I Didn't Want to Name the Brand After Myself

François Russo, who has now visited Japan for the 62nd time, granted us an interview after successfully concluding a press event, which he described as the first formal introduction of MAISON TAKUYA to Japanese journalists. As the interview began, he started speaking, arranging his personal, non-commercially available planner neatly on the table.

—First, could you tell us the meaning behind the brand name, MAISON TAKUYA?

Firstly, in French, "MAISON" is a term historically used for businesses that aimed for quality and high achievement. We named the brand MAISON TAKUYA to evoke a hybrid image of France and Asia, particularly Japan.

—Is the "TAKUYA" in the brand name inspired by Japanese?

Since my first visit to Japan in 1986, I have received various influences from this country. Therefore, I wanted to incorporate Japanese into my brand name when I started it. Of course, I have strong French DNA myself, but I wanted to establish a new value system by mixing in Asian and Japanese DNA. MAISON TAKUYA is a brand that blends multiple nationalities across borders. And, I didn't want to name the brand after myself (laughs).

I Want to Establish a Luxury Brand Originating from Asia

—Another characteristic of MAISON TAKUYA is that it is manufactured in your own factory in Thailand. Why Thailand, why Asia?

In my mind, MAISON TAKUYA is positioned as one of my grand projects. When creating something, I want it to be something I can project myself into, and I also have a strong desire to establish a luxury brand originating from Asia.

—Why originating from Asia?






MAISON TAKUYA is based in Singapore. The factory was established in Thailand, creating a 100% in-house production system. It is welcomed locally as a new industry, with young Thai talent being trained in advanced techniques. Within four years of its launch, it has expanded to 17 countries worldwide, including Japan, the United States, France, and Singapore, and is achieving strong sales in high-end shops in various countries, such as Colette in Paris and Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

Pursuing Simplicity Leads to Essential Value

—Listening to you, it feels like you've been greatly influenced by Japan. What was the first influence you received?

It was food. I consider myself a true Frenchman, but I've never been particularly devoted to French cuisine (laughs). When I was young, two Japanese restaurants opened simultaneously in Paris for the first time. I tried Japanese food, which was still rare back then.

—Did you like it?

I was very surprised. I thought, "How simple, luxurious, and delicious!" I was greatly impacted by the taste that reached the core of wonderful value by pursuing simplicity. France is heavily influenced by the 18th century, such as Louis XVI's Neoclassicism, which has been carried over into the 19th and 20th centuries. This means that both cuisine and fashion (clothing) are decorative. The French are deeply immersed in a DNA that is the opposite of simplicity. Therefore, simplicity and luxury do not connect.

—I see.

Luxury is about attracting attention, drawing focus, and elevating people's spirits, but I realized that something completely opposite could also exist in this world. That was my turning point. Pursuing simplicity leads to essential value. That is my quest, and I believe it will deepen further.


—What is the connection between that quest and Asia/Japan?

Luxury appeals to emotions and surprise, and excess can also be a value. However, interacting with various Japanese artisans and learning about "wabi-sabi" from them, and experiencing things of high craftsmanship, were very significant.

—Can the contrast between luxury and simplicity also be rephrased as East versus West?

Truth emerges from contrast. Newness, perfection, and elegance become visible through contrast.

Creativity in Craftsmanship is an Endless Pursuit

—What does "perfection" signify for MAISON TAKUYA?

Our brand policy states, "to create perfect leather products without a shred of compromise." However, paradoxically, there is no such thing as perfection. Perfection is something to strive for, to get as close as possible. While perfection may exist in art and concepts, I don't believe it can exist in material things.

—But when you aim for perfection...

Indeed. To aim for perfection, we start with the design. In craftsmanship, it is essential to share the feelings of the people involved. Therefore, like an orchestra conductor, I understand the players of each part and bring their feelings together into a single symphony, pursuing originality in craftsmanship as well.






Please take a close look at the crocodile tote bag (bottom of the previous page) that Mr. Russo has been using privately for about a year and a half to two years. The large, bamboo-like pattern is extremely rare worldwide, and its price, "equivalent to a luxury car, a Mercedes-Benz CLK350," is astonishing. When asked why he chose it, he explained that it was the result of pursuing "how to create a crocodile leather bag that is both lightweight and modern." He added, "As I use it every day, a different kind of perfection emerges."

People Who Use Impractical Items Don't Seem Happy

—It's truly a magnificent crocodile leather bag.

Making a heavy bag is easy. By bonding box calf for strength to the leather of a young, firm crocodile, and adding a lining, you can create a passable bag, but it becomes very heavy. So, I chose leather from an older crocodile. It's thick yet much lighter than cowhide. For the interior, I used very thin Italian lambskin, and I also luxuriously used crocodile leather for the bottom of the bag. If you look inside the bag, there's another one (laughs). Also, I believe a bag should stand on its own even when empty, so I've devised a unique manufacturing process. This resulted in a bag that is as light and soft as one made of fabric.

—What is the origin of such ingenuity and ideas?

There are many beautiful chairs in the world, but how many are truly satisfying to sit in? It's the same with bags. People who use impractical items don't seem happy.

—How far do you take practicality into consideration?

Practicality actually varies by market. Since the size of banknotes differs between Japan and the US, I am always researching pocket sizes and overall dimensions. And, I listen carefully to the opinions of our users. While pursuing design is important, becoming self-indulgent is foolish. Without practicality, design does not exist as design. However, at the same time, it is design that makes necessary items elegant and complete.

Bespoke, Made-to-Order, and Ready-Made Options Available

—I hear that bespoke (custom-made) and made-to-order items are also doing well at MAISON TAKUYA.

Bespoke is precisely an opportunity to receive valuable feedback from our users. With "bespoke," everything—design, size, material, color—can be created freely. After finalizing the design, a patternmaker section, comprising ten patternmakers who have acquired expertise in creating modern soft bags in Italy, creates the patterns.

—Why are these handled by people who have acquired soft bag techniques?

Bespoke, like custom tailoring for clothing, is created from scratch. It is a special item that requires significant cost and time. Just as there are different types of tailors for classic suits and modern clothing, the same applies here. We design with MAISON TAKUYA's unique commitment and aesthetic, and our manufacturing-expert staff bring it to life. Furthermore, we rigorously examine every piece, even if it's a one-of-a-kind, expensive item, from all angles to ensure it is worthy of MAISON TAKUYA.






The photos on this page show the exhibition at the first press event held in Japan. Mr. Russo commented, "I was encouraged by the high level of interest from the Japanese editors, and it became a wonderful event. I particularly remember the positive reaction to the 'camouflage print,' which we started as a playful experiment. Receiving so much feedback made it a valuable and positive experience for me."

The Reason We Can Now Release Items with Zippers

—Could you tell us more specifically about the characteristics of MAISON TAKUYA's craftsmanship?

Our craftsmanship is simple, yet it consists of countless choices. We pay meticulous attention to material selection, leather thinning, thickness, how zippers are attached, the interior and its material, the core material for strength, whether to use adhesive or stitching, the use of parts, edge polishing, and so on, while seeking consistency. Even small choices, like the type of adhesive used, can evoke different emotions.

—Does François's "preference" also influence the manufacturing process?

Of course. I absolutely hate "hiding flaws to do something." Therefore, we only use carefully selected materials. We do not use any embossing. We select only high-quality, wild (natural) materials. We cherish the individuality of each natural material as part of its charm. To ensure that MAISON TAKUYA products are cherished and used for a long time, we do not want to compromise on craftsmanship and want to minimize any "what a shame, it's ruined" situations. To achieve this, we thoroughly research where to place stitches, how to sew, and how to finish the edges.

—You mentioned that you finally achieved satisfactory results with bags and accessories featuring zippers.

Yes. The zippers are custom-developed, and the method of attaching them is also unique. Additionally, the zipper heads on the bags are treated with leather wrapping to prevent scratches on the main body of the bag.

—Where does this commitment come from?

As I mentioned at the beginning, it's the desire to transmit a modern luxury brand from Asia. I believe you all feel the shift from Europe to Asia. Please use MAISON TAKUYA products and experience the luxury of a new era.


François Russo
Born in France. Art Director, Photographer, Interior & Product Designer. Began his career at Cartier, involved in the establishment of ISMT (Higher Institute for Luxury Marketing) by Cartier. In 1995, he transitioned his career to design and creative direction, working on numerous European luxury brands through a fusion of consulting and art direction at a major French agency.

In 2001, he became independent and established his own business, focusing on art direction, photography, and interior design. He has earned a reputation as an expert in luxury brands.

In 2003, he was invited by Ms. Andrée Putman, a luminary in the French interior design world and a close friend of 20 years, to become a co-owner of Andrée Putman & Associés. He managed the company's operations and expanded its activities globally. In 2005, he entered into a design consulting agreement with Chanel.

In 2008, he founded "MAISON TAKUYA." Questioning the nature of new luxury business and championing the revival of completely handmade high-end leather products, he passionately dedicates himself to brand management as the brand's designer and chairman.