Takahashi Ai

Recently I’ve been into loud and flashy patterns, and the shoes I’m wearing today are pretty unique. I like matching the patterns of my clothes with my shoes. The tops are made with a mesh material, so I think I’ll be able to wear them throughout this season. These are a staple item for when I want to dress simply.
These are high-waist shorts I’m wearing, so it’s a relief to have shoes like these to go with them. (laughs) Recently I’ve been wearing a lot of clothes with a high waist, and there’s nothing more comfortable to wear with them than these!

I’m short, so I need clothing and accessories that give me a little more length, or that aren’t too long, and in general provide the right balance for someone my size by working around my limitations. I’m conscious of the length of clothing and shoes I buy, since they can help cover up certain attributes. So, I’d say I’m more “tricky” than “picky”. (smiles) But I’m not tall like a model, so I think my style is a better match for most people.”

I wear sneakers most of the time. Heels are better for a more feminine appeal, but I prefer something more comfortable. Living in Tokyo means I walk a lot, so I need shoes that allow me to walk for a long time without getting tired.

The first time I wore them, I was surprised at how light they were! I had to walk a lot that day, but I didn’t get tired at all. And they had a nice design too. When I got them and first opened the box, they looked really good.

I’ve been buying a lot of print T-shirts. I love fast fashion, but in order to avoid having exclusively those items, I’m having fun trying and coordinating all different kinds of things. But if I buy too much, my husband gets upset. He says, “The more you get, the more you have to get rid of, right?” (laughs)”

I can’t think of anything about me in particular, but when I was in Morning Musume, some of the other members gave me some beauty and fashion tips. After “graduating” from Morning Musume, some things I have been doing are taking long baths, doing yoga, and other activities that make me sweat. If I have enough time, I do yoga up to three times a day. (smiles)

I love performing, so I’d like to continue to develop myself by working in fashion, movies, TV and on stage in different genres. I’m having fun trying different kinds of roles, with musical appearances this July in Jeeves & Wooster, and this August in Anne of Green Gables.”