never stop growing.
SWW: Who inspires you?
My Dad: The Unsung Master of Art & Style
Quick Fact: I’ve always called my father my favourite artist. Why? Because he’s convinced that if he can turn anything into something amazing, I can too.
Breaking the Rules, One Canvas at a Time
- Boundaries? Oh, Photoshop them away! Dad’s mantra was simple: “If someone can paint, you can paint too.” That sparked my wild experiments.
- Materials? The list keeps growing. From clay to digital pixels, he’s mastered them all.
- Style? Dad’s like a chameleon. When one trend fades, he has a brand-new look ready to shine.
Why His Work Feels “Dad‑ish”
Across every medium, the tug‑of‑love taste feels unmistakably his. That signature warmth comes from his knack for blending humor and heart in every brushstroke.
From the Inside of a Singaporean Life
This snapshot of his creative hustle was first posted by The Singapore Women’s Weekly. It’s a reminder that real genius lives in the everyday passions of families—and that sometimes, the best muse is the person who taught you to dream with your hands.
