UTAHA: Redefining Wednesday Campanella’s visual identity

How did the arrival of Utaha as the new face of Wednesday Campanella influence the group’s visual identity?

Credit: Masato Yokoyama

Wednesday Campanella, originally formed in 2012, gained popularity for their innovative music, incorporating elements of pop, electronic, and hip-hop. Over time, the group garnered a loyal fan base in Japan and became known for their experimental and boundary-pushing approach to music. In case you're not familiar, Wednesday Campanella is a trio that was initially formed by manager Dir. F, producer Kenmochi Hidefumi, and singer KOM_I, who has always been the public face of the group. The other two members primarily work behind the scenes.

Credit: 鄭弘敬

In 2021, Wednesday Campanella faced a pivotal moment when singer KOM_I decided to depart. She had played a significant role in shaping the group's identity, leaving a void to be filled. It was during this transition that Utaha emerged as the fresh voice and new face of Wednesday Campanella, bringing her own artistic vision and style to the group.

courtesy of THE FIRST TAKE & Wednesday Campanella

Apart from the unique fragile timbre in her voice, one aspect of Utaha’s influence on Wednesday Campanella is her visual identity. Even before being a member of the group, Utaha’s distinct style was evident. If one thing, her joining Wednesday Campanella and being given the freedom to pursue her own style by manager Dir. F, has created an environment where Utaha was able to experiment and develop a significant style, steering the group’s image in a new progressive direction.

courtesy of Drop Tokyo

One key figure in this style development journey is Yuri Nosho, the stylist behind Utaha’s outfits during her performances at THE FIRST TAKE, where she appeared in quirky avant-garde outfits while radiating a playful confidence. Nosho and Utaha have been collaborating since she became the new centerpiece of Wednesday Campanella, thus having a great hand in shaping the group’s new style direction. 

courtesy of THE FIRST TAKE & Wednesday Campanella

courtesy of THE FIRST TAKE & Wednesday Campanella

Bright colors, bold patterns, and unconventional accessories such as custom made headpieces to make a statement. The fusion of streetwear elements in the shape of sneakers, hoodies, or sportswear-inspired pieces combined with eclectic avant-garde aesthetics result in a bold and creative contemporary style for Utaha. While stylist Nosho has clearly helped incorporate these influences in Wednesday Campanella’s visuals, artwork and music videos, their collaboration seems to have hit a wall after two years of working together.

Credit: Masato Yokoyama

Credit: Nitta Sayaka

All new outfit work since early 2023 has been styled by Misa Ishibashi. From stage outfits, to the music video for the group’s new track Kongo Rikishi Statues, and the artwork for the latest EP Rabbit Star. While distinctive colors and Utuha’s trademark make-up style remain unchanged, her outfit curation has shifted in direction. Streetwear elements have receded into the background to make space for more eclectic statement pieces and an infusion of controlled chaos.

Credit: Masato Yokoyama

Credit: Masato Yokoyama

Yet Utaha keeps the connection with streetwear alive thanks to her endeavors outside the world of Wednesday Campanella. Her signature style continues to be showcased through her collaborations with renowned brands such as Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto, as she shares her own creative fashion advice, incorporating pieces from the Y's x Adidas collection into her personal wardrobe.

Utaha for Y's x adidas

It’s clear that with the departure of KOM_I and the arrival of Utaha, Wednesday Campanella has entered a new era, marked by a fresh visual identity, dynamic art direction, and a fresh voice. Utaha's impact on the group's visuals, her collaborations with influential stylists and brands, and her distinctive style have solidified her position as the prominent new figurehead of Wednesday Campanella. 

Being only 20 when she joined the group, Utaha’s ability to confidently express herself through fashion and visual aesthetics at such a young age is remarkable, showcasing a level of maturity and artistic vision beyond her years. Utaha's influence serves as a testament to the power of youth, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to making a significant impact on the artistic landscape. As long as we can provide the right environment to develop one’s vision.

Credit: Liszt Chang