One of the greatest parts of what I do is the opportunity to work with people who dedicate there lives to something they are passionate about creating and believe in. A lot of the time its the people you meet in the fashion industry that keep you coming back for more and nothing speaks of more dedication and attention to the small details than Misato Yukimoto’s work.
無我夢中 | Mugamuchu Collection 2025
Recently I had the chance to work with Melbourne fashion designer Misato Yukimoto on photographing two pieces from her current collection. We where shooting these pieces at Spectrum Haus Studios located in Moorabin, working with Melbourne based fashion model: Kristen Bianca Brand.
I met Misato at the recent Melbourne Fashion Hub designer pop-up event back in March 2025, where she had her collection on display for the two-day event. Misato is the founder and creative director of the label that bears her name.
During our conversation, I engaged in a discussion with her regarding her approach to the industry and how she integrates this approach into the designs and couture that she creates.
Thoughtfulness is at the forefront of her label. Everything has either a purpose or a story behind it. Fabrics have more than just the task of looking good, but to feel good and, as ethically as possible, approach the fashion industry with a slower, more meaningful approach.
“無我夢中” or (mugamuchu) Loosely translate to ‘Selfless Immersion’ or entering a state of focus without the distractions of life or oneself. Engaging fully with the event or exercise in front of you, either in a physical or mental, thoughtful state of mind and body. Lost in the moment is a simple terminology that comes to my mind.
“an unforgettable exploration of a dream state, an introspective journey toward a single destination. Each piece represents a moment on this path, where one becomes absorbed in an internal world, defined by stillness and a quiet yet powerful focus” Misato Yukimoto
Misato incorporates Japanese influences and blends them into western culture, creating a clean design that can be built upon by the person that wears it. Helping with the individual’s personal expression rather than being its own bold fashion statement. Allowing each piece to be styled and worn for many years to come.
Sustainability
Both designs titled “Origami Jacket and Shorts” and “Trench Coat Dress” are crafted entirely from sustainably sourced fabrics. The brown fabric used for the pockets and collar, have been dyed with used coffee beans sourced from her home country of Japan.
Every piece has been created and made by Misato’s hand herself, its a process that requires a tremendous amount of work but something she wants to show through her storytelling and garments she makes.
She believes that in a small way we all can revitalise the fashion industry for the better, creating a better practice that can sustain itself long term. But by no means is her approach a departure from the joys of the industry, her first experience in fashion was backstage at a Tokyo fashion runway in 2013 and it was a event that had a huge impact on her life and sparking her passion and journey into the industry.
Her approach is preserving the enchantment and excitement of fashion while simultaneously enabling expression to be conveyed in a more grounded light.
You can follow her Instagram account to gain further insights into her sustainable approach. Her stories provide a valuable way to stay updated on her weekly process, including the time and effort invested in each piece.
The Photoshoot
Working with Kristen and Misato on this collection of images was defiantly one of the highlight shoots of this year. I really wanted to incorporate a soft warm and inviting look to coincide with the vibe of the designs worn by Kristen.
To our advantage, the studio we used was already fitted out with the look and vibe I was after, and after discovering the location online, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for! I have to give a shoutout to the owner, Lauren Schulz. Her styling and layout of the space made it the perfect studio.
Also, Kristen’s performance as the model for the day was exceptional! Her participation and contributions to the shoot and ideas significantly helped to the overall success of the project.
Closing
After 2-3 hours of clicking away photographs, we then came to the end of our time slot at the studio. Its bittersweet a lot of the time due to hours going so quickly and there still be so much more you want to explore.
I really could not be happier with how the images turned out. Working with a good team is paramount for a successful fashion shoot and there is no more proof needed than the images themselves. Id like to give a big thank you to everyone involved for there input
I also hope you enjoyed reading this article. It takes a bit of time to write these blogs and condense down my ideas and thoughts into a few paragraphs. Especially if I’m pairing it with photos (which I always do anyway :))
But only photographing fashion and not at least saying a few words about it defeats the whole purpose of fashion photography. There meant to be talking points and I hope saying a few words online starts those conversations.
Thank you.
– Words & Photography by Aidan McCorry
– Fashion by Misato Yukimoto
– Modelling by Kristen Bianca Brand
– Spectrum Haus Studio
– Canon Cameras
– Godox Lighting
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