Akira Minagawa is a Japanese textile and fashion designer known for his unique approach to design. He blends the romantic and naive aesthetics of his minä perhonen brand with deep craftsmanship and storytelling. Established in 1995 as “minä” and later expanded to “minä perhonen” in 2003, Minagawa’s vision transcends fleeting fashion trends. He seeks to create garments and textiles that endure across generations.
The name minä perhonen itself reflects this philosophy. minä means “I” in Finnish, and perhonen means “butterfly.” This symbolizes lightness, transformation, and the organic beauty of his designs. His frequent travels to Northern Europe have profoundly influenced his work. He integrates Finnish and Scandinavian culture elements into the Japanese design ethos (Kvadrat, n.d.).
Timelessness and Craftsmanship in Fashion
Minagawa’s philosophy diverges from conventional fashion cycles. He aims to create garments that age gracefully, improve over time, and carry the stories of their wearers. The emphasis is on longevity—both in terms of material quality and aesthetic relevance.
His approach to design focuses heavily on textiles. An in-house team meticulously hand-draws patterns and develops materials that highlight texture, movement, and nuance. This commitment to craftsmanship extends beyond fashion. It includes interior design, furniture, tableware, and even spatial design for accommodations and stores (minä perhonen, n.d.).
Sustainability and the Value of Scraps
A notable aspect of Minagawa’s practice is his regard for sustainability. Textile production inherently generates fabric remnants. Rather than discarding them, minä perhonen embraces these scraps as valuable materials. By repurposing leftover fabrics into new products, Minagawa encourages a cycle of thoughtful consumption and creativity. This reinforces the brand’s philosophy of respecting materials and craftsmanship (minä perhonen, n.d.).
Collaboration with Scandinavian and European Brands
Minagawa’s work extends beyond his fashion label. He has collaborated with leading European design companies, including:
- Kvadrat (Denmark) – high-quality textiles
- KLIPPAN (Sweden) – wool products
- GINORI 1735 (Italy) – ceramic design
These collaborations further highlight his work’s fusion of Japanese and European aesthetics (Kvadrat, n.d.).
Yamagata Dantsu: Honoring Traditional Craft
In addition to his work in textiles and fashion, Minagawa has explored traditional Japanese crafts, particularly Yamagata Dantsu carpets. These wool carpets, produced in Yamanobe, Yamagata Prefecture, have a rich history dating back to 1935. They were originally introduced as an alternative industry for the region after agricultural setbacks. Yamagata Dantsu carpets combine handwoven techniques with mechanized production, preserving traditional craftsmanship (Design Museum Japan, n.d.).
Minagawa was drawn to these carpets’ softness and tactile quality. He recognized their compatibility with Japanese lifestyles, where people often sit and walk barefoot indoors. His exploration of Yamagata Dantsu reflects his broader vision. He integrates historical craftsmanship into contemporary design while honoring the artisans behind the work (Design Museum Japan, n.d.).
The Next 100 Years: A Lasting Vision
From its inception, minä perhonen was conceived as a brand that would endure for at least a century. Minagawa instilled this long-term perspective into every aspect of the brand’s activities. He encourages his team to think beyond the present and consider how their designs would be experienced generations into the future.
This enduring vision is evident in the brand’s dedication to:
- Hand-drawn textile designs that carry the individual character
- Sustainable craftsmanship that values every material
- Cross-cultural inspiration, merging Japanese and Nordic sensibilities
- Aesthetic storytelling, where each pattern and garment tells a story
Conclusion
Akira Minagawa’s minä perhonen is more than a fashion brand. It is a philosophy, a narrative, and a tribute to the interplay of culture, nature, and craftsmanship. By seamlessly blending Nordic influences with Japanese artistry, Minagawa continues to inspire a slow and meaningful approach to design. He ensures that beauty and function coexist harmoniously for generations to come.
Sources
Design Museum Japan. (n.d.). Akira Minagawa Designer. Retrieved from https://design-museum-japan.jp/en/creator/minagawa.html
Kvadrat. (n.d.). Akira Minagawa – Designers. Retrieved from https://www.kvadrat.dk/en/designers/akira-minagawa
minä perhonen. (n.d.). About minä perhonen. Retrieved from https://www.mina-perhonen.jp/en/about/
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