"Wednesday": Netflix-Star Naomi J. Ogawa in an exclusive talk with L'Officiel Austria
With a modern twist on the iconic "The Addams Family", "Wednesday" is currently on everyone's Netflix bucket list. In an exclusive L'Officiel Austria interview, actress and cast member Naomi J. Ogawa (Yoko) talks about working with Christina Ricci and the influence of the series on her fashion style.
Congratulations on your part in this amazing new series "Wednesday" created by Tim Burton on Netflix! How did you receive the news to be part of the cast and what were your first thoughts?
Naomi J. Ogawa: “Thank you so much! I'm truly grateful to be a part of the series. After a long audition process, I got the call from my agent saying I should pop the champagne because I got the part. So many things were running through my mind to be honest and I questioned whether that phone call was real or just a figment of my imagination. I also felt anxious at the thought of meeting such a legend as Tim but that was mixed with excitement as well. I was a bundle of all kinds of emotions.”
Christina Ricci whose acting made Wednesday Addams famous also plays a character in the new show. Have you watched her in the movies back in the day?
Naomi J. Ogawa: “I've seen her in lots of movies and I am a big fan of The Addams Family and Sleepy Hollow! I am such a fan of her work and it was very surreal seeing her on set. I spoke to her briefly on set and not only is she talented but also a very lovely and down to earth person. I loved her in the movie “Monster” and thought she did an incredible job alongside Charlize Theron. At the time, watching that movie felt like that was a shift from the type of movies I'm used to seeing her in. I love how she can masterfully play gritty and dark.”
The Addams family has quite a legacy. But not only in terms of movie history but also wardrobe-wise. Morticia Addams, played by Anjelica Houston, is until today a worshipped fictional character whose epitomical black dress is a movie classic. What was your film wardrobe like for your character?
Naomi J. Ogawa: “It's so wild how putting on a costume can just transform you and I felt Yoko was a huge change for me in terms of her sense of style. She's not a typical gothic girl and what I love about her is that she's got this edgy fashion sense that makes her look effortlessly cool. She reminds me of the cool kids at school who would follow the uniform dress code to an extent but then add their own eccentric flair. It's kind of like a subtle rebellion where they want to express themselves and not look like everyone else. I personally felt connected to her when I wore the chunky boots because that gave me badass energy and her sunglasses are a Yoko staple as well.”
"She (Yoko) reminds me of the cool kids at school who would follow the uniform dress code to an extent but then add their own eccentric flair."
What does your wardrobe look like? What are your favorite pieces right now?
Naomi J. Ogawa: “I have a very confused wardrobe! Weirdly, after filming was completed for Wednesday, my wardrobe took a dark turn! I started wearing heavy chunky boots, black leather trousers and in general just darker clothing. I definitely think some elements of Yoko's gothic flair just stayed with me a bit. I also have some very dressy outfits in my closet for special occasions. At the moment, I wear athleisure on a daily basis! However, I love to spice up my outfits with a brown coat and sunglasses from Nanushka (I'm obsessed with them) and they're worn almost every day! I pair them with platform Uggs because they're so cute and comfy!”
Which brands do you admire the most?
Naomi J. Ogawa: “There's so many to name and I'm also discovering new brands every day. I am obsessed with Nanushka at the moment and I've always been obsessed with Prada, Mui Mui, Versace, Gucci and the list goes on.”
If you could choose the look of your dreams for a red-carpet event: What would it look like and which designer brands would you like to pick?
Naomi J. Ogawa: “So many spring to mind because I absolutely adore fashion and playing dress up! I would say one of them would have to be Versace - the dresses are so sexy, edgy and elegant. It's the aesthetic of a strong woman who isn't afraid to be bold and add vibrant colours to her wardrobe. I would want to wear a long slinky dress with a bit of a train but if I was looking to do more of a softer look that's quite feminine and beautiful, then I love Dior. It's again elegant, timeless and chic.”
For the editorial shoot with photographer Joseph Sinclair you have worn a lot of cool street style looks – are these looks you would wear in your everyday life?
Naomi J. Ogawa: “I loved all of the outfits I wore for that shoot! I low-key wanted to take everything home and it pained me to part with them. I would have to say that the Preen by Thornton Bregazzi outfit I wore was my favourite. I'm such a bomber jacket lover and I was just obsessed with the print and the shape of it. I liked that it had long sleeves and it was cropped too! I also adored the bodysuit that matched the print of the jacket as well. I would have absolutely kept both if I could.”
A styling tip you'd like to share with L'Officiel Austria readers?
Naomi J. Ogawa: “I would say don't be afraid to experiment and try new styles. What I've learnt recently by doing shoots is sometimes clothes don't look like they'll suit you on the rack but you should always try it on. You might surprise yourself! I used to shy away from outfits where I immediately thought 'oh that's not me at all' but then once I gave it a chance I realised I saw a different version of myself that I liked. Don't be scared of trying something new and have fun!”
Team Credits
Photography: Joseph Sinclair @josephsinclair
Styling: Steph Wilson at One Represents @stephwilsonstylist___
Fashion assistant: Summer Moanna
Make-up: Buster Knight at the Only Agency @busterknight
Hair: Sophie Sugarman @themanestyle
