Afraid of change Quote by Rei Kawakubo
“If I do something I think is new, it will be misunderstood, but if people like it, I will be disappointed because I haven't pushed them enough. The more people hate it, maybe the newer it is. Because the fundamental human problem is that people are afraid of change. The place I am always looking for-because in order to keep the business I need to make a little compromise between my values and customers' values-is the place where I make something that could almost-but not quite-be understood by everyone.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Business of Fashion, 2019
Innovators face misunderstanding; success depends on balancing novelty with audience acceptance.
In simple terms: New ideas are often rejected; balance vision with market.
Embrace risk but stay attuned to audience.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- product design
- fashion launches
- startup pivots
- artistic collaborations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How much should you adapt to audience expectations?
- When does compromise become betrayal of vision?
Too much compromise can dilute originality.