Founder Mami Nagase Speaks on Upcycling, BLM, and Motherhood

Aiko Tanaka’s I Don’t Camouflage is a friend to the blog most of you might already be familiar with. I Don’t Camouflage is a community and mini-documentary video series that celebrates and elevates the diverse creatives who dare to stand out. I had the honor to be featured on the episode titled From Cocoon to Butterfly back in 2017. I’m happy to re-introduce I Don’t Camouflage back on the blog showcasing the latest episode filmed earlier in the pandemic.

Watch along as Aiko introduces us to her video series “Hidden Figure in Fashion” where she welcomes us into the creative and purposeful world of Mami Nagase. The Co-founder of Harold and Maud Vintage a very selected vintage clothing shop in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn for baby to adult (cradle to grave). Mami and Co-founder Ryoma Hashimoto are in the process of designing their original line with Japanese fabrics.

As another Japanese Immigrant and creator who has lived in Brooklyn for more than 15 years, this episode felt very personal and emotional to me. During the pandemic, I had a lot of time to think about my family, my existence, and my contribution to the world.

I also had a lot of time to revisit my old memories I never had time to reminisce about before. I have thought about the reasons I came to NY and sometimes wondered if it was worth staying in NY or if I should go back to Japan, close to where my parents live.

It was very inspiring to capture Mami in her strong spirit. She was not going back. She is using all her creative skills to raise her son and help create a future environment where he can live happily. The hustle mentality and strong drive attracted me to NYC and I want, and we want people like her to stay as that makes NY. I am also not leaving as I still feel I have a role to play.

Please enjoy her story and remember, I Don’t Camouflage.

WE don’t camouflage.