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Tao Okamoto

Tao Okamoto is currently the only Japanese Top model to represent Japan in the fashion world. Born in 1987, very beautiful, we saw her quite a lot backstage at the most recent Milano Fashion Week, but this does not come as a surprise, Tao Okamoto is an habituée of the catwalks (from Marc Jacobs to Emanuel Ungaro), and of the most important fashion magazine covers (Vogue Japan, just to name a random one). On november 22nd Tao was awarded of VOGUE NIPPON “Women of the Year 2010”.

In this interview we will talk with Tao about her beginning in the fashion world, her projects, her 'addiction' to shopping… :) Read on for our full exclusive interview with Tao.

What did you want to become, in your life, before becoming a model?
I wanted to do something with music. Being a part of musical shows or belong to an orchestra.

How did you start modeling?
I sent my pictures to my first agency in Tokyo.

Do you remember your first fashion show, and your first professional photo shoot?
I don't remember the name, but I was only 14 and didn't know how to walk. And my first photoshoot was a little picture for Seventeen magazine in Tokyo.

Where do you live and where would you like to live if you could?
Now I'm based in New York. I would like to live in Tokyo if I can work as much as I do in New York.

Who is your favorite fashion designer?
So many...

Are you a shopping addict, and if yes, what do you like to buy?
I think I am... and I'm obsessed with dresses.

Your favorite city for shopping?
New York

Let's talk about makeup. Which makeup products do you have in your purse right now?
It's called IPSA, Japanese brand.

And let's talk about beauty secrets. How important is skin care, and what do you do to take care of your skin?
I'm so bad at caring my skin... but my skin is pretty strong because I don't do much so it's trained. Lol

Who are your best friends in the fashion world?
Now I'm the only Japanese model, so I hang out with a lot of Chinese and Korean models.

What is the one thing you really do not like about modeling?
Can't make plans for real life. We always need to be available.

Is there anything you have not achieved yet, but you would really like to add to your professional curriculum in your already successful career?
I haven't done Haute Couture so wanna try one day.

Alessio Cristianini for Adversus