BEAUTY /
THE EXPERTS
March 12, 2015
Jessica Michibata × Chico Shigeta | Bath Time Dialogue! (Part 1)
Long Autumn Nights, a Slow and Deep Bath Time
Jessica Michibata x Chico Shigeta: A Beauty Talk (Part 1 of 2)
Model Jessica Michibata, who always prioritizes self-care through sports, meditation, and self-massage to stay true to herself. And Chico Shigeta, a Paris-based therapist described as 'the most difficult therapist to book,' trusted by celebrities worldwide, including Sofia Coppola. We present a special conversation between the two, covering their passionate views on beauty and the special bath salts they've jointly created, in two parts.
Photographs by JAMANDFIXText by NAKAMURA Akiko (OPENERS)
Bath Time = Time to 'Clear the Mind'
Jessica Michibata, who believes, 'Inner beauty is as important as superficial beauty.' She has long been a devoted user of products from 'SHIGETA,' an organic cosmetics brand led by Chico Shigeta, which advocates for the importance of self-care.
For Jessica, a precious bath time every day is an essential part of her self-care routine. She consulted Chico about her desire to share her unique bath philosophy with many people, which led to the joint creation of these bath salts.
Chico SHIGETA (hereinafter, Chico)I've always admired the unique perspective Jessica brings to her lifestyle. When I read her interviews or books, it's not just about simple things like 'doing this makes you beautiful.' She has a core essence that connects her mind and body, and her beauty practices align with that.
Jessica Michibata (hereinafter, Jessica)That's true, I think so. We talked a lot when creating the bath salts 'Jessy Box' together! For me, bath time is a precious time to organize my thoughts, read, do body care, and face myself to move towards the next step, regardless of how long it is. It's very close to a meditative state, or rather...
Chico'Clear the mind'?
Jessica Michibata
JessicaYes! 'Clear the mind.' When you live in a place like Tokyo, there's so much information and so many distracting thoughts. In our busy lives, bath time is often the only opportunity to relax. It's a time to return to myself, or perhaps a time to 'build my core.'
ChicoI understand completely. Bathing every day is truly important for purification. Sleep is a time to return oneself to a neutral state, and bath time is indispensable as a tool to reset oneself for that. For me too, whether I take a bath after a therapy session or not makes a significant difference in how light my body feels the next day.
JessicaWomen's conditions change in many ways depending on their daily state, don't they? Whether it's wanting to clear the mind and enhance inspiration, boost femininity before a date, or feel refreshed after exercise. This naturally led to the creation of these items.
Long Autumn Nights, a Slow and Deep Bath Time
Jessica Michibata x Chico Shigeta: A Beauty Talk (Part 2 of 2)
Skype Meetings Between Paris and Tokyo!
The 'Jessy Box,' jointly created by the two, consists of three types of bath salts. 'SKY' uses scents of helichrysum, clary sage, green mandarin, and cedar to calm the mind and enhance inspiration and creativity. 'HEART' features rose, rosewood, patchouli, and benzoin to enhance feminine charm. And 'EARTH' incorporates lime, cardamom, basil, and juniper, perfect for purifying and detoxifying the body after exercise.
ChicoYou often talk about grounding yourself, clearing your mind through yoga and meditation, and so on, but if I had to pick what's most 'Jessica,' it would be 'HEART' with its rose scent (laughs).
JessicaWhen Chico first asked me, 'What's your favorite scent?', I immediately replied, 'Rose, by far!' (laughs). Among roses, I like a scent that gently envelops you, like stepping on petals in a rose garden. Not too heavy, but fresh.
ChicoWe asked many other things too. To understand what makes Jessica who she is, I asked about the music she listens to while running, or what kind of room and outfit she chooses when doing her makeup before a date. It was fascinating!
JessicaEven though we hadn't met in person, we communicated via Skype between Paris and Tokyo (laughs). In a room with candles lit, listening to uplifting music (laughs).
ChicoAnd the silk robe! Wearing a pink silk robe felt very symbolic of Jessica to me.
JessicaExactly! (laughs) I don't wear a silk robe every day, so I like to put it on even for those special moments, sit at my vanity, and do my makeup. It lifts my spirits, doesn't it?
ChicoIt was through these detailed questions that the concept for the bath salts began to take shape.
Chico Shigeta
Jessica Michibata and Chico Shigeta
JessicaThe salts are packed with Chico's dedication. You even traveled to Jordan yourself.
ChicoI did, to the Dead Sea. The crystals are very large, like rough diamonds. Because the salt is of such high quality, the essential oils blend in with exceptional purity.
JessicaBut they dissolve very quickly in the bathtub, don't they?
ChicoAnd you sweat a lot. The Dead Sea water is rich in minerals. It's so rich that if you accidentally get some in your mouth, the intense mineral taste will make your lips pucker (laughs). The Dead Sea is located at an altitude of 420 meters below sea level, so the air is highly compressed, creating a state similar to being in an oxygen bed. Your body feels like it's loosening up, and it's incredibly relaxing. Compared to regular seawater, it's particularly high in magnesium, which makes your skin smooth.
JessicaYes, that's guaranteed (laughs).
Jessy box
A set of three bath salts: 'SKY' to enhance inspiration and creativity, 'HEART' to boost feminine charm, and 'EARTH' to purify the body after exercise.
Price | ¥3,675 (150g x 3)
Limited Edition
Jessica Michibata
Born October 21, 1984. In addition to her diverse activities in magazines, advertisements, and TV, she actively participates in events such as full marathons and volunteer work. Her books include 'JESSICA'S SECRET: I'll Tell You Jessica Michibata's Secrets' (Kodansha) and 'Where Happiness Lies (Happiness Within)' (Shogakukan). Hobbies include watching movies, yoga, photography, and languages.
Chico Shigeta
Founder of SHIGETA. A therapist with a global clientele of celebrities, featured in major European magazines. Born into a family that ran a beauty salon for generations, she aspired to a career in beauty from a young age. After pursuing various well-being approaches in Japan and France, including shiatsu, natural therapies, and aromatherapy, she created her unique self-care method, Vitality Coaching®, in 2004. Based in Paris, she currently manages her brand SHIGETA, works as a therapist, and consults for major cosmetic companies like L'Oréal. Her books include '100% Detox Loved by Paris' (Magazine House) and 'Chico's 1-Week Detox' (Kodansha | released October 24).
SHIGETA JAPAN
0120-945-995
www.shigeta.fr
