What does it take to transform a deep cultural heritage into a global luxury brand?

In this episode of Flying Solo Fashion Talks, we sit down with Tomoko, founder of Yayoi, a Japanese luxury beauty brand inspired by craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless aesthetics. After building an international career across Japan, Paris, and New York—Tomoko took the leap into entrepreneurship to bring the artistry of Japanese skincare to a global audience.

She shares how she built a luxury brand with virtually no advertising budget, the challenges of introducing Japanese beauty to international markets, and how partnerships with prestigious hotels helped establish credibility and demand. We also explore the importance of brand identity, product storytelling, cultural authenticity, and creating products that resonate across continents.

Whether you're launching a fashion label, beauty brand, or creative business, this conversation is packed with insights on building a distinctive brand, navigating global expansion, and staying true to your vision while growing internationally.

Tune in to hear how Yayoi is redefining Japanese luxury for a new generation of consumers.

In this episode of Flying Solo Fashion Talks, Fernando Torquatto – one of the most recognized beauty artists in the industry – shares how makeup shapes visual storytelling and defines the final image.

From cinematic references to on-set decisions, this conversation breaks down what actually builds strong fashion visuals today.

What we talk about:

– why beauty defines the emotional impact of an image

– how real collaboration between makeup, styling, and photography works

– building a personal aesthetic through cinema, history, and experience

– what actually makes a beauty artist professional today

– how visibility and recognition affect a creative career

Key ideas from Fernando:

– makeup directs how the image is perceived

– strong results come from respecting roles on set

– references matter – from film to cultural context

– your style is built over time, not copied

– visibility can change the trajectory of your work

This episode was recorded as part of the Flying Solo Fashion Awards - a nonprofit initiative recognizing the full creative team behind fashion imagery, from photographers and stylists to models, makeup artists, and set designers.

https://www.designer.flyingsolo.nyc/awards

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Award-winning singer and songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor joins the conversation to share how she balances motherhood, music, and creativity—revealing that passion, support, and joy are at the core of it all. She reflects on her love for fashion as a form of transformation, her appreciation for emerging designers and their fearless creativity, and the importance of long-term collaborations behind the scenes. From her iconic lockdown “kitchen disco” performances to her highly visual artistic process, Sophie offers an honest and inspiring perspective on staying playful, intuitive, and authentic. She also shares thoughtful insights on the value of recognizing creative teams—aligning with the mission of the Flying Solo Awards to spotlight both emerging talent and the often unseen contributors shaping the industry.