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Ai Tominaga

Ai Tominaga is THE Japanese top model. Ask anybody in the business to name a top model from Japan and 99% of the answers you will receive will be: Ai Tominaga. And Ai Tominaga is indeed a name everybody knows in the fashion business, and a face (and a body) featured on the most important magazine covers in the world.

A few names? Vogue, on most of its international editions, Harper's Bazaar, i-D. Ai Tominaga has walked the catwalks of the biggest names in the world of fashion design, from John Galliano to Givenchy, from Valentino to Christian Dior to Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Dolce and Gabbana… enough?

We met her many years ago (maybe 10 years, maybe 8… sometimes my memory is not so sharp ;) ) in a backstage at the Milano Fashion Week. Ai was still at the beginning of her career, and we were immediately attracted by her exotic look. I remember we also did a short interview with her, which was never published because it was too… short :. But that was our first interview with Ai Tominaga. Our second interview is this one, and you can read it now.

You have been one of the first Asian models on the European catwalks. What do you remember about your first experiences in Europe?

I was 17years old and I did haute couture
shows in Paris. I remember the first show was Valentino and it was a very
exciting show...

How did you start your modeling career?

My agency scouted me and brought me to Paris and NY.

You have been on the cover of the most important fashion magazine all over the world, featured in some of the most glamorous advertising campaigns, and walked the shows for the most famous fashion designers. Are you satisfied about your career or is there still something missing that you would like to add to it? And if yes, what is it?

There is nothing missing. There is always something new to find out. I never ever feel that way. The most important thing is that I always enjoy my modeling job and to see new people.

What are your projects for the future?

Actually I have my own radio program right now in Japan, every Sunday 9am-13pm for live radio. I like to talk and get all information. And I am also doing a TV program. I do not know what I'm doing in the future, BUT I would be interested in editor job. So I might become 'editor in chief' in the future??? (laugh)

Where are you based?

At moment I am based in Tokyo, because of my son

Where would you like to live, and why?

Tokyo. Because of my son. BUT for future I do not know where I will live.

Your favorite city for: shopping

Definitely Paris

Your favorite city for: food

Of course Tokyo

Your favorite city for: partying

I am not going party much. So really do not know.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Spend time with my son.

Thank you

Lots of love and infinity peaces.

Alessio Cristianini for Adversus