FK chats to Yoko Vega about her label based in Los Angeles, HOMAKO

Tell us a bit about your design label and what we can expect to discover.
HOMAKO is my line of jewellery focusing on lightweight materials in natural and pastel tones with a bit of vintage materials thrown in the mix.

How long have you been creating for, and what inspired you to start your label?
I’ve been creating since Nov 2008. I’m originally from Japan and moved to L.A to follow my heart and be with my husband. I am pretty picky and I couldn’t find much stuff I liked with my budget in L.A  so I started to make my own jewellery, exactly the way I like it.

What is your background and what lead you to where you are today?
I studied fashion in Tokyo, Japan and worked at clothing stores as shop staff and as a buyer. I started to make clothes when I was 13 yeas old. I was the shortest girl in the class and I could only fit kid’s size clothes! I learned how to sew from my grandma and started to make clothes exactly in my size and in the style I like. I think the idea of “if I can’t find anything I like, create it myself” comes from that time!

What materials do you like working with and what are your ‘tools of the trade’?
I like working with felt because it doesn’t fray, allowing me to to be precise in my designs. I also love vintage fabrics that incorporate stripes polka dots and floral patterns. I recently started to use wood and acrylic beads too.

What inspires your work, and where do you like to head for constant inspiration?
I love to visit my little sister’s blog. She’s found many cute artists and images that totally inspire me. I love the colours and print patterns of this japanese brand called Minä Perhonen and Sally Scott. I often get ideas while I’m traveling and eating candies!!

Lastly, what do you love most about what you do and where do you hope to take your work in the future?
I love to see someone try on my jewellery and smile because I feel like I’m sharing my favorite things with them. I hope to one day run a full line of clothes made by HOMAKO as well as more kid-friendly jewellery pieces.
www.etsy.com/homako