An icon, with versatility as her middle name; today, Kalista Itakura is the girl-next-door with a sweet smile and radiating pure innocence. Keep your eyes peeled for this exceptional beauty who is just starting her international career, with aims to win over hearts all across the globe.
In its extensive and eminent history, the fashion industry has mostly represented only one standard of beauty. From advertising campaigns to fashion shows, brands in the past have traditionally steered towards models of a typical body type, age, and ethnicity – but it is a fact that the world is a far richer platform. Our cover star, a Canadian and Japanese model and actress, Kalista Itakura, aims at leaving an everlasting impression by breaking the boundaries to let creativity shine through.
She is the newest modeling sensation making waves in the industry, wowing the runway and acing her acting game when her soul meets with the likes of the right role and script. Kalista is fearless when it comes to going out of her way to stand tall by her passion for her art. She shares her views on inclusivity, modeling, fashion, and plans for the future, in an exclusive interview. Edited excerpts follow…
Kalista is fearless when it comes to going out of her way to stand tall by her passion for her art.
What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?
As a child, I loved koala bears and often thought that they lived in Canada. When I got a chance to move to Canada, I was super excited to see them in real life, but little did I know that is far from the truth. I later got to know that koalas are from Australia, and I was so embarrassed.
What inspired you to take up modelling as a career? Who has been your mentor all through in this competitive industry?
Ever since the beginning, I used to have strangers walk up to me and ask me whether I was a ballerina, given my lithe physique. But I often thought that the shape of my shoulders was a better fit for the modelling world. I always aspired to be a model to the likes of Noami Campbell, who I look up to as my idol and inspiration.
Have you attended any fashion modelling courses or was it sheer instinct and passion that led you on to strut this path?
Last year I took a couple of runway lessons and was surprised by my inherent desire to walk the ramp. The confidence that strutting down the ramp gave me was far too surreal, than anything else.
As a child, I loved koala bears and often thought that they lived in Canada. When I got a chance to move to Canada, I was super excited to see them in real life, but little did I know that is far from the truth. I later got to know that koalas are from Australia, and I was so embarrassed.
You come across as a woman with multiple talents by showcasing your acting skills as a recurring co-star for NBC’s Heroes Reborn in 2015 where you played the role of a Japanese reporter, you have also won the Director’s Award for Miss Swimsuit USA International 2019. How did you get interested in both acting and modelling?
I used to casually take professional photos for fun, but the photographer told me I can pull off different looks and that I should take up modelling professionally. Thereby, I decided to give it a shot and submitted the photographs to an agency, which then gave a boost to my modelling career. For acting, the same agency shared my profile ahead for a particular role that required one to speak in Japanese, which made me the perfect fit. Now I’m a member of ACTRA, a Canadian union for professional screen actors in English, equivalent to SAG-AFTRA in the US.
What are your goals as a model? How do you see yourself progress in this field?
I’d like to keep on appearing in more fashion magazines to catch the attention of big-league designers. Hopefully, then I can begin booking more campaigns.
Does it ever get frustrating for you as a professional, when outsiders only acknowledge you for your physical attributes? What change would you like to see the fashion industry undergo?
To be a great model requires knowing how to walk and pose to emphasise the nature of the wardrobe and the concept of the designers. You also need to know how different fabrics move around the body. I’d like to see couture becoming popular, it is incredible. The change that I’d like to see the industry undergo is acceptance and celebration of unique qualities.
What does a model want from the world? Has being a part of the fashion industry made you narcissistic?
I believe that the answer to this question is best described as “to each is his own”. I would want more bikini styles from around the world to become more popular, and find a place for themself in my wardrobe. I do not think that I’ve become narcissistic, but I would want everyone to be accepted for their unique talents rather than being looked down upon in the industry.
I’d like to keep on appearing in more fashion magazines to catch the attention of big-league designers. Hopefully, then I can begin booking more campaigns.
Most people believe that Asian models are not well recognised for their work. What are your thoughts about this and what do you suggest can be done to change this issue?
If more Asian consumers buy products promoted by Asian models, there would be more recognition. I always believe that the road to success can only be achieved when like-minded people support one another, the same has to be followed herein.
As an International model with a large reach all across, what kind of positive social change would you like to bring about in the world?
I’d like the world to be kind and loving towards everyone and everything, be it towards humans, animals, the environment, and most importantly kind towards oneself.
What are the 5 best beauty secrets for perfect skin that you follow?
I tend to stay away from the sun, maintain a healthy physique, never go to bed with a full face of makeup and rinse my face thoroughly, practice meditation and get a goodnight’s sleep.
What qualities would you look for in the man of your dreams?
Someone who’s successful yet doesn’t let ego come in the way of his big and kind heart. He should also be a family man who knows what he wants yet is laidback.
If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?
I’d like to know more about my future collaborations with luxury fashion designers.
I tend to stay away from the sun, maintain a healthy physique, never go to bed with a full face of makeup and rinse my face thoroughly, practice meditation and get a goodnight’s sleep.
What word of advice would you give to beginner models out there who are trying to make a name for themselves in the ever so competitive industry?
I want them to be the best version of themselves, and not let anyone tell them that they are not enough; because my darling – “you are more than enough, with the sparkle in your eyes and your unique talents”.
Tell us something about your upcoming projects.
I will be updating more about my upcoming projects via my Instagram account, so stay tuned.
Rapid Fire:
- Do you sing in the shower? – I dance in the shower.
- Do you have any odd quirks? – I have a fancy for bushy eyebrows.
- Do you have any hidden talents? – I can ace in walking the runway.
- Do you read your horoscope? Do you do it for fun or do you take it seriously? – I do not indulge in such concepts.
- Do you consider yourself an old soul? – Not really, but I believe in moving ahead with times and learning along the way.
- How do you feel about crowds of people? – I love it.
- Do you hold grudges or forgive easily? – I hold grudges until I become more successful than the people I hold my grudges against.
- Do you like it when people give you gifts, or does it make you feel awkward? – Who doesn’t like to feel special? (*laughs*).
