ABOUT
il micio di Hidetaka Fukaya
il micio, which means "kitty" in Italian, is a brand that creates products that value the noble, beautiful, and free spirit of cats. It was founded in Florence in 1999 by Hidetaka Fukaya as a bespoke shoe brand. In 2005, it became the first Japanese company to set up an atelier overseas, and has continued to be loved by celebrities from all walks of life and customers from all over the world. Today, the brand not only sells shoes, but also handles leather products such as bags and belts, expanding its lineup to meet customer demands.
We strive to create products that our customers can treasure for a long time, and we incorporate the spirit of Il Meecho into all of our items. Our aim is for our products to grow with our customers over time, and for them to develop a deep attachment.
Our mission is to respect the traditions of craftsmanship while incorporating innovation to pass on to the next generation. Even in times of rapid change, we combine the techniques and creativity cultivated by our craftsmen to deliver unique products that will be loved for a long time.
LINEUP
BESPOKE SHOES
BAG
BELT
ACCESSORY
TRAY
BRACELET
INTERIOR
ABOUT
Hidetaka Fukaya
Passionate about craftsmanship since childhood, Fukaya studied under a craftsman in Nagoya while attending design school, where he learned the basics of shoemaking. After graduating, he worked as a fashion designer, but his desire to pursue craftsmanship that only he could do led him to travel alone to Italy to become a bespoke shoemaker. At the time, there were no workshops where foreigners could train, so he spent his days visiting each one, but his passion was recognized and he was given the opportunity to train under a master craftsman in Siena.
In 1999, he founded his own brand, "il micio", and his talent was eventually recognized by Franco Minucci, owner of the famous Florentine shop "Tie Your Tie", making him the first Japanese person to set up a bespoke atelier overseas. Fukaya's design sense is highly regarded, and he has grown to the point where he receives requests from many select shops and celebrities. Furthermore, to mark the 10th anniversary of the company's founding, he held an art exhibition at the museum of Marino Marini, a leading Italian sculptor, and is engaged in creative activities that go beyond the boundaries of craftsmanship.
HISTORY
- - Born on October 18 in Nagoya.
- - After high school graduation, enrolled in "Mode Gakuen", a top design school in Nagoya, Japan.
- - While studying, apprenticed under master craftsman Motaro Matsuda, learning basic shoemaking techniques.
-
- Graduated from Nagoya Mode Gakuen with top honors. Received the "Creator of The Year" award.
Moved to Tokyo and worked as a designer for the KENSYO ABE brand company. -
- Left the company and moved to Italy.
Apprenticed under shoemaker Alessandro Stella in Siena. -
- Relocated to Florence and launched his own brand "il micio".
Began his career as a shoemaker. - - Designed shoes for the famous Florence brand "Tie Your Tie".
- - Opened his own shop, a long-held dream.
- - Designed high-quality ready-made shoes in collaboration with Japanese apparel company "TOMORROWLAND".
- - Appeared in the NHK documentary program "First Japanese".
-
- Collaborated with Japanese apparel company "Eight Million" to design high-quality ready-made shoes.
Also cooperated with Italian company "Sperga" to design the "Sperga for Hidetaka Fukaya" collection of sneakers. -
- Appeared on NHK World's program "Tokyo Fashion Express".
Also appeared on SKY TV Japan's program "Adult's European Walk".
Furthermore, appeared on Yomiuri TV's program "Guutto Chikyubin".
