The History of Maison Mihara Yasuhiro
Haven Neiman
First brought onto the fashion scene in 1997 by its namesake founder, Maison Mihara Yasuhiro, the Japanese fashion label is best known for its unconventional and innovative approach to fashion, all while combining the aesthetics of high fashion and premium design detailing. Keep reading to learn more about the history of Maison Mihara Yasuhiro as a brand and the label’s latest arrivals.
EARLY BEGINNINGS
Japanese designer Mihara Yasuhiro started his career in the fashion industry by first studying at Tama Art University in Tokyo. While there, he learned how to express his creative vision through a widespread element in daily life—shoes. Shortly after graduating, Yasuhiro started working for the renowned Issey Miyake, the late fashion designer revered for his avant-garde designs and innovative use of technology and materials. This experience helped lay the foundation for Mihara’s future success in the fashion industry. Mihara’s Japanese heritage and background have influenced the brand’s design aesthetic and creative direction. It has also helped the label receive an international and global following.
After establishing his label in 1997, the brand was initially named Mihara Yasuhiro. The brand quickly gained traction for its unconventional and edgy-inspired designs. Mihara had a unique approach to fashion, which attracted a niche following and established him as a rising talent within the fashion world. Around 2004, Mihara expanded and evolved into what we now know as Maison Mihara Yasuhiro, a complete fashion house. This rebranding allowed the label to expand its product offerings to include more offerings. This allowed Mihara to showcase his creativity across different categories and further establish his unique design aesthetic.
COLLABORATIONS
Mihara collaborated with Puma in 1999, when brands only wanted to work with athletes. Doing projects with unknown designers was unimaginable, and this partnership solidified Mihara as a prominent footwear designer. Puma by Mihara Yasuhiro debuted in 2000 through several exclusive drops in Japan, and the range included reimagined classics before eventually introducing accompanying apparel. This collaboration gave the world a sneak peek into the designer’s philosophy: art should exist in the everyday. Additional notable collaborations that Maison Mihara Yasuhiro has done include FILA, DC, and Moncler.
SIGNATURE SNEAKERS
Maison Mihara Yasuhiro has become renowned for its unique evolution of sneakers. With their oddly-deformed aesthetics, Maison Mihara Yasuhiro sneakers are hand-molded and are instantly recognizable, having earned themselves a place in niche fashion footwear communities. The ‘Original Sole’ line pays tribute to classic models from brands such as Vans or Converse while adding touches of deconstruction and the iconic ‘chunky’ sole. Yasuhiro works with digital 3D design, reproducing the models in clay afterward. Maison Mihara Yasuhiro’s sneakers, like the Wyne High OG Sole, George OG Sole, Peterson Low OG Sole, and Hank Low OG Sole, have made an undeniable impression on the fashion industry.
NEW ARRIVALS
With that, FEATURE’s latest new arrivals of Maison Mihara Yasuhiro shoes are a can’t miss for any elevated footwear collection. The George OG Sole Mix Material Low Top makes an impression on any sneaker rotation with its premium aesthetic. Composed of textile at the upper, the design incorporates a blend of mesh underlays and suede overlays for additional dimension. Embroidered branding can be found at the heel, while the tongue label offers additional spotlighting. The signature layered chunky sole takes on a durable finish. The Hank Low OG Sole is another low-top sneaker must-have from Maison Mihara Yasuhiro. This premium sneaker takes on a canvas upper along with a woven brand patch at the tongue. Distressed finishings are hand-applied, while the chunky sole extends to the toe cap—exposed stitching ties together the rest of the sneaker.
Shop Maison Mihara Yasuhiro’s new arrivals online by clicking here.