10 QUESTIONS WITH : Yusuke Yanagi, Designer and Founder of STILL BY HAND

The biggest challenges in the fashion game are not how to make the most extravagant or complicated designs. In fact, it’s the opposite! Crafting pieces that are minimalist and simple, yet impactful in their look is something  that takes finesse and a skilled eye to master. The cuts need to be molded with attention, materials have to be chosen (or developed) with intentionality, and details must be clean and serve a purpose. That’s where Yusuke Yanagi and his label, STILL BY HAND, comes into play. 

Since the early 2000s Yanagi has been developing a pristine universe around his brand. The central totem of the house is minimalism, sure, but nothing here is banal. What Yusuke is proposing with STILL BY HAND is rather the  foundations of a wardrobe, one to truly live your life in. No frills, no jangly nonsense, just beautiful materials and a function for every detail. This being said, there is still evolution, and while each season builds on the one before it, every collection has something fresh and unique to offer. 

This is why it has been such a pleasure to continue working with STILL BY HAND for the better part of the last decade. After getting to meet Yusuke and see his work for the first time after a trip to Japan around 10 years ago, we have been proudly one of the first stockists in Europe as the brand started to branch out of Japan. We are so happy to receive this latest Spring Summer 26 collection from the brand at RENDEZ-VOUS STORE this past week. The color palette is neutral, showing off these incredible fabric choices, like a hemp/cotton  denim that has a slight sheen, an incredible nubby texture, all dyed in a deep indigo color, or their signature strong yet smooth cotton/linen blends made into shorts, pants, shirts, and outerwear in different weights. This season is a particular example of the true force of a STILL BY HAND collection, with the evolutions of pieces that they have been developing since the beginning, complimented with new shapes and ideas.  

To mark the occasion of the latest arrivals hitting the shops and online store, we sent over 10 rapid-fire questions to get a better insight into how life is going, what he’s into and how he approaches design. A man of few words, his responses reflect this stripped-back and direct approach he has in all aspects. Enjoy this little interview, and check out the latest collection from STILL BY HAND now at RENDEZ-VOUS STORE.

What was your biggest inspiration for this collection?                                                

Nothing particular. I find myself drawn to things that are uneven yet beautiful.

For the uninitiated, describe in some words your design philosophy.

Designing in a way that fully utilizes the characteristics of the fabric.

The name « STILL BY HAND » seems like it is a message as much as it is the name of the brand. What is the story behind the name?　　　　　　　　　　　　　　     

 Many things can now be done automatically. But I didn’t want people to forget that there are steps in the production process that can only be done by hand, so I chose this brand name.

Where does the design process start for a STILL BY HAND collection?

The season’s color palette is fixed first.

What were your personal favorite pieces from this latest collection?  

CO02261OS: Love fabric and collar design. PT10261OS : Love pocket detail

What’s your biggest passion outside of creating clothing?                                          

I’m currently focused on work. All related to STILL BY HAND and company-owned stores.

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten recently and where/how did you get it?              

The udon I had in Kagawa Prefecture was super delicious. My recommendation is “Kunitoraya” udon restaurant in Paris, it is delicious!

How important is music to your creative process? What have you been listening to lately 

It’s not that important. But I do like to see live music.

What are you looking forward to most this year?                                                  

Starting life with my mother in our new home soon. This is a very big event.

I live for your Instagram photos with your cat. How is your little son?!                       

I met him on the street eight years ago. He had a skin disease, so I brought him home, and we’ve been together ever since. He always brings healing to my wife and me.

Discover the full STILL BY HAND selection now online!