WARDROBE CHRONICLES °04
Nora Kato and the world of Kampō
10/24 ZURICH
Nora Kato, Co-Founder of Ipsum Alii
Style curation by Noëmi Leonhardt
As far as we know, you live with your family and hold two fascinating job roles.
I moved to Switzerland a decade ago, so this year actually marks my anniversary! Zurich is one of my favourite places to live. I love the balance between work and life here, the beauty of the city, the connection to nature, and the vibrant culture. It’s a rare mix and a place I’m grateful to call home. As for work, I wear a couple of hats. I am a company leader at FREITAG, and I’m also a co-founder of Ipsum Alii. Ipsum Alii is a skincare brand my business partner Kikoc and I launched two years ago. We produce our skincare in Japan and sell it in Europe, blending Japanese aesthetics and philosophy with European approaches. I’m half Japanese, half German, so this East-meets-West ethos feels very personal to me.
How do you manage your various responsibilities?
At the moment, I’m quite focused on health and wellness. I’m exploring Kampo and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been fascinating. I crave structure in my roles as a mother and a professional, so these practices help me reconnect with myself and find ways to nourish my energy.
How does fashion play a role in your life and work?
I enjoy fashion. I recently came across the following quote: "You can live a perfectly successful life without dressing well or having a sense of style, but it certainly makes life more enjoyable." That resonates with me. Dressing well makes me feel better about myself and allows me to express a part of my personality. I like to dress nicely for work, creating a uniform that reflects my role, and comfort is essential. I like the idea of dressing up more, but I also want to feel authentic to myself.
And you ride your bike around the city a lot, right?
Yes! That's where the practicality comes in—I cycle to work and stay fairly active. I'm constantly on the go, so I need outfits that are both fashionable and practical.
How do you decide what to wear each day?
It all depends on the weather, my schedule, and my mood. I consider how I want to feel that day, whether I want to be the centre of attention or blend in. Comfort is also important, and I'm becoming more aware of how my choices correspond to my body's cycles.
How large is your wardrobe?
It’s quite pared down. I know every piece well. I don’t hold on to items that feel too trendy or seasonal, I’m happy to let go of things that don’t last.
Could you describe it?
I've developed a kind of uniform. I have my flats, my trainers, a few pairs of jeans and a few coats - a versatile, reliable wardrobe. I usually switch between colours and fabrics, but lately I've noticed a change in my style. I used to wear more fitted pieces, but now I prefer flowing silhouettes and interesting fabrics. It's all part of finding out what it means to dress like a mature woman. When I was younger, my style was more playful and perhaps sexier. Now I prefer elegance with a sporty touch and I don't think I'll ever lose that.
Are there items you can’t bring yourself to part with, even if you don’t wear them?
Oh, quite a few! I have gowns from weddings that I only wore once. In addition, there are some lovely kimonos that are rarely worn. But I have daughters, and I hope to pass them down someday.
How did fashion change from your perspective?
I feel it hasn’t changed all that much. Trends come and go, and everything circles back eventually. That’s partly why I don’t throw things out easily. These days, I’m more interested in finding a personal style than in following trends, which feels more aligned with the times, I think.
In what way do you go about buying new clothes?
I get inspiration from people-watching and magazines, and then I try to incorporate those ideas into pieces I already own. I am not much of a shopper anymore. We just returned from Japan, and I did not buy a single item! It was a little too hectic with two children and my partner. I must concentrate while shopping otherwise, I will come to regret my purchase. I also enjoy vintage shopping, but it takes even more time.
What gives you the impulse to buy something?
It is a combination of intuition and practicality. Sometimes I try something on and know it's right, like the CASA VAYU shirt, which can be worn open, closed or belted. A non-brainer. And then sometimes I have to sleep on it to make sure I really need it.
Do you feel like your style reflects you inner self?
I could see myself being more experimental at times. Living in Zurich, where everyone is somewhat similar, allows you to accumulate a small amount as well. This occasionally makes me sad. Because I know I was a little more flamboyant when I lived in Paris or Tokyo, where you get more inspiration. I sometimes miss that. Or someone who recommends new styles to me. So you don't appear too accumulated to everyone else. I've recently cut my hair, which is a new and enjoyable experience for me.
Your openness is so refreshing.
Thank you! I enjoy it, too. I don’t feel my age, truly. There’s always so much more to learn and experience, so I’d say curiosity keeps me feeling young. I certainly don’t feel like I’ve “arrived” or that anything is settled. It’s a continuum, this life, and I think that’s what keeps me going.
Bag: FREITAG, Shirt and Trousers: CASA VAYU
