Japanese Handbag Designer: Who Are They?
Japanese luxury takes the cake when it comes to quality and craftsmanship.
They are highly regarded for their high-end items, including their luxury handbags. And Western brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermes have stores in Japan that add to their allure.
Of course, Japan has its own handbag brands. But today, we look at Japanese handbag designers. Who they are and what they are doing.
1. Takashi Murakami and Louis Vuitton
Takashi Murakami is one of the most famous Japanese handbag designers out there. You may not know his face, but you for sure know his collab with Louis Vuitton.
If you look back in the early 2000s, his Multicolor Monogram with a black or white back with colorful LV monogram, was everywhere. It literally defined the y2k.
Murkami continues to collaborate with LV, creating vibrant colors and quirky patterns, like the smiling Sakura and cosmic flowers, an instant must-have for collectors.
One of the most famous Louis Vuitton x Japanese artist collabs, and they are still collaborating.
2. Fumi Koda: FUMIKODA
Within the Japanese luxury community, FUMIKODA is one of the brands up there. All created by Fumi Koda, the Creative Director and CEO of the brand.
Before creating FUMIKODA, she would often carry her laptop and documents and couldn’t find a work bag that suited her needs. Plus, being environmentally conscious leads her to create the brand FUMIKODA for bags that are functional, elegant, and environmentally friendly.
FUMIKODA bags are simple and minimalistic, basically like a quiet luxury, but at the same time, have bold designs and leather patterns that make them stand out.
3. Hikaru Matsumura: 52 BY HIKARUMATSUMURA
Hikaru Matsumura is a Japanese designer who works in fashion, but also in handbags. He has worked with Japanese handbag brands like BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE, but has his own fashion line.
He opened his company HIKARU MATSUMURA DESIGN, and co-founded 52 BY HIKARUMATSUMURA. Plus, he is constantly collaborating and involved with other products and brands.
Many of his designs are very geometric, resulting in more rigid and angular designs for his bags. But depending on the material, transparency adds to the uniqueness of these handbags.
4. Issey Miyake: Bao Bao Bag
Issey Miyake founded his Miyake Design Studio in 1970, followed by ISSEY MIYAKE INC. in 1971.
Now you may not know his face, but you will definitely recognize his influences and designs.
First off, did you know that Steve Jobs was a fan of Issey Miyake? The same person who created Jobs' signature outfit, the black turtle neck shirt.
Miyake’s other works include Bao Bao Issey Miyake, a bag line that is constructed with a triangle grid. These grids are flexible, letting the bag change and transform from something flat to something more three-dimensional.
In closing
Be on the lookout for these Japanese handbag designers and their works. They are constantly innovating and changing the Japanese luxury handbag and fashion landscape.
If you happen to stumble upon these second-hand handbags in Japan, definitely consider buying them. Even if it’s preloved, Japanese secondhand items are still high quality, where the item is practically like new.
Plus, it’s a rare item to have back in the state.