Ai Ai Aki – Supermodel
Ai Tominaga is one of the first Asian supermodels to set the modeling scene ablaze. Born and raised in Japan, she started modeling for magazines at a very young age and had her debut runway show at New York Fashion Week before she even graduated from high school. Since then, Ai has been a veritable supermodel on the runways of Paris, Milan, and Tokyo for Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, and many other notable fashion houses in the industry. Most reputable for her structured cheekbones and soft eyes, Ai has also graced the covers of Vogue Japan, Vogue China, and Harper’s Bazaar.
Constantly inspired by the beauty and whims of fashion, Ai Tominaga added the title of “entrepreneur” and “fashion designer” to her profile. She opened her own fashion boutique, “Deep Sweet Easy,” for her newly developed line in 2004, in the upscale residential area Ura-Daikanyama of Tokyo. After having established a name for herself in the industry, Ai searched for further personal fulfillment. She eventually met a Japanese pastry chef and they married in 2004 in Paris, which has led to the most amazing blessing in her life—her son Aki. Motherhood has given her an indescribable joy that surpasses any and every accomplishments made from a career. With life leading her all around the globe, she balances her family and modeling career living between Paris and Tokyo.
ASIANCE: Please tell us a bit more about your son, Aki. How much time do you spend with him on average? Do you take him with you when you have commitments in Paris and other fashion cities?
Ai Tominaga: I often bring my son with me when I have long hours of work. When I don’t have work, I stay with him day and night. I try to be with my son at any moment of time and I hardly hire a babysitter.
ASIANCE: What have you learnt the most from your being a mother? What is the greatest thing of being a mother?
Ai Tominaga: I have learned to be a mother. To become a mother is a beautiful thing. Having another life slowly grow in your own body, and to be able to nurture it is like god’s work, and it makes me think deeply of how I am as a mother, how I am as a individual human being, how I am as a woman.
ASIANCE: What is your favorite Love story / song / movie? What jumps into your mind when talks about the word “Love”?
Ai Tominaga: My favorite movie since I was a child is the classic American movie, “Stand By Me”. It is about friendship among four little boys. When I think of the word “love”, I instantly think of “family”. Having a loving family is very important to me.
ASIANCE: What is the advice you would give to young woman about being a mother?
Ai Tominaga: I would like to say to young women, that it is normal to feel uneasy about having a child. It is not an easy task either, but having a child is like having a treasure. I would definitely recommend this wonderful experience to all women.
ASIANCE: You once said that you would give up your career for your family. Can you elaborate more the reason you said so? How important is family to today’s modern woman?
Ai Tominaga: Of course career is very important, but I also think that after a long day of work, when you come home and once you see the smiles on your family’s face, you feel the happiness right away and I feel that family is very important too.
ASIANCE: How do you balance your life since you are a career woman, and also a mother? Where do you find space for yourself?
Ai Tominaga: To have the balance in life as a career woman and as a mother, it is simply your mindset. Make sure to have your ON & OFF switch. Do your job all the way when you are at work, and when you play with your child, make sure you play with him as much as you can. Life could be hectic sometimes but I believe in a peaceful and loving life.
Yuri Campbell and Catherine Yan for Cool Hunt Inc.
Photos: Asami Matsuo for Cool Hunt Inc.
Stylist: Shinichi Mikawa
Hair & make-up: Hisano Komine
Outfits: PRADA Spring/Summer 2009