Comedian. Model. Fashion designer. Body positivity activist. With so many accomplishments, it’s obvious how Naomi Watanabe became Japan’s most followed person on Instagram. For the unfamiliar, Watanabe got her first taste of stardom after being coined the “Japanese Beyonce” for her popular imitations of the Grammy award-winning artist. Now, she’s exploring her talent as Tracy Turnblad in new rendition of Hairspray and as host of the Spotify podcast “Naomi Takes America.”
But perhaps Watanabe’s biggest impact on shifting culture will be through her clothing line Punyus, loosely translated to “chubby” or “pudgy” in English. “I don’t want customers of my brand to be limited by a stereotype that people who are fat should wear this type of clothes or that,” Watanabe told The Financial Times about the line. Through Punyus, Watanabe is doing her part to make space for all bodies in fashion–especially in Japan. As Watanabe tells Glamour, “I think Japan is starting to change rapidly. Everyone is enjoying fashion more, feeling “the right” to enjoy whatever they feel. It’s moving in a very positive manner.”
Here, Naomi Watanabe opens up about her favorite clothing trends, her biggest recent purchase, and more.
My favorite boots to wear in the winter
[Ed note: Watanabe modeled for UGG’s “Feels like UGG” campaign.] Of course UGG shoes themselves are cozy, but my UGG shoot was also a cozy, happy, and comfortable space where we could reflect our creativity and express our happiness. That is what it means to “feel like UGG” to me. It was one of the most exciting experiences I’ve had recently.
The beauty trend I’m loving
Erotic nail designs!
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The fashion trend I’ve been wearing a lot lately
Pleated skirts.
If I could wear one piece of clothing for the rest of my life, it would be…
The blue-grey fleece I was wearing at the UGG shoot.
My favorite way to unwind after a long rehearsal session
A hot steamy bath.
My go-to gift
Electronics, especially music-related items like SHURE earphones and speakers.
The biggest purchase I’ve made recently
A car. I got my license in the States last year! It’s supposed to have arrived in March, but it’s still not here yet. I wonder where it is…
