Mieko Mintz is a creative, quietly passionate designer who possesses a genuine love of and joy in her work. She has an eye that is both instinctive and experienced and her vision goes to work starting with her unique choice in fabrics. Mieko puts it this way: “I have always been attracted to beautiful, ethnic fabrics. Wherever I go whether in Europe or Asia, I am always looking for new material.” She is inspired by fabrics and loves the challenge of “puzzling” her non traditional fabrics into her uniquely beautiful creations. “My particular pleasure is making unique, beautiful apparel and accessories utilizing vintage kimonos and kimono fabric, Japanese silk, handmade Japanese fabrics, Indonesian batiks, and Indian kanthas.” Mieko loves the history and stories that older fabrics represent. But her love of the traditional mixes seamlessly with her cutting edge tailoring and shapes. The melding of her vision, skill and use of the old world traditional clothes creates deep, rich colored garments that are right on the new edge of design. Mieko places great value on versatility; she designs her garments so that they can be worn in multiple styles. “I design between 4 to 6 ways to wear each piece. I like giving that to my customers.” Her clientèle matters very much to her and she has a very personal touch in her work. “I am in my store most days of the week, making me a rarity in Soho as a designer available to her retail customers.” Because Mieko creates pieces as she is inspired by fabric, she does not promote seasonal collections, thus escaping the insanity of fashion’s rigid calendar. This fits her laid back style just perfectly. “I only want to work with nice people,” she says. With her quiet strength, Mieko will accomplish whatever she seeks. Visit her website at Mieko Mintz.com.

Photography: Sander Martijn