Lounge
March 12, 2015
MY LABEL & MY+ Exhibition Report
MY LABEL
MY PLUS
2007-08 Autumn & Winter Exhibition Report
Maki Yoshida's World Expands Further!

An exhibition for MY LABEL, the jewelry brand by product designer Maki Yoshida—who is currently serializing "Approachable Good Design" in OPENERS—was held on a certain day in June at a cafe in Omotesando.
The exhibition for MY PLUS, a leather brand designed by Yoshida, was held concurrently. Here, we bring you a timely report and introduce notable new pieces.
edit by Daisuke Hata (City Writes)Photo by Jamandfix

Signet Rings with a Soft Radiance
For the first time since MY LABEL's launch in 1998, signet rings crafted from "K18 yellow gold" and "K18 white gold"—materials surprisingly absent until now—have made their debut.
When asked about the reason, Yoshida explained, "Yellow gold has a slightly flashy impression for Japanese men to wear. I wasn't fond of the hard luster of white gold. This time, by carefully sanding the surface with fine sandpaper, I was finally able to achieve a texture I was satisfied with."
All brushing is done by the artisan's hand. Looking at the rings, the subdued luster from the sanded surface creates a soft finish. Combined with MY LABEL's signature minimalist design, they possess a delicate beauty.
Signet rings are also available in pure, brilliant designs using platinum, sterling silver, and Oriental Silver®, an original material composed of gold and silver.

Incidentally, a "signet ring" is a ring bearing a seal used for identification, and in Europe, men traditionally wear them on their little finger.
These rings are also offered exclusively in little finger sizes, with the option to engrave initials. Yoshida's wish is, "We hope Japanese men, with their mature sensibilities, will embrace this traditional European ring culture."

A Modern Duralumin Cigar Case
New additions have been made to the cigar accessories, which have been increasingly developed lately. This cigar case features a screw-on lid, ingeniously incorporated into the design itself. The seven spiral grooves create a somewhat futuristic ambiance.
The main body is made of duralumin, also used in aircraft construction, achieving both thinness and strength. Furthermore, the entire cylindrical lid is threaded, allowing for adjustable length. It's a truly logical design, befitting a product designer like Yoshida.

Appeals to Women Too!?
Pastel-Colored Shell Cufflinks
These sterling silver and shell cufflinks (Spring/Summer 2007 collection model, available now) feature a witty button motif, reflecting a sophisticated playfulness.
The soft pastel hues are rendered without compromising the natural gradation unique to mother-of-pearl.
To achieve this, a technique used for mother-of-pearl watch dials was adapted: painting the underside of thinly sliced shell.
These exquisite pieces, chic yet subtly charming, would serve as a refined accent for any business attire.

Camouflage for Grown-Ups.
New Wallets from MY PLUS
From MY PLUS, the leather brand launched this spring, come new wallets printed with a camouflage pattern. The concept is "camouflage that suits adults," characterized by a subdued, elegant texture distinct from authentic military gear. The camouflage pattern itself is an original design, not based on any specific military source.
The brand's signature detail, a detachable chain, is of course included. The subtle playfulness garnered praise from visitors at the exhibition.

Designer Maki Yoshida
→ To the M.Y. LABEL Product List [rumors]
Featured products are scheduled for release starting in September (cufflinks are available now).
For product inquiries, please contact MY LABEL Inc.
TEL. 03-5464-5259