To Japan and Back: Following the New Spring-Summer 2011 Collection, Part 1
The new collection originated from the Japanese culture, past memories and one life changing experience
13 years ago, I was travelling through Asia. After three months in the Philippines, I decided to hop on over to Japan. Everyone around me, naturally, told me I can't cross borders in a moment's notice. Back then, when I was still leading my life as a nomad, I allowed myself to gaze back at everyone who warned me, chuckle and let them know that I don't need anything. I will be fine. Of course I will be fine.
When I got to the Japanese border, the border inspectors just stared at me –6.2 feet blonde with no money – and immediately decided to send me back. The inspectors on the Philippines side were not too happy with the fact that the Japanese declined to let me cross to their side and didn't let me return. This all happened in one night.
By morning, I was in Thailand. Ever since then, Japan became a targeted destination for me; one that I will have to conquer when the time comes. Over the years I fantasized about Japan, which became an immense source of inspiration for my collections. I was patient and this year, this tolerance which I am not accustomed to, finally paid off.
A few months ago, I bought a ticket to Paris. On the same day, I was invited to take part in critiquing students at Shenkar College. I met Leah Peretz, the head of the fashion department and Rachel Berman-Hadari, who also teaches there.
At one point, Rachel simply asked, "So, you're coming along with us to Japan, right?". That was all I needed to cancel the flight to Paris, call my good friend Michal Ogolnik (the spokesperson for Paz, the energy company) and get organized for a vicious girls trip. 
It turns out that Shenkar was collaborating with Bunka, a prestigious fashion design college in Tokyo. When the project ended, the schools planned a collaborative fashion show, for which Shenkar representatives arrived to Japan.
And so, years after being shamefully thrown away from the border, I found myself as a guest of honor; planning to showcase my winter collection in the location I fantasized about for so many years.
During the upcoming weeks I will share my journey with you, which exposed me to inspirations who found their way to Maya Negri's fashion house new summer collection for 2011.