Meet Lawyer + Blogger Mariko Kuo
Thoroughly Modern Mariko
Lawyer by day, impossibly chic blogger by night and mother to 3-year-old daughter Ayame at all hours, Mariko Kuo is the very definition of a modern multitasker. In-between styling her favourite pieces from the SS21 collection, we asked Mariko all about staying sane in lockdown, support systems and injecting professional style with personality.
First things first: how has the last year been for you?
I'm not going to lie, I found last year extremely challenging. Oftentimes, I found myself doing my work, especially things that required a lot of hours and concentration, after Ayame had gone to bed. It meant that work, childcare and family life all seemed to blend into one long day. I never thought I would be the one to say this, but I missed being able to go into the office so that there was a clear separation between my career and family life.
It made me realise that we all have to look after ourselves both mentally and physically and even just 10 minutes to ourselves makes the biggest difference. A huge shout out to my partner who was my constant rock. He's also a lawyer and works insane hours, so the fact that he always tried to find some time so that I could have time to myself meant the world.
Does having a creative outlet like your blog help you stay sane?
Blogging has been my saving grace. It gave me the creative outlet that I was craving as a result of the monotony of not being able to leave the house. Pre-last year, my content was predominantly shot outside in natural light and so having to figure out alternative ways of shooting in my home kept me occupied. I also found having to focus on things which I never really did before very exciting. From talking about my WFH looks and my indulgent at-home beauty regimes, to my home cooking experiences with Ayame, last year gave me the opportunity to discuss new areas of my life with everyone.
Mariko is wearing:
Icon Cashmere Box Hoody
Mini Check Wide-Leg Trouser
Are there any changes you’ve made this last year that you'll be holding onto once we (eventually) return to some kind of normal?
The importance of having meals together as a family. No matter how busy we were last year, we always ate together - whereas before lockdown, most days Ayame's Papa would have not been home in time to have dinner with her. As a result, 2020's blessing in disguise was that I saw my daughter and her Papa's relationship blossom. It was time they would have otherwise never had together and now, Ayame expects Papa to have breakfast, lunch and dinner with her every day.
You were inspired to start your blog by a need to be more sartorially expressive in what is traditionally a very corporate work environment. Were you nervous at all about bucking the trend when you changed the way you dressed for work?
When I first started out as a trainee solicitor, I did what I was told and dressed in monochromes, greys and all things just not me. It was very challenging, especially as when you're starting out you lack the confidence to test things out. I realised though, that for me, how I dressed was a part of who I was and impacted how people saw me. I therefore took control of the situation and slowly started to introduce the real 'me' into the office. I would try wearing something which I bought (not for the office) over the weekend on a Monday to see how people would react. When I realised that this small, but meaningful, personal rebellion brought me happiness and made me feel more confident, I decided I should keep going. I was surprised when people complimented me on what I was wearing; it proved that there is no limit to what you can wear to the office and there is always a way to make things look professional.
Mariko is wearing:
Luxe Ponte Track Pant
Did your decision to start dressing for yourself impact how other women in your office dress? Do you think it's given them the confidence to do the same?
I think my decision to dress for myself and wear what makes me happy started a dialogue with other women in the office on how to dress. I believe that if you wear what makes you happy, your confidence radiates out and, in part, means your performance improves as well. The simple thing of starting a discussion on what could be 'appropriate attire' in the office seems to have led to women feeling more confident to try different types of looks. Case in point: when I first started blogging, I never saw a single person come into the office wearing a jumpsuit. Now, I don't think women think twice over whether 'to jumpsuit or not to jumpsuit'. It's great to see how the conversation has progressed from what clothing is acceptable to how each item of clothing can be styled to look professional.
You have a super engaged online following. What does being part of that community mean to you?
I love the camaraderie of my community. I feel like everyone has my back, as I do theirs. It really kept me going last year as I felt like I was supported and whenever I needed a helping hand or an uplifting push, there was always someone there for me.
Mariko is wearing:
Luxe Ponte Track Pant
What are the key lessons you'd like to pass down to your daughter about being a modern woman?
Be true to yourself. It's so easy to lose yourself in this crazy and hectic modern world we live in. I want my daughter to always take a moment to think about what she wants and what she thinks is right for her.