Craftsmanship and Vision — The Future of Michino
From Vision to Creation — The Art and Future of Michino
This final chapter of the Michino Paris brand story explores the essence of creation — the way ideas, philosophies, and aesthetics take tangible form.
In the first chapter, we delved into Yasu Michino’s life philosophy.
In the second, we examined his concept of elegance and how it shapes the Maison’s identity.
Now, in this third and concluding chapter, we turn our attention to how these ideas materialize — how Yasu transforms his vision into design.
And beyond that, what lies ahead for Michino Paris as the brand continues to evolve?
On Design Inspiration
Each Michino creation is deeply imbued with Yasu’s inner world — his philosophy of life, his sense of elegance, and his quiet reflections on modernity.
But what exactly inspires him? What becomes the spark that transforms into form, function, and beauty?
Handbag — Lutèce Mini in Taupe
“Expanding the library of materials within myself.”
“To find inspiration, I make it a point to see and touch as many things as possible,” Yasu explains. “The brain unconsciously scans everything we encounter — what we see, what we feel — and classifies it through our own internal filters. Later, when I design, those impressions resurface naturally — the things that felt right stay with me.”
He illustrates this with a story from a past collection:
“When I created five shades of pink for a new Lutèce design, I realized afterward that I had unconsciously chosen them from memories — hues I had once seen and instinctively loved. There are countless shades of pink, but these five spoke to me because they were already part of my inner palette.”
“The more visual and tactile experiences you accumulate, the richer your internal archive becomes — and that becomes the true source of inspiration. It gives you depth, range, and authenticity in design and color.”
“Keeping myself in a happy state.”
“I often find inspiration in sensory memories — the atmosphere, the scent, the colors from moments that made me feel happy,” Yasu says. “Those impressions stay with me vividly, and they naturally find their way into my designs.”
Accumulating experiences in the mind — and, as mentioned in the first chapter, maintaining a state of happiness — are both essential to creativity. By consciously nurturing these habits, Yasu creates a rich reservoir of inspiration from which his designs naturally take shape.
A Devotion to Taurillon Leather
One material lies at the very heart of Michino Paris: Taurillon leather.
Among the various types of cowhide — including calfskin and full-grain leather — Taurillon stands out for its rarity, its exceptional quality, and its subtle beauty.
While many brands choose to work primarily with calfskin, Michino Paris remains steadfast in its commitment to Taurillon.
What is it about this leather that makes it so integral to the Maison’s identity?
The Pursuit of Quality
“Calfskin is a popular material for leather goods — it’s easy to handle and widely available — but its quality can vary greatly,” Yasu explains. “Lower-priced calfskin often bears marks or small imperfections, depending on the animal’s living conditions.
By contrast, Taurillon leather is sourced exclusively from Switzerland and Spain, using hides from cattle raised in carefully managed environments. That’s why its base quality, even before tanning, is exceptionally high.”
The Perfect Expression of Michino’s Style
“As I’ve said before, the essence of Michino lies in elegance. Yet our creations are also meant to adapt — they can be casual depending on the occasion. Taurillon leather offers the ideal balance: it has structure, yet remains supple. It can convey refinement, but also movement and ease.
Its uniform, beautifully grained surface captures that unique Michino nuance — elegant and casual at once — with absolute precision.”
A Sense of Exclusivity
“Even among major luxury houses, many combine Taurillon with other types of leather for various reasons. But at Michino, we’ve chosen to make Taurillon the core of our collections. It’s our way of preserving something rare — a quiet sense of exclusivity that defines the brand.”
Remy Carriat — A Renowned Tannery in the French Basque Country
Turning raw hides into refined leather requires more than process — it demands mastery. The skill and philosophy of a tannery determine the soul of the material.
For Michino Paris, that partner is Remy Carriat, a prestigious French tannery located in the Basque region.
Supplying leather to some of the world’s most distinguished Maisons, including Hermès, Remy Carriat was chosen not only for its craftsmanship, but also for a philosophy that resonates deeply with Michino’s own.
The Pride of a Tannery
“Remy Carriat isn’t a large-scale factory,” Yasu explains. “But that’s precisely what makes them similar to us at Michino.
In many big tanneries, major luxury houses are the primary clients — which means that for smaller brands like ours, the quantity and even the quality of leather provided can be limited. Remy Carriat, however, while supplying leather to top houses like Hermès, also works wholeheartedly with smaller brands that share a deep commitment to quality.
Their philosophy — to deliver truly exceptional materials to those who genuinely appreciate them — aligns perfectly with ours at Michino.
They don’t compromise their standards or chase trends. Instead, they stay true to their craft, guided by conviction rather than scale. That integrity, that pride in their work, is something I deeply admire — and it’s why I want to collaborate with them.”
Exceptional Craftsmanship
“Of course, one of the main reasons we choose Remy Carriat is their remarkable technical expertise,” Yasu continues.
“Anyone who has ever touched their Taurillon leather will understand — it has a unique feel: supple yet structured, with a powdery smoothness reminiscent of baby talc. It’s not like silk; it’s softer, more grounded. We call it the ‘Talc Touch.’
Talc, a mineral often used in cosmetics, evokes a sense of purity and delicacy — and that same sensation is present in Remy Carriat’s leather. To our knowledge, no other tannery in the world can reproduce this distinctive touch.”
“Their dyeing technique is also extraordinary,” Yasu adds. “Each hide is colored slowly, with great care — a process that brings out striking depth and vibrancy. This precision in color is essential to expressing Michino’s subtle and nuanced palette.”
Master Artisans of Florence, Italy
The transformation of leather into a finished handbag takes place in Florence, Italy — within ateliers that also produce for some of the world’s most prestigious luxury Maisons. There, a select group of seasoned artisans bring Michino’s designs to life.
What, then, defines a truly exceptional craftsman?
For an Artisan, Sensibility Is Everything
“Of course, experience matters — years of practice refine a craftsman’s skill,” Yasu explains. “But beyond technique, what truly distinguishes a great artisan is sensibility.
By sensibility, I mean the ability to intuitively grasp the designer’s nuance — to understand what is being conveyed, even when words fall short, and translate that feeling into form.”
“For example, knowing instinctively how thick the leather should be, where to add structure, or how to position a button or stitch — without needing detailed instructions. An artisan who can sense these subtleties is invaluable.
And of course, that kind of sensibility comes from experience — from working with many designers and learning to perceive intention through collaboration.”
The Skill of Honoring a Material’s Natural Beauty
“In a previous chapter, I spoke about how living naturally — being true to oneself — is the essence of elegance. The same applies to bags. Leather comes from living animals, so I always try to preserve its most natural state,” Yasu explains.
“When a design is overly elaborate or complex, it often forces awkward cuts or seams, and somehow, it feels unfair to the leather — and to the bag itself. Even with lower-grade hides, embossing can mask imperfections, but the result will always feel slightly artificial. That’s why I insist on using Taurillon leather — it’s naturally beautiful, even without disguise.”
“The same principle applies to craftsmanship. Skilled artisans know exactly how to cut the leather along its natural flow, how to align the stitching to enhance rather than fight the grain. That sensitivity — that respect for the material — is what defines true mastery.”
Understanding Each Artisan’s Strengths
“The artisans who craft Michino bags are professionals, each with their own specialty,” Yasu continues. “Having designed many types of bags across different Maisons, I’ve learned to recognize their individual strengths.
By assigning each design to the artisan best suited to that particular form, we ensure the highest level of precision and finish. It’s about harmony — matching skill to purpose.”
At Michino, the final form of a creation depends on the artisan’s touch. By cultivating close, respectful relationships and entrusting each piece to those whose sensibility and technique align with the brand’s vision, Michino achieves the exact balance of quality and emotion it strives for.
An Obsession with Metal Details
Even the metal fittings on Michino bags reflect a deep, deliberate attention to design.
Adding a Subtle Sparkle
“The purpose of metal accents is simply to add a gentle shimmer — a touch of light,” Yasu explains. “If the parts are too large or too small, or if there are too many, the balance feels off.
The finish is especially important. When plating is thin, manufacturers often coat it with clear lacquer, but that gives a somewhat cheap impression. At Michino, we make the plating thicker to avoid lacquer coating, giving the metal a more refined, lasting glow.”
Grace in Motion
“Many of our bags — the Lutèce, Opéra, Élysée, and Odéon — feature small metal twists. There’s something inherently elegant about that gesture: the simple act of turning a clasp.
It’s reminiscent of opening a treasure box — that sense of anticipation, of quiet luxury. The key is that it’s just a small motion, a gentle twist — a subtle moment of grace.”
“Through my experience designing many different bags, I’ve learned something important — opening or closing a bag should never take more than one action,” Yasu notes. “Anything beyond that feels unnecessarily complicated, almost clumsy.
The clasps on Michino bags may appear simple, but they’re designed to invite delicate, graceful movement. There’s a quiet intention behind them — a small, thoughtful detail that makes the person carrying the bag appear effortlessly elegant.”
The Future of Michino Paris
For Yasu, Michino Paris represents the culmination of his life’s work — the synthesis of decades of design experience and philosophy. But what lies ahead for the Maison?
Balancing Inspiration and Demand
“If I were to design purely from my own inspiration, it could become self-indulgent,” Yasu reflects. “On the other hand, if I focused only on what the market demands, the result would be safe — but without character. The challenge is to find the right balance between the two.”
“Looking ahead, I want Michino Paris to remain a brand that tells a unique story through each bag — something expressive, distinctive — while still resonating naturally with people of all ages and lifestyles who value true quality.”
The Deeper Intention Behind the Brand
“There was a time when I thought that having my own brand was the ultimate goal as a designer,” Yasu says. “But now, I think beyond that. I ask myself — what can I do through this brand? How can I contribute to people, to society, through design?”
“I want customers to learn through fashion — to discover meaning and culture behind what they wear. Take, for example, the Lutèce in the color Giverny. It’s not just green. It’s inspired by Monet’s garden in Giverny — the shades of Japanese greenery he loved and painted.
When someone realizes that connection, the bag becomes more than just a bag, and the color more than just green. It carries with it a story — a glimpse into Monet’s world and the beauty he sought to express.”
Handbag — Lutèce Mini in Giverny
“Through Michino’s creations, I want people to discover more than fashion — to learn about art, culture, and history. I want Michino to be a brand that inspires curiosity and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.”
Epilogue
Over the course of this three-part series, we have explored the world of Michino Paris: its quiet elegance, its refined functionality, and the philosophy that breathes life into each creation.
The allure of Michino lies not only in its meticulously calculated balance of form and function, but also in the deeper values that shape it — the life philosophy and inner sensibility of its founder and designer, Yasu Michino.
With craftsmanship and sophistication that rival the world’s leading luxury houses, Michino Paris remains approachable and timeless — a brand that allows people from all walks of life to experience the joy of owning a truly fine bag.
More than an accessory, each Michino creation awakens emotion, intellect, and sensibility.
It invites its owner to take a step closer to elegance — to express their own refinement, naturally and effortlessly.
Every Michino Paris creation carries within it that same quiet, joyful energy — a sense of happiness that radiates from thoughtful design and sincere craftsmanship.
Interview and text by Mami Fujii
