Aiguille & Ito

My sons have officially finished another school year.

And with that, summer vacation has finally begun here in France.

Around this time of year, you can feel the atmosphere changing.

The seaside towns and holiday destinations, quiet throughout the off-season, come back to life. Boutiques reopen their doors, cafés and restaurants fill with people again, and everywhere begins to buzz with the energy of summer.

Meanwhile, Paris becomes noticeably quieter.

Instead, families and friends head to the coast, the mountains, or the countryside, returning to their hometowns or setting off on holiday.

This is what summer in France looks like.

When I lived in Japan, I grew up with the idea that you should finish all your work before taking time off.

In France, it’s a little different.

One week is the minimum.

If possible, two or even three weeks.

Whether everything on your to-do list is finished isn’t always the priority.

What matters is making time for your vacation.

People pack a suitcase, say, “See you soon,” and simply leave.

There’s no hesitation.

Work is important.

But so are family, rest, and enjoying life.

That balance is deeply woven into everyday French culture.

As the season changes, I find my own mindset changing too.

I slowly step away from my daily routine, and my design work naturally begins to follow the rhythm of summer.

I imagine the little boutiques lining the Mediterranean coast in the South of France.

The hidden local shops you discover while wandering through narrow cobblestone streets.

The stylish boutiques of Arcachon, near Bordeaux.

And the light shirts and striped tops you’d throw on along the breezy Atlantic coast.

Simply imagining these places makes me feel as though I’ve already escaped on vacation myself.

An outfit for wandering through a morning market.

Something comfortable for an afternoon walk by the sea.

A dress to slip over your swimsuit after a swim.

An effortless look for dinner as the sun begins to set.

Every time I picture these moments, new ideas begin to emerge.

To me, clothing isn’t only for special occasions.

It’s also for the quiet moments that become lasting memories—

the sea breeze on your skin, the warmth of the afternoon sun, a leisurely walk, or sharing a meal with the people you love.

Those are the moments I hope my clothes will become part of.

This summer, I’ll continue designing, inspired by the French way of life and the spirit of vacation.

And I look forward to the day when I can finally share these pieces with you.

Click the image to jump to my Instagram account for the vacation photos!
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