In Praise of Pattern

The Spring Summer 2015 collection marks the 20^th anniversary of Mina Perhonen, with two decades of the Japanese label's lyrical, hand-drawn prints delighting a fan base that, if once was niche and in-the-know, is now truly global in its reach.

Designer Akira Minagawa launched his label Mina in 1995, sketching original designs to be made up into fabrics for clothing and accessories. Later, the brand evolved in name to its current incarnation of Mina Perhonen and now, as it did then, strives to produce 'special daily clothes', instead of 'clothes for a special day'.

Along with womenswear, the brand also lends its witty prints to childrenswear and interior products. Collaborations with Danish furniture maker Fritz Hansen in 2003 and textile manufacturer Kvadrat in 2006 saw Minagawa's designs coveted by design aficionados, charmed by his naive style.

Both textiles and silhouettes have a timeless appeal, managing to embody at once both simplicity and statement. Collections elude seasonal trends, instead focusing on intrinsic attention to detail and meticulous construction for pieces that will stand the test of time.

As the brand moves into its next decade, Minagawa has considered the meaning of making clothes, wanting his clothes to fit with the everyday scenery of life, enriching and becoming part of the wearer's memories. In celebration of its 20^th anniversary, this May the brand is planning an exhibition in Tokyo giving visitors an insight in to the future of Mina Perhonen.

Couverture was the first to bring Mina Perhonen to the UK and proudly remains its exclusive UK stockist to date.