What began as an internship at Tokyo Fashion Week, turned into a career in fashion for Melbourne-based designer Misato Yukimoto.
From Tokyo Fashion Week to Launching an Australian Fashion Brand
“I am from Osaka, Japan. I used to work as a retail assistant manager and buyer for a Japanese apparel company before I moved to Australia,” Misato explains.
“I have always loved fashion but the moment that made me get into the fashion industry was an internship at Tokyo Fashion Week. It was really chaotic and there were so many crews from overseas — I couldn’t speak English back then — but there was so much energy, passion and expression that made it exciting. That was the moment I realised that this was the world I wanted to be in,” says Misato.
Even though she had a foot in the industry, it wasn’t until she moved to Australia and started studying that she first touched a sewing machine.
“I now work on everything, from design, pattern making, sewing samples, fittings, fabric sourcing, production, and I am also the creative director and to the styling for some photoshoots,” explains Misato.
She launched her eponymous brand in March 2025, choosing to use her own name as a way of “embracing my background and culture”. “It is my name — I would love my customers to embrace their own culture and background and just love themselves.”
Balancing Japanese Aesthetics with Contemporary Womenswear
Misato finally launched her brand through the popular industry organisation Melbourne Fashion Hub: “It was such an amazing opportunity to learn the fashion business!”.
Holding onto her background and culture, Misato says that she is inspired by “legendary” Japanese designers like Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garcons, Issey Miyake and Undercover. “My grandma used to wear Issey Miyake all the time when she was alive.”
This cultural inspiration is echoed in her brand too. “Misato Yukimoto [the brand] blends the Japanese aesthetic with the versatility of western designs. Each collection reflects a balance of tradition and innovation, drawing from personal and cultural narratives.”
The brand’s aesthetic is “quiet yet intense emotions, exploring themes such as dreams, journeys, and mental states”.
“Each collection embodies a thoughtful innovative silhouette, dedicated craftsmanship, and a harmonious blend of tradition and modern aesthetics.”
Made-to-Measure Fashion That Celebrates Individuality and Craft
From an ethical perspective, Misato says that a core reason behind creating a bespoke brand is that she wants to be totally inclusive.
“I don’t want to define my customers’ body shapes by numbers or letters, so all of my pieces are made-to-measure.
“When I was growing up, there was always a specific beauty standard that I felt I needed to fit into, body size, skin tone, hair and make up etc, so for a long time I felt that I was at fault, that I didn’t fit into some arbitrary society standard.
“However living in Melbourne, the culture and the people I met, taught me that being different can have its own beauty. Now I hope that I will be able to deliver the same message to my customers, about how beautiful they are, and that they can embrace who they are through my clothes.”
Misato’s garments are mostly made from fabrics that are sourced locally to support local businesses in Melbourne: “I also source some fabrics from a Japanese textile company who dye fabrics with the waste materials created from food from local cafes and restaurants.”
In future Misato says that she would love her brand to become a community-based label. “I also would like to educate my customers on how the garments are made, how much time I spend and how much value the pieces have.”
She also offers internships showing students how she operated from a home studio: “One of my biggest passions is being able to educate my customers and future designers.”
For more information and to commission a Misato Yukimoto garment, go to www.misatoyukimoto.com.au and follow the brand at @misatoyukimoto_official