Yokoo

INTERVIEW BY SARAH STEINBERG
SELF-PORTRAITS BY YOKOO

Vice: Hi Yokoo. What were you doing right when I called?

Yokoo: But it’s an enviable position. I take it you’ve noticed that the economy has completely collapsed?
Ooh, secrets?
Maybe they should just practice. How many hours a day do you knit?
Whoa.
And somehow you still find the time to dress in an incredibly adorable fashion.
Oh, so you’re saying Atlanta is a cultural backwater and that you’re ashamed of it?
Just kidding.
But that’s often a perfect environment to foster creativity. Are you a self-taught knitter?
A little OCD, are we?
very Your photography also represents that. It’s all very thought-out and structured.
The self-portraits that you take to show off your designs are almost more popular than the work itself. They’re awesome.
Come on. You’re totally pretty.
What happened?
But getting recognized in public is a good indicator of success.
It seems like it’s a bit more than luck. What about the fact that your stuff is cool and well made and there’s nothing else like it?
Is gift-giving still a motivating factor in your designs?
I’m addicted to accessories.
What’s the difference?
Are the newer pieces in the photos you sent us representative of the next phase of your work? It doesn’t look like knitwear.
That’s right in step with your style. Very organized, almost perfect.
And that’s not a teeny-tiny bit neat-freakish?