A journey that marks a turning point
In a few weeks, I am leaving for Japan. My arrival will begin in Tokyo. Afterwards, I will travel to the Kansai region (Osaka/Kyoto), then to Nagoya and Yokohama to complete this journey.
This is not an ordinary trip. On the contrary, it is an important milestone in the construction of Origami Vintage. After months of preparation, reflection, and behind-the-scenes work, it is time to take action. This displacement marks the concrete beginning of my mission: to go and find, at the heart of the Japanese market itself, the pieces that will compose the first collection.
Japan: A unique ecosystem for vintage luxury
Japan houses one of the most fascinating vintage luxury markets in the world. Over the years, a unique ecosystem has developed around the preservation and resale of luxury pieces, particularly handbags.
This is not merely a matter of commerce: it is a culture. A culture of respect for well-made objects, of attention to detail, of patience in selection. The standards of authenticity are strict, the care given to pieces is meticulous; this allows many icons to remain in a remarkable state. It is this quality of preservation that attracts me, that motivates me, that justifies this journey.
Sourcing and discovery: My mission on-site
During this journey, I will explore vintage boutiques, meet sellers, and begin sourcing the first pieces. Each visit will be an opportunity to learn, to observe, to understand the codes of this market. I am not here as a regular buyer or a simple visitor, but as a curator in search of coherence and excellence.
I will also meet with contacts already initiated with Japanese curators, as well as artists specializing in origami. Visits to museums and exhibitions will complement this immersion, to better understand the links between craftsmanship, design, and cultural heritage.
Every bag I touch, every story I hear, every meeting I make will contribute to shaping this first collection. These pieces, once selected, will become the heart of Origami Vintage.
Learning, observing, and documenting
But this journey is not only about sourcing—it is also an immersion into the world of Japanese vintage luxury.
I wish to understand how this ecosystem functions, how pieces are treated, how sellers present them, how collectors seek them out. I want to learn from those who built this market before me. I also wish to document this world where artistic craftsmanship, the history of know-how, and timeless design meet. Photographs, videos, narratives: every element will be used to give a voice to these objects that have crossed time.
Join this exploration
I will return from Japan in June with images, stories, and above all, with the first pieces of the very first Origami Vintage collection.
This journey is the beginning of a series of discoveries. There will be other stages, other meetings, other learnings. But this one is special because it is the first concrete step toward realizing the vision I have developed over the months preceding my departure.
