In our new series Snapshot, AYO introduces you to dynamic women from around the world in 10 questions or less.
At 50 years young, Jade Mitsuko imagines herself on a Balmain runway during New York Fashion Week. Ms. Mitsuko, who was born in Paris, pulls her fashion influence from her Ivorian heritage and some of her favorite designers, describing her style as a mix of “androgynous, classy, and woman-child with a personal touch”. Read more to learn about Ms. Mitsuko below.
What is your name and what do you do?
I’m Jane Mitsuko—a model, an artist and a part-time social worker.
How old are you and where are you speaking to us from?
I’m 50-years old. Born in and now living in Paris. But I’ve lived in South Africa, Italy, and Spain at different points throughout my life.
Tell us: what is it about being a model that appeals to you?
Being a model is a glamorous and lucrative job, sure. But I’m also intrigued by being the face of a product or brand; it’s the first image that the public will associate with that product. I think finding a way to balance that responsibility with your own personality and style—do you allow it to shine through or manage it so it doesn’t get in the way of a company’s objective?—is interesting.
You mention wanting to walk the runway during the big fashion weeks around the world. I imagine that people reading that would be skeptical, given your age.
It’s important to demonstrate in the way I live and the way I work that beauty—true, lasting beauty—has no age and has no color. To speak of age and gender is to limit myself, I think. Being a woman isn’t just who I am; I’m a myriad of other things too. So to just think of myself as a gender or as an age is just limiting and does me no favors.
Which designers are you influenced by, style-wise?
I’m a big fan of Sonia Rykiel, the French designer famous for her knitwear, and of course, other contemporary classics—Balmain, Saint Laurent.
How would you describe your style?
My style is an extension of my general temperament: very free, independent and youthful. I enjoy wearing men’s suits with the softness that I think is inherent in women. I am very woman-child with a side androgyny.
In five years, you’ll be 55 years young. What do you hope life will look for you then?
In five years, I’ll be traveling around the world and be a brand ambassador for a luxury brand. I’ll also be walking in shows. Life and the dreams you want for yourself don’t stop just because you get older.
What do you want the AYO public to know about you?
That when each day ends, I’m proud of the person I am—free of struggle and self-doubt.
What advice can you give to women, particularly women who feel that it may be too late to pursue their dreams?
First: accept that time passes and waits for no one. You are beautiful with your wrinkles, without your wrinkles now so you might as well do what you want to do now.
Don’t ever be afraid to have a personality; it’s what makes you you. Don’t adapt, don’t be subject to the whims of trends or what other people may think of you. Live your life without apology or explanation.
