The last movie I saw Rinko in was Pacific Rim. She played the strong female lead, Mako Mori, the adopted daughter of Stacker Pentecost. I’m looking forward to the sequel which is scheduled to be released February next year. In the meantime, I had the pleasure of chatting with Rinko at the recent premiere of Chanel’s Mademoiselle Privé exhibition in Seoul.
By Adele Chan
[Me outside the D Museum. I’m really feeling this exhibition…]
Adele: Hi Rinko, how are you today?
Rinko: Fine, thank you.
Adele: Let’s start with a question why we’re all here today. What is your relationship with Chanel?
Translator: I’ve been close with Chanel for 12 years. I’ve been with several brands in the past, but when I’m working with Chanel, I always feel like I’m at home. I feel welcomed and I feel very comfortable.
Adele: What do you love about the brand?
Translator: I’ve been wearing Chanel for the past 12 years. I always wear Chanel couture, like on the red carpet and on anniversaries. It gives me a lot of power, and it gives me special feelings.
Rinko: It’s kind of like my lucky charm.
Adele: Wow! So you always choose to wear Chanel?
Rinko: Yeah.
Adele: Good choice. What are some of your favourite items from the brand?
Rinko: For makeup; I like the red rouge, the eyeshadow, the mascara, and nail polish. For my wardrobe, the little black dress, and accent jewellery — every piece, I really love them.
[Rinko Kikuchi photographed by Karl Lagerfeld]
Adele: Yes, I can understand the love for Chanel. Let’s talk about the Mademoiselle Privé exhibition. Which part of it did you like best?
Translator: I was photographed by Karl Lagerfeld in Paris two years ago [Editor: photo above]. The photo display is my favourite part of the exhibition; it’s different from the [Mademoiselle Privé] one shown in London. The photos are printed on thin paper, and the two pieces that I wore in the photographs are also exhibited here. It was measured to my body and specially made. I met seamstresses in Paris, and they were so passionate about fashion; and I was so touched with their passion and warm heart. This time [for this exhibition], the fashion pieces and jewellery pieces are exhibited separately; I think it’s very nice to be separated, so you can concentrate on looking at jewellery, or looking at fashion.
[The photo display at Chanel Mademoiselle Privé in Seoul]
Adele: I agree; I like this part of the exhibition as well. Your picture, in particular is beautiful. So tell us, what is new with you right now? Do you have anything exciting coming up?
Translator: I had a baby last year! I was pregnant so I wasn’t really working on much; but I do have a science-fiction Hollywood movie coming up — I can’t tell you the name of it yet. And I’m also going to do an indie movie this year too.
Adele: Where are you heading to after this?
Translator: I’m going back to the hotel, and hopefully I can get a mango bingsu. That’s mango shaved ice. It’s the hotel’s speciality!
Adele: Mmmm… I think I shall do that too after this.
Translator: And then I have to get ready for tonight’s reception. I’m looking forward to what’s going to happen at the after-party.
Adele: Same! Are you going to wear the dress you wore in the picture? Is that your outfit for tonight?
Rinko: You mean this one? [Points at the dress on display]
Adele: Oh wait… it’s here, I guess you can’t wear it because it needs to stay here on display. Thanks Rinko! I’ll see you tonight!
[Editor: This was Rinko’s final outfit at the exhibition premiere.]
VISIT THE EXHIBITION!
MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ SEOUL
23rd June — 19 July 2017
D Museum, Seoul
More information on the exhibition can be found at www.mademoiselleprive.chanel.com.
Admission is free, but booking is required through the Mademoiselle Privé app.
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