Bringing a new brand into the Apparel store can be a gamble - it's a big investment that may not pay off if the line doesn't resonate with our audience. On the other hand, sometimes a brand joins the roster and brings with it certain items that seem to sell out almost immediately, even when we planned ahead for a Monthly Mash story about them...
Atelier Delphine was born from designer Yuka Izutsu’s studies of literature, poetry, and philosophy in Japan, an unconventional start for a line that feels so established. Her knits offer a sense of play while being deeply comforting, and if you don't move fast, all the sweaters will be gone. We were honored to get a moment of Yuka's time to chat about how Atelier Delphine came to be, and how Yuka's uniquely introspective process will carry it into the future. 
Your journey didn't begin in fashion design - can you tell us a bit about your history and how you ended up starting Atelier Delphine? What does a day or week in your life look like now?
I went to college for literature in Japan. I was very vulnerable, I wanted to live with poetry and always be free. After graduating, I moved to the U.S. to get away from my mono culture/mono language country, with not much prospect in mind. I chose LA because it’s the closest western city from Japan.
I started Atelier Delphine in March 2011, when I was working at baby clothing company and going to the Art Center College of Design for fine art. The company took a hit during the 2007/2008 economic shock and was about to close in 2011, so their sample and pattern maker encouraged me to start a line. To this day I am working with them. Like I said, I was still not sure what I wanted to be, but in school my art was involving fabrics more than anything else. Looking back, my sculptures look vulnerable, tender and emotional - but also showed something strong. Though I had just started a fashion line, I still saw myself as an artist. Then, a buyer heard a rumor I was making a few pieces, and they placed an order.
My day and week are very unique to one another - I travel once a month to Peru.
Otherwise, I am mostly in the office, or driving around the factories in LA. I always meet and work together with each team. My weekend is all about people. My must is going to the farmers market and getting all my veggies and fruits on Sunday. My husband is a photographer and we have a lot of artistic friends - I love having people over to our house, so every week when possible we have guests over and have dinner together.
What makes your work feel easy, and what is your favorite part? Is there anything that makes it feel particularly difficult?
My line is pretty extensive; I consider it a wardrobe for all day - waking up in the Kiko Pant, going to the office in the Mikia Pant and Balloon Sleeve Sweater, adding a Haori Coat over yoga wear, etc., and my clothing is also perfect for traveling. I am trying to integrate the idea of “clothing” into a livable concept, which I think takes some confusion out of the world we live in.
As far as difficulties, a lot of the “business” part is something I get stressed out dealing with, and sometimes it’s the largest part of this work. Difficult math, promotions, etc. are not something that I love doing - I am not aligned with who I want to be when I think about “business,” and not living as who I am is a very hard feeling for me. People ask me for instructions, approvals and directions, and I often feel uncomfortable as I don’t consider myself a director or business owner.
You're very good at articulating the vision behind each collection, and the company as a whole. Why is it important to you to integrate this kind of storytelling into Atelier Delphine?
Oh thank you! I think it's because I am both a realistic person, and very imaginative or even delusional sometimes, and that’s the reality for most people I am assuming. I also think that reflects my life as a whole - when I think of particular season, I go through my thinking and try to touch with who I am, and what I do, what I think, how I feel, and we develop a story around it.
What are some things that inspire you, and how do you see them manifest in your clothing designs? Do you have a favorite piece?
I am inspired by women who are strong, vulnerable, and have a one-of-a-kind quality. For example Patricia from the movie "Breathless" - she looks quiet and doesn’t express much, but has intense feelings that lead them into something dangerous. Keiko from “When the Woman Ascends the Stairs,” too - a young widow, working against social stigma and constraints as a hostess.
My favorite piece is the Well-Traveled Haori Coat - it’s made one by one by me, and it's a fun time.
In addition to everything else on your schedule, you regularly travel all over the world sourcing materials and artisans for your pieces - what is important to you about this sort of connection to international contributors?
Making clothing is making the dream, and making the day more inspiring and meaningful - what I create is considered less commercial, but it offers more meaning than just wearing clothing for certain situations or cultures or occasions. I am hoping to provide more meaning by sharing the authentic textures, feelings and colors in real life clothing from things that I collect from all over the world, and by trying to apply those through my own lens. I was always off-beat in Japan, and I consider myself different here, and sometimes I still can not find myself in my psychological journey, so by exploring more things I'm making the depth in the collection. Of course I try to balance that with maintaining quality, and a realistic and accessible price! I love fashion.
What are you looking forward to in the future of Atelier Delphine?
We are expanding our collection to cover the whole day, and exploring more seasons and occasions - we started as a Japanese/Californian weekend concept, and now I am trying to convey more. For example, by adding dresses that you can wear to a gallery opening or dinners, as well as sturdy utilitarian jackets that you can own forever. I am hoping to infuse more of my originality into the brand.
Shop the full collection of Atelier Delphine in store and online.
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