There is no such thing as an objective review. Interpretations and opinions of all forms of art and expression are subjective. Sometimes people need a change. A small simple physical change. One of the quickest and easiest things to do is alter ones haira bold new color or a fresh new cut is a stark visual reminder that something is different now and that was proof of your resolve. When Yukari a dedicated and uptight high school student gets roped into a modeling gig for a group of fashion students the first thing they do is cut her hair. The oft neglected predecessor of Nana Paradise Kiss also tells a story of a group of young artists. The title itself is the namesake of the amateur fashion atelier consisting of four eccentric college students. To Yukari who has only ever known school and parental abuse these colorful fashionistas are nothing short of aliencreatures from another world that Yukari would never dare to think of associating with. But when she allows them to trim her fringe a fear for change quickly turns into a thirst. When Yukaris classmates notice her new hairstyle its the first time shes complimented simply for existing rather than needing to prove herself. Unlike her younger brother Yukari is not a naturally gifted student. Praise is a foreign tongue and going years without it can cause insecurities and desperation. Life can be hard and unkind to young people and often it originates from those closest to us. Parents can be mouthpieces for the expectations and demands of society. We can choose to conform crumble beneath it or escape it. Yukari chooses the latter running away from school home and her mothers ire. Many question her choices including the wellmeaning members of Paradise Kiss. The only one who does not try to sway her is its leader George. Confident stylish and gifted with an innate understanding of design George is fully aware of just how young and impressionable Yukari is. He chooses to help her grow by holding his tongue allowing Yukari to take the lead in her own life for the first time. Making your own decisions and dealing with their consequences can be scary. But Yukari faces it eagerlyanything is better than feeling trapped. While she takes refuge in her new friends homes she begins to find work as a model. Eagerly shedding her dull school uniform Yukari finds joy and confidence in vibrant clothes. A new passion is born and she finally has goals and dreams that are hers. The Paradise Kiss members love and encourage her evolution both as a person and in her personal style. They all have their own distinct styles and fashion has a different meaning for each of them. But its Isabella whose relationship with clothes is most similar to Yukaris. A sophisticated and feminine trans woman Isabella grew up in plain button up shirts and trousers. It wasnt until George handmade a dress for her that she realized the real power that clothes can have on a person and it was the spark of change she needed. Some people dont truly find their passions individuality and sense of self until adulthood. A uniform is the antithesis to self expression and people are not meant to wear them forever. People are meant to change and Paradise Kiss reminds us that great metamorphoses can start from something small.