Michiko Fujiwara and the Beetle Cabriolet | Volkswagen

Series | Part 1 of 3

Michiko Fujiwara on Why She Bought The Beetle Cabriolet

The "Collection Line" Developed in Japan

Why do women choose a car? Is it merely a means of transportation, a status symbol, or a fashion statement? Michiko Fujiwara, a hair and makeup artist who remains at the forefront of the beauty industry, recently purchased a Volkswagen "The Beetle Cabriolet." Fujiwara explains why "The Beetle resonates with my current lifestyle..."

Photographs by ABE MasayaText by SHIBATA Maki

A Fateful Encounter with "The Beetle Cabriolet"

On the day of our interview, Michiko Fujiwara arrived driving "The Beetle Cabriolet" with practiced ease. Her handsome attire, featuring a hat and a "Mackintosh" coat, perfectly complemented "The Beetle Cabriolet," with which she spends almost every day. Fujiwara's encounter with the Beetle was somewhat fateful.

I started driving in my early thirties, first with a Eunos Roadster, then in my forties,Mercedes-Benzan SL, and my third car is a Beetle. I drove the Benz for 15 years, so I felt it was finally time for a change. I was looking for a replacement, but couldn't find one that felt quite right... Then, one day, I was dozing in the passenger seat while driving on the highway. When I woke up, a New Beetle was driving in front of me. I thought, 'Wow, Beetles were this cute?' From then on, I became interested and started researching it.

The Beetle, born in 1938 at Germany's Volkswagen, is a monumental bestseller in automotive history. Its defining characteristic, true to its name, is its rounded, beetle-like proportion. In 1999, it was revived as the "New Beetle" after more than 20 years, sparking a major trend. In 2012, it was fully redesigned as "The Beetle," featuring a sleeker look and equipped with the latest technology, such as a TSI engine that delivers high output, low fuel consumption, and environmental performance, brilliantly bringing it into the modern era.

"The Beetle Cabriolet" Has a Playful, Mature Charm

Fujiwara was first drawn to its appearance.

Its characteristic rounded curves are by no means childish. I love the warm lines that feel handcrafted. I also appreciate the combination of the roof's fabric texture and the car's metal body, unique to a cabriolet (convertible). The mix of different materials feels intentionally imperfect, with a touch of playful flair. In my forties, when I drove a Mercedes, I preferred a cool style. But now, I find that cuteness and a casual feel, like the Beetle's, are more appealing than just being cool.

The Beetle Cabriolet meets FUJIWARA Michiko 02

The Beetle Cabriolet meets FUJIWARA Michiko 03

It's a car that feels relaxed, fitting my current mood. My rule is not to wear high heels. Fujiwara avoids overly coordinated fashion, preferring to express a touch of mannishness or casualness in her style, and "The Beetle Cabriolet" perfectly complements this.

I believe choosing a car isn't about adapting yourself to the car, but about adapting the car to yourself. The car exists as an extension of your own sense of style and way of thinking.

The balance between the driver and the car is what completes a personal driving style.

Series | Part 1 of 3

Why Michiko Fujiwara Bought "The Beetle Cabriolet" (2)

Constantly Evolving, It's an Enduring Classic

Fujiwara says that starting to drive "The Beetle Cabriolet" brought about a significant change in her work.

I used to bring an enormous amount of makeup to work (laughs). I'd pack spares for my spares, just in case of any issues during a shoot... But the Beetle's trunk is compact, so I re-evaluated my makeup supplies and did a major declutter (laughs). I also switched to a slightly smaller case for my tools. When I was younger, I needed a lot of tools because different makeup styles were in demand, but now, people expect my signature look. That's when I realized that the minimum necessary is sufficient. I've also decluttered my office, and it feels quite refreshing.

The Beetle Cabriolet meets FUJIWARA Michiko 05

The Beetle Cabriolet meets FUJIWARA Michiko 06

With accumulated experience, she has shed the unnecessary, revealing a lighthearted state of being and a new sense of self. The charm of this power woman, who continues to lead at the pinnacle of the beauty world, may lie in her constant, graceful evolution.

The Beetle also has a historical legacy as a classic, yet it evolves with the times. Makeup is similar. The same brown can have a completely different transparency and texture now compared to the past. It's important for classics to incorporate the current zeitgeist. Truly unchanging classics can become outdated, while trends alone are fleeting. Finding that balance is crucial.

After the photoshoot, Fujiwara drove away in "The Beetle Cabriolet." A sophisticated woman driving a distinctive car that catches the eye in the city. Her free spirit and chic demeanor. She transforms the urban landscape like a scene from a classic film. "The Beetle Cabriolet" is a small partner that expresses Fujiwara's style. What new breezes will it bring in the future?

The Beetle Cabriolet meets FUJIWARA Michiko 07

Michiko FUJIWARA
Hair and Makeup Artist. Representative of LA DONNA. Specializes in hair and makeup for magazines and advertisements. Appears on TV and radio, in commercials, and gives lectures. Active in a wide range of fields as an advisor for cosmetics and fashion. Author of numerous books, including "Perfect Make & Hair Bible" (Kodansha), "New Book of Life's Maxims 5: Happy Women Wear Different Makeup!" (Shogakukan), the adult beginner's running book "Adult Run" (Kodansha), and "Change Your Life with a Beautiful Morning" (Gentosha). LA DONNA OFFICIAL SITE http://www.ladonna-inc.jp