Why I Took a Break & Maison Mikumo's New Direction

This blog post has been a long time coming… (read to the end for new designs & samples!)

It’s been quite a while since my last update, and I want to thank each of you for your patience and support during my unexpected time away from working on new collections and being active online. Over the past year, I've faced challenges with my health and work-life balance that at times felt (- ahem - *feel*) - overwhelming. As much as I’ve enjoyed many parts of this journey, it’s also been tough and stressful, and to be honest, I’ve considered stepping away more than once - if but in moments of desperation! 

When I launched Maison Mikumo in 2022, I was part of a ‘cohort’ of aspiring sustainable designers who connected through online communities and programs that thrived during the pandemic. Many of us had little to no fashion background and launched through crowdfunding - a milestone I’ll always cherish for all of us. We consulted and commiserated with each other, shared progress updates, and rejoiced in our wins. 

However, in the two years since then, activity has steadily fizzled out, and several of my fellow designers who have been part of my journey have sadly stepped away or officially closed their stores. Even an established brand with over 85k followers on IG that I had admired since the beginning recently announced its closure, citing personal sustainability issues.

When I talk with some of the designers I know, it seems we’re facing similar struggles: we’ve “brought our dreams to life,” but now we’re up against the hard realities of managing logistics and staying active, inspired, and "fresh." It’s a constant grind, and I won’t pretend it hasn’t affected me. While I firmly believe it’s better to try and fail than to live with regret, it’s been discouraging to see just how tough it is to make things work in the long-term. It feels like an infinite incline treadmill, and it takes a huge amount of resilience (or resources lol…) to keep going. Sometimes, I wonder if I have enough of it.

But I’m not ready to give up yet. Fashion truly makes me happy - there’s something magical about seeing others (and myself!) in beautiful clothing. It genuinely lights me up, and that’s something I want to be guided by. So, I’m taking steps to make this work for me in a way that feels more sustainable and joyful.

One of the biggest sources of stress has been finding reliable manufacturers and vendors. Over the past few years, I’ve learned that disappointment is part of the process - finding a trustworthy partner takes time, and it’s often impossible to know what the working relationship will be like until you’re actually working together. I had initially envisioned Maison Mikumo focusing on mostly woven pieces, but the partner I trust and have had the best experience with so far specializes in 3d knitwear. Instead of constantly seeking new manufacturers, I’ve decided to relieve myself of the stress of finding “the perfect partner” and focus on what’s working for me now. Unfortunately, that does mean putting my previous collection-in-progress on the back burner, but I like to think that it won't be forever.

3D knitting is actually fascinating in terms of design - it opens up unique possibilities because there’s no need to work around seams. Sustainability wise, it’s also the most low-waste production method I’ve come across. Traditional cut-and-sew requires cutting panels or woven or knit fabric that are then stitched together, creating seams wherever pieces meet. This process produces a lot of waste, and these scraps are often too small and/or irregularly shaped to be reused, so they’re usually recycled or discarded. With 3D knitting, there’s less than 1% material waste, as garments are created in one continuous piece.

Another reason I love working with my knitwear manufacturer is that items are produced on demand (meaning zero inventory waste!) and shipped directly from the factory in New York. Handling inventory and fulfillment on my own has been a struggle, so having the factory manage this frees me up to focus on what I love most: illustrating, designing, and finally dedicating much-needed attention to marketing, social media, and connecting with my community.

What do you think about the knit top and skirt design on the left? Leave me a comment below!

So, for now, Maison Mikumo is shifting to a knitwear-centric brand. My next “designer’s collection,” consisting of 5-6 pieces, will launch in winter/spring 2025 and feature luxurious merino wool, organic cotton, and viscose knits in unique, feminine styles. 

Outside of this collection, I’ll be adding new colors for our existing knitwear and introducing loungewear and knit basics—think cozy, stylish pieces you’ll reach for every day.

Check out some of the samples below!

Big thanks to my lovely friends, Jojo, Tori, and Shaye for modeling for me <3

Oh, and I’ve recently hired an assistant! I’m hoping this will help me stay more organized and on track. I’m glad I finally took the step to get myself a bit more support. 😊

Thank you for reading and for being part of this journey. As always, I appreciate you.

With love,
Tina