Hello!
My name is Yuriko — designer, seamstress, and founder of Aiguille & Ito (“needle and thread”).
In 2025, after living in France for 17 years, I decided to take a leap and launch my own brand, Aiguille & Ito, in 2027.
Of course, there are moments of uncertainty, but with the support of the people around me, I’m slowly shaping a dream I’ve had since childhood.
My roots are in textiles.
I studied textile fibers in Canada at Sheridan College and NSCAD University, and during those years, I became especially passionate about dyeing.
Even now, my favorite part of creating is combining colors. It’s also one of the things I feel most confident in.
Weaving, knitting, felt-making, design, silk-screen printing, pattern making — I learned many different approaches to working with fabric and textiles.
To be honest, sewing by machine was not my strongest skill at first.
But simply because I wanted to make clothing, I joined an alteration atelier and spent two years learning the foundations of sewing very intensively.
Later, I worked as a design assistant for a company, helping develop life jackets and technical suits, while also coordinating with factories within the company and in overseas.
After meeting my French husband, I moved to France.
Today, I work as a seamstress in an atelier in Limoges.
At first, I imagined creating a brand entirely based in France.
But eventually, I decided to work together with the atelier team I currently belong to and create Made in France garments to bring to Japan.
Right now, I’m preparing for the brand launch in 2027.
Another important goal for me is giving back through social and community support.
Once the brand becomes financially stable, I hope to support artists, education, disability organizations, and sports initiatives.
Through this blog, I’ll share the story behind the brand, the design and production process, the reason I focus on everyday clothing, my personal thoughts, and the values I’ve learned while living in France.
I’d like this to be a space for relaxed connection and exchange.
So please feel free to follow along at your own pace.
Aiguille & Ito 