“I am” ── To Be Myself

What did she perceive in these words?
She affirms her ever-shifting sense of self and embraces constant change. From her perspective as a creative director, she understands that "authenticity" is not a fixed form but something that continuously evolves through time, environment, and encounters with others.

For four years, she has been energetically involved in the world of branding. Yet, she chose to pause that journey and step into unknown territory. Her move to London deepened her perspective, and the shifting reflections in puddles on rainy days or the fleeting lights on street corners breathed new life into her creations. The second collaboration for the newly updated “I am” Donation® plus, following the original “I am” Donation®, captures this evolution. The process of identifying and shaping the beauty hidden in the everyday became, for her, a journey of exploring her own sense of self.

"I am not afraid to betray who I was yesterday," she says. By surrendering herself to her wavering heart and the ever-changing world, she continues to discover herself. For her, the essence of “I am” lies in embracing the flux, in constantly evolving—and that is the core of her being as a creator.



"I'm not afraid to betray the version of myself I vowed to be yesterday."

── What does "I am" (your sense of self) mean to you, Ms. Kimoto?

"Self" changes day by day, responding to time, environment, and the people and things we encounter. It's impossible to have a fixed version of myself, and I believe that accepting the fact that there is no such thing as a definitive 'me' is a form of strength. There’s no need to obsess over an unshakable ideal version of oneself.

After running a branding company for four years, accelerating my career seems like the most natural progression. However, I’ve chosen to pause here, to drastically slow down my work, and to start learning something completely new from scratch, even if it lacks an obvious consistency. How others perceive me doesn’t matter. As long as I remain myself, that core, like a spine, will inevitably stay connected. That's why I want to continue without fearing the idea of betraying the version of myself I committed to yesterday.



── Recently, what kinds of things or experiences have inspired you?

Since moving to London, I've come to like rainy days, which I didn't particularly enjoy before. The uneven, unpaved roads here, unlike in Japan, create unusually deep and vast puddles. They reflect the city's neon lights so deeply that it's as if small lakes have suddenly appeared in the streets. One of the three themes of the accessories in this collection is rain, and it was inspired by the striking impression I had on a night when I saw those puddles.



Why I Am Here

── Can you tell us about the source of strength and energy that keeps you constantly taking on new challenges?

In my 20s, I lacked confidence and felt like I was constantly striving to compensate for my low self-esteem. But in my 30s, I’ve gradually been able to pull the idea of "why I am here" — my sense of self — closer to myself rather than seeking validation from others. Now, I simply stay true to my desire to "learn" and "know," and continue to challenge myself for that reason alone. There's joy in being able to do something today that I couldn't do yesterday, and in knowing a little more tomorrow than I did today.

── Do you have any future plans or goals?

Going forward, I plan to quietly enjoy a sort of aimless freedom, based between London and Tokyo, where I can "learn what I want to learn and create what I want to create for myself," much like playing in a secret hideout.

Capturing the Fleeting Beauty of the World

── Could you share the thoughts behind your design?

Shadow (the black that enhances light), rain (the white of droplets), and trees (the green that changes with the seasons and landscapes). Even after moving, I continued carrying my camera with me every day, capturing the beautiful scenes that stole my heart. Of all the images I collected, these three landscapes appeared the most frequently. The desire to encapsulate the attitude of appreciating the fleeting beauty of the world—those scenes we take for granted and see every day—into stones, creating something that can be worn daily, was where it all began.

── Could you share the key points of your styling for the SNAP photoshoot?

I designed pieces that I personally want to wear every day, so I simply paired them with my usual black clothing. I'm not great at layering or combining colors, and thinking about it every day can be exhausting—black just feels more calming. I believe that even without forcing myself to dress up, just wearing this piece will give the overall look a subtle, polished touch.



── Lastly, could you share a message about this project?

Through this project, I am grateful for the opportunity to imagine and connect with each other, even if just a little, across distant countries and different backgrounds. I appreciate that even in this moment, I have the time to think about all of you. Even if what I can personally contribute is something very small, I will never stop imagining.



Rie Kimoto _ Profile

Born in 1992. CEO of HARKEN Inc. Special Lecturer at Musashino Art University and Part-Time Lecturer at Joshibi University of Art and Design. Based in Tokyo and London, she studies the peripheral relationship between cities and nature. She runs the real estate development project "DAICHI," focused on natural environments. Rie is involved in various business developments, brand planning, and art direction related to travel, nature, and Japanese culture.

HP
https://harkenic.com/

Instagram
@riekimoto

Photographer: Nanato Yamada


"Indivisibility" Photo Exhibition by Rie Kimoto
In conjunction with the launch of the collaboration jewelry with Rie Kimoto through “I am” Donation plus, a photo exhibition featuring her collection of captured images will be held in October at ARTIDA OUD's store and showroom, “THE ANOTHER MUSEUM.”

“I am” Donation  Rie Kimoto × ARTIDA OUD　ジュエリーはこちら
9月30日（月）20:00　発売予定