By Raci Levine
Staff Writer
Senior Carson Inouye is one of the latest Costa kids to start modeling.
Inouye’s modeling journey began after he discovered his passion for fashion six months ago.
Inouye started modeling for Japangeles, a streetwear brand that combines Japanese culture
with Los Angeles energy. Japangles was founded in 2010 by designer Roy Kuroyanagi.
“The agency [Japangeles] was very welcoming and nice to both me and the other model,”
Inouye said. “The company I model [and] work for is very small. We are like a family, so
photoshoots are super chill and fun.”
In addition to modeling, Inouye designs clothes for Japangeles Designing as his main focus.
According to Inouye, he aspires to become a fashion designer and modeling is a hobby
for him.
“There is a lot more to the clothing industry and modeling,” Inouye said. “While taking the
photos, the team was always looking at the background and how well it went with the clothes we were wearing.”
Although Inouye wants to start his own clothing business, he is currently pitching his ideas
to Japangeles. Inouye mentions that he still has much to learn. He chose to work for Japangles because it is a community based on spreading Japanese culture.
“My boss [Kuroyanagi] inspires me because he started [Japangeles] from scratch and built it
into what it is today,” Inouye said. “I remember visiting him at his kiosk in the middle of the
[Japanese Village] plaza. It’s cool to see a company grow and also see how much hard work
he’s put into the company, [Japangles]. It really inspires me to start my own company.”
As Inouye’s high school journey comes to a close, he will continue to design for himself,
Japangeles, and his brand. According to Inouye, he is currently
undecided on a brand name but is determined to create his own label.
“I do plan on continuing [to design clothes] after high school,” Inouye said. “I’m planning on
[designing and modeling clothes for] Japangeles [while I] keep on working on my own brand.”
Inouye began his design creation process with trial and error. He has already created a few
pieces of clothing but is still working and learning to create unique designs. Inouye designs
based on things he has observed and puts his own twist on it.
“My inspiration comes from movie characters and real-life people,” Inouye said.
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