“Women Empowerment” Moments with Creative Director Izumi Ogino, Grace Chan and Mizuki Nishiyama and Christina Ho

What comes to your mind when you think of “Women Empowerment”?

For Creative Director Izumi Ogino, courage must be one of many qualities that she shares with other empowered women as she broke through the glass ceiling as well as the social expectation for her when she started ANTEPRIMA. 

To celebrate the International Women’s Day, Izumi Ogino shared her empowerment story alongside three trailblazing women in their fields: artist Mizuki Nishiyama, actress Grace Chan, and pilot Christina Ho. 

- #Courage -

Izumi Ogino: Never Lose Sight of Your Dream

30 years ago, Izumi Ogino started her own fashion label and redefined femininity and elegance ever since.

As if being fearless is her nature, she also knocked the door in Milan early in her career and became the first Japanese female designer in 1998 to join the prestigious Milano Moda Donna fashion show.

“Eye has to travel. Don’t be afraid of trying and always try your best and take it step by step, one day you will achieve what you want.” said Izumi Ogino, Creative Director of ANTEPRIMA.

That’s one of the reasons why she fled to Milan to pursue her fashion dream 30 years ago, when Internet didn’t even exist. With sincerity and passion, opportunity knocked at her door. She became the first Japanese female designer to join the Milano Moda Donna Collection.

Izumi believes that women should always set their sights on something bigger and to keep an eye on what’s going on in the world because it will open you up to new ways of living and being as well as widen your perspectives when you experience new connections with people and immerse in different cultures.

Get inspired by Izumi Ogino

- #Vulnerability -

Grace Chan: Unleash Your True Self And Follow Your Heart

An actress, fashionista, entrepreneur and supermom to three kids…etc.

Grace is a great example of modern women’s multitasking ability. Although many assume it takes a mind of steel to fill in the multiple roles, she thinks acknowledging vulnerability is the biggest strength one can have.

By virtue of her creativity and genuine personality, Grace is beloved by fans alike through her light-hearted social content around her work and family life. To Grace, there is still misconception that men are more competent and well off and we can practice more gender equality in the business world and all aspects of life.

Being multifaceted in different areas she has built upon, Grace makes sure she dedicates time to the things she is passionate about. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up by others’ opinion but realized it is important to stay focused on yourself. "My biggest breakthrough is finally understanding that it is not about what others think of you but how you perceive yourself and how you set about to accomplish what you love to do and your dreams as well.”

To her, vulnerability does not mean weakness but an opportunity to grow. "Vulnerability is a beautiful thing as it allows you to humble yourself and ask for help from someone who you feel connected to and makes you feel stronger." The love she receives from herself, her family and her career led her to inspire and influence others.

Get inspired by Grace Chan

- #Identity -

Mizuki Nishiyama: XXX

Growing up in an artistic family in Japan, there is no doubt that Mizuki has passion for art in her blood but it was her Japanese roots and gender that made it challenging to identify herself in the Western contemporary art world.

Nevertheless, she found her complexity as a precious gift and she proudly embraces it now while switching roles between a celebrated artist and a PhD student in London.

XXX

Get inspired by Mizuki 

- #Determination -

Christina Ho: XXX

As a fashion-designer-turned-pilot, Christina thinks the hardest part of pursuing her dream job is not the training, but the doubt and worry expressed by people around her.

Fortunately, she was determined enough to change the path and became a member of 5% of female commercial pilots in the world.

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Get inspired by Christina

“Eye has to travel. Don’t be afraid of trying, always try your best and take it step by step.”

- Creative Director Izumi Ogino

Women should always set her eyes on something bigger and to keep an eye on what’s going on in the world as you never know what might open a new door, or a new way of living and being. And when you truly believe in yourself, nothing will be able to stop you.