Meet Saori Mitome

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Saori with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Currently, I am based in Los Angles, where I make wardrobe and costumes for motion pictures, and I also personally design and craft fashion accessories and apparel.

I was born and raised in Japan, and so, although I have lived for a long time in the United States, my temperament still remains Japanese.

Japanese people are very serious about their work, and strive for perfection.
My father was a diligent man, and would work from morning until night. I believe that I resemble my father both in my social nature, and in my attitude to take responsibility for a job, no matter how difficult it may be, and push through until I finish it.

Both my mother and grandmother were seamstresses, so I believe that I inherited my passion for making clothes from my grandmother. This is my background, and the basis of my work ethic.

The social structures of America and Japan are polar opposites, and the way we work is different as well.
In Japan, we attach great importance to the production process. Quite often, tradition and pre-existing rules are followed and obeyed. And that is why new ways and methods are not so easily accepted.

On the other hand, in the U.S., the emphasis is on results. No matter what the process, if it gets the job done, then it’s all good in the end. And new ways and methods are progressively incorporated into the process. If the people demand something, then no matter what the idea is, it will get adopted.

When I realized these differences, I decided that I needed to adapt myself, and always be flexible and ready to adjust. And the way I address my work is to clarify what it is that the other party wants, and to clearly establish my position on it. In order to facilitate smooth communication in English, if there is anything I’m not sure about, I immediately speak up and ask questions. I’m always working on my conduct and communication style. I think it is important to always think on your own and act!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Spreading the word about you and/or your brand

What are you focused on professionally?
In the United States, in addition to being a member of Motion Picture Costumers Local 705, through which I work in costume production, I also design and produce stage costumes as a personal fashion design and collaborative project. Creating costumes is my profession.

What do you do?
I sew a lot through my work creating costumes for Hollywood movies. I work in front of a sewing machine all day long. This requires becoming friends with your sewing machine. That is how much time I spend with a sewing machine. When making costumes, a patternmaker creates a pattern paper based on either a size adjustment or a design drawing, then sews the pattern.