Hidetaka Fukaya is the first Japanese to establish a bespoke shoe brand in Firenze, Italy, the capital of art.
The name of the brand is "il micio," which means "kitten" in Italian. The name reflects the brand's desire to pursue shoemaking with a free spirit and not flatter anyone, just like this noble creature.
Il MICHIO's shoes are completely custom-made, and every process from measuring to finishing is done by hand, making them one-of-a-kind.
With a fit that seems to adhere to the foot, a supple and beautiful silhouette, and an elegant design, these shoes are a gem that embodies Mr. Fukaya's philosophy of "creating the most beautiful shoes in the world.
The same reliable skills are also found in the small leather goods such as coin purses, belts, and tote bags developed by Il MICHIO.
As with the shoes, the work is handmade. Although the design is simple, even the smallest details, such as the important treatment of the kovas, are precisely calculated and designed. The main material used is high quality leather, and one of the charms of this product is that you can enjoy the rich texture of the leather as it ages.
For example, this bag, named "Boho Kincyakubag," was inspired by the DIY culture popular among hippies in the 1970s.
Referencing the bags of the time, which were made by joining several can lips and pieces of leather together, the core parts are made countless times, and the shape is constructed only by hand-knitting.
The expression changes in various ways depending on the weaving method and how the parts are combined, and the variations are endless. The bag is a one-of-a-kind bag that is the epitome of craftsmanship.
The handbags use the traditional Japanese craft of origami, a minimalist form created from a single piece of patterned paper. The one-piece tailoring also brings out the expression, softness, and lightness of the grainy leather.
Although handbags have a strong image of being women's items, men should be able to use them without feeling uncomfortable if they are made by Il MICHO.
Il MICHIO bags are made not only of leather, such as goat and cow, but also of PVC and other unusual materials. For those who cannot afford bispoke shoes, it may be a good idea to make a debut with these small leather goods.
Shoes and bags are made by hand, which is why they are unique in the world. Those who are attracted to such romantic items will be immersed in the world of Il MICHO.
