Fashion
January 8, 2015
Miwa Ichikawa on Stories of Gifts | MARGARET HOWELL
MARGARET HOWELL
Miwako Ichikawa on
Stories of Gifts
Actress Miwako Ichikawa has long admired Margaret Howell since childhood. "I often discover wonderful things at Margaret Howell shops," she says. We asked her about the ideal gift that brings joy and the brand's appeal for items that can be cherished for years to come.
Photographs by JAMANDFIX (interview)SATO Asa (still)Styling by SHIMIZU NaomiHair & Make-up by NARAI YumiText by KOYANAGI Mika
Timeless and basic, a gift that's always a delight
I often give gifts, including for birthdays. Sometimes I find something I like while shopping, but when I'm stuck, I head to a Margaret Howell store (laughs). I can always find something there. Margaret Howell's clothing and accessories have many basic designs, so I'm sure they'd be happy to receive them. Gifting clothes to friends or loved ones feels a bit challenging because of their personal preferences, but I'd like to try someday. I also feel a bit embarrassed about Christmas presents, but maybe someday...
If I were to receive a gift, what would make me happy? Perhaps something in a color I wouldn't choose myself, like a red beret, knitwear, or a scarf. I often wear basic colors and tend to choose those, so a red item would feel very fresh. The reason I find gifting clothes a bit difficult might be because I want the recipient to be truly delighted. So, I'd want to give it to someone special, someone we know very well.
My connection to Margaret Howell began because my mother loved the brand. I remember being drawn to the old logo with dancing men and women. It seems it was a brand she admired too, and she often bragged about it (laughs). However, I haven't inherited anything from her yet. I'm keeping a close eye on a skirt, hoping she'll pass it down to me soon.
The first Margaret Howell items I bought myself were accessories and a white shirt. I believe it was in my 20s. Although I've worn many different clothes due to my profession, my preferences haven't changed. Shirts, grey knits, denim, and sweatshirts are my standard items. My sister, Mihiko, and I actually have similar tastes, and we often choose the same items. I realize now how much influence our mother had.
As I've gotten older, my tastes and desires have become more refined. I'm really into kitchenware now, and I enjoy choosing tools. My criteria for selecting them is whether I'd 'never want to throw it away.' My favorite Christel pots have been with me for over 10 years. Just like Margaret Howell's clothing, I want to live surrounded by things I can use for a long time.
Miwako Ichikawa
Actress. Since the early 1990s, she has garnered immense support from women of her generation as a model for magazines like 'CUTiE.' Her appeal lies in her wide acting range, from horror to comedy, in films such as 'Another Heaven' and 'In the Pool,' and the TV drama 'Shukujo.' She is currently appearing in the highly anticipated drama 'First Class' (broadcast Wednesdays at 10 PM on Fuji TV).
Anglobal
Tel. 03-5467-7874 (MENS)
Tel. 03-5467-7864 (WOMENS/HOUSEHOLD GOODS)
http://www.margarethowell.jp

