The Distinctive Style and Timeless Elegance of Michino Paris
A brand story that unravels the origins of Yasu, founder and designer of Michino Paris, and explores the essence of the Maison.
In the previous chapter, we focused on Yasu’s life experiences, his mindset, and the unique philosophy that shapes his vision.
In this second part, we delve into the very core of Michino Paris’s brand style — uncovering the true meaning behind its guiding concept: “Elegance.”
French Sophistication, Japanese Sensibility — The Style of Michino Paris
Every brand has its own style and concept.
For Yasu, whose Japanese sensibility meets the craftsmanship and culture he refined in France, how do these two worlds shape the distinctive Michino Paris aesthetic?
“In France, where haute couture was born, fashion is often regarded as a form of art.
There is a deep understanding of the materials — their nature and story — and a constant pursuit of how to translate them into wearable art.
I believe this artistic approach to beauty is one of the most fascinating aspects of French fashion.”
“In contrast, Japanese fashion, while also deeply artistic, tends to focus more on practicality and functional beauty.
This reflects a long-standing Japanese appreciation for the concept of ‘beauty in utility’, an aesthetic that continues to influence how we design and live today.”
With his Japanese identity and years of experience working for top French fashion houses, Yasu has shaped Michino Paris into a brand that seamlessly blends the allure of both French artistry and Japanese sensibility.
“Compared to clothing, bags and leather goods must fulfill a stronger sense of functionality.
I believe the true charm of Michino Paris lies in how we balance French artistic expression with the Japanese concept of functional beauty — creating harmony between elegance and purpose.”
What Does “Elegance” Mean to Yasu?
If the blend of French artistry and Japanese functional beauty defines the external style of Michino Paris, then its inner style — and the true essence of the brand — lies in the pursuit of “elegance.”
But what does “elegance” mean to Yasu himself?
“Elegance, to me, isn’t something purely superficial.
It’s not only about what you wear or how you look, but also about how you think and how you live.
Someone may dress beautifully, in what we would call an ‘elegant’ way in fashion terms — but true elegance goes far beyond that.”
He explains this concept through a simple example:
Imagine receiving advice from someone whose opinion completely differs from your own.
You could either pretend to agree politely to avoid conflict, or you could insist on your own viewpoint without listening.
But as Yasu points out, in both cases, you aren’t truly open to the other person’s perspective.
For him, an elegant response lies somewhere else entirely.
“It means first accepting the other person’s opinion sincerely, then deciding whether or not it aligns with your own.
By letting go of rigid preconceptions and staying open to new ideas, you may discover something you had never seen before.
At the same time, elegance also means not being swayed by others — staying grounded in your own natural way of thinking.”
“No matter what external influences come your way, you can put yourself in someone else’s shoes while staying true to your own core.
That ability — to remain natural, empathetic, and composed — is what I believe defines true elegance.”
So, what should one keep in mind to achieve that?
“I believe it’s important to always keep both a zoom-in and zoom-out perspective.”
“We are constantly exposed to all kinds of external influences. For example, perhaps a taxi driver you happened to ride with was rude, or someone dismissed a kind piece of advice or a thoughtful gift you offered.
When you focus only on that immediate moment — when you zoom in — your emotions can easily be shaken by others’ attitudes or behavior.
But once you take a step back and look at the situation from a broader view — when you zoom out and see it from the perspective of a few hours or even a few days later — those fleeting emotions start to lose their power.”
When you can shift freely between zooming in to connect with your inner self and zooming out to see things with calm detachment, you begin to embody what Yasu calls an elegant state of mind.
Three Essentials for Cultivating True Elegance
To truly embody elegance, Yasu believes that three elements must coexist in harmony: curiosity, the ability to analyze, and a sense of composure.
“The first is curiosity. It’s about having the sensitivity to stay open and receptive to the world — to notice, to question, and to seek improvement.
People who live with curiosity naturally lead richer, more fulfilling lives.”
“The second element is analytical thinking.
But does that mean we should simply embrace everything that piques our curiosity? Should we adopt every trendy item, or every iconic feature from the high-end brands we admire?
I believe that’s a little different from true elegance.
An elegant person is curious, yes — but also discerning. They take the time to analyze and reflect.
More importantly, they have the knowledge to analyze: an understanding of context, materials, and history that allows them to decide what to incorporate — or what to leave out — with intention.
When I see someone who has that balance of curiosity and thoughtful discernment, I find it truly elegant.”
“And finally, the third element — composure.
Those who possess curiosity and analytical thinking tend to have a strong drive — always striving for something higher, always hungry for more.
Of course, that’s a wonderful quality. But being endlessly ambitious doesn’t necessarily make one elegant.
Truly elegant people, I think, have a sense of satisfaction with where they are, even as they aim higher.
Because they think carefully and reflect deeply, they are able to find joy in their current state while keeping a childlike sense of wonder — the kind of innocent curiosity that keeps them open to new challenges.
That blend of ambition and serenity — hunger with grace — is what gives them a quiet composure.
To me, that is the essence of elegance.”
By nurturing these three elements — curiosity, analytical thinking, and composure — one naturally moves toward a truly elegant way of living.
How Is This Concept of Elegance Expressed in Michino Paris Creations?
The idea of elegance — as both an inner philosophy and a design principle — lies at the heart of Michino Paris.
But how does Yasu translate this personal concept into his work?
– The Art of Being Natural –
“When creating Michino’s leather goods — especially our signature handbags — I always keep one principle in mind: to remain natural.
Just as I mentioned earlier, elegance means embracing different influences while staying true to yourself. That sense of being natural and effortless is something I always value.”
“As a designer, I’m drawn to complex constructions and bold designs — they can be fascinating.
But sometimes, I sense that a piece is being forced in its creation.
For me, a Michino bag should never strain against its materials.
I never compromise on the parts that matter most to me as a designer, but I also let the leather express itself naturally.
It’s about calculated beauty that still feels effortless — a creation that breathes with grace.”
Curiosity · Analysis · Composure
Yasu believes that the three elements of curiosity, analytical thinking, and composure — which define an elegant mindset — are also deeply reflected in Michino Paris handbags.
“At Michino, while our creations are built on timeless, classic foundations, we never lose our curiosity for what our clients desire today.
You can see that curiosity in the subtle details — the texture of the leather, the length of the handles, the color variations — small touches that respond to the spirit of the times.”
“As for analytical thinking, each Michino bag carries a story.
Take our green inspired by the gardens of Giverny, for instance — born from an episode in art history.
We study and interpret themes from history, art, and culture, translating that understanding into our designs in a way that feels authentic to the brand.”
“And finally, composure.
As a brand, Michino’s philosophy is to help people and those around them move toward a better, more refined state.
We all aspire to own beautiful, high-quality things — but elegance isn’t about surrounding oneself with expensive luxury goods.
Even if one could buy countless items from the world’s top fashion houses, would that alone make them elegant?
Michino exists to say: Let’s make that aspiration a reality — gracefully.
We create pieces that rival high-end brands in quality and craftsmanship, yet remain attainable — refined, timeless, and honestly priced.”
“Thanks to my years of experience at luxury maisons, I’ve developed a deep understanding of quality materials and built lasting relationships with skilled artisans and exceptional workshops.
These connections allow us to craft truly fine pieces and share them with those who appreciate quality and beauty — people who value excellence and can now own it with ease and confidence.
That, too, is a form of elegance.”
The Style and True Essence of Elegance in Michino Paris
In this chapter, we’ve explored the relationship between the style of Michino Paris and its guiding concept of elegance.
Defined by “refined beauty and functionality,” the Michino aesthetic could only have been created by Yasu, who embodies the best of both French artistry and Japanese sensibility.
The “elegance” that flows through the brand is, in many ways, a reflection of Yasu’s own philosophy — one shaped by his experiences, his culture, and his way of life.
In the next chapter, we’ll turn our attention behind the scenes — to the craftsmen, ateliers, and workshops whose expertise brings Michino Paris creations to life, and to the future vision of the Maison.
Interview and article by Asami Fujii
