The Story Behind Shisso Designs

A Personal Journey Through Heritage and Expression

Shisso Designs began as a personal journey—a quiet but determined effort to reconnect with my Japanese heritage through craft, and to express a part of myself I’d kept slightly at a distance.

Growing up part Japanese, I always felt a pull toward the culture. I explored it first through food—cooking Japanese meals, becoming a sushi chef, and studying culinary arts in Japan. What started in the kitchen led to something deeper: an ongoing journey of identity, belonging, and creativity rooted in cultural memory.

Honoring Culture Through Craft

During one of my trips to Japan, I learned about the practice of upcycling vintage kimono—textiles once worn with care, now often tucked away in closets and storage. That discovery lit a spark. I began turning these fabrics into bags, not just to preserve their beauty, but to carry their stories into the present. I had no background in sewing or design, only a deep respect for tradition and a drive to create something meaningful by hand.

Each piece is shaped with the intention of honoring what came before and reinterpreting it through my own lens.

The Evolution of Shisso

Shisso (質素) means simplicity or modesty in Japanese. It’s a value that runs through every part of this brand—from the minimalist designs to the care I take in crafting each item. But simplicity doesn’t mean plain. I believe there’s great richness in restraint.

As Shisso Designs has grown, so has the way I express my creativity and interest in culture and history. From the soft elegance of upcycled kimono bags to bolder, embroidered pieces inspired by Japanese folklore. Each collection explores a different side of Japanese culture—through history, through storytelling, and through personal expression.

Wearable Storytelling

This brand is no longer just about reconnecting with my roots—it’s about sharing that journey. Each piece is an invitation to carry a story. Whether it’s the past life of a vintage kimono or a yokai pulled from centuries-old legends, what I create is meant to connect—across cultures and people.

Thank you for being part of that connection.