PANELO is set to make its debut at Milan Fashion Week, marking a significant milestone for the emerging brand. Founded by Japanese designer Yukari Okino, PANELO will showcase its first collection during the Yes Brand show on September 22. Known for her commitment to minimalist elegance, Okino’s work is a celebration of the natural beauty of the female silhouette, focusing on simplicity, quality, and quiet luxury.
PANELO’s Philosophy: Silhouette and Minimalism
At the heart of PANELO’s aesthetic lies the concept of “Quiet Luxury”, a fashion movement that emphasizes understated elegance. Okino’s designs avoid flashy details and bold colors, instead offering clean, refined lines in neutral tones ranging from white to beige and black. Her goal is to create garments that highlight the body’s natural beauty without overpowering it.
For Okino, “beauty lies in the simplicity of lines and in the ability to enhance the female body with respect and grace.” Her collection embodies timeless elegance, catering to women seeking sophistication that transcends trends. This philosophy places PANELO in direct contrast to the often chaotic, trend-driven world of contemporary fashion.
A Journey of Passion and Determination
Before founding her own label, Okino worked as a saleswoman in the fashion industry, where she observed firsthand the needs and desires of women, as well as gaps in the market. Frustrated by the lack of inclusive, well-designed options, she decided to create a brand that could cater to a diverse range of women.
Her partnership with Motoyuki Kamiya, now her manager and investor, was a key turning point for PANELO. A chance meeting during a round of golf led to a fruitful collaboration. Kamiya believed in her vision from the start, helping to turn Okino’s ideas into reality and positioning PANELO as a brand to watch in the international fashion scene.
The Milan Debut: A Defining Moment
Milan Fashion Week is renowned as one of the world’s fashion capitals, and presenting her collection here is a major achievement for Okino. Milan’s emphasis on refinement and understated luxury makes it the perfect setting for PANELO’s aesthetic. Okino is excited about the opportunity, stating, “Participating in such an important event fills me with pride and pushes me to do even better.”
This debut at Milan is the first step in PANELO’s journey toward international recognition, as the brand looks to capture the attention of a global audience seeking timeless, sophisticated fashion.
The Future of PANELO: Expansion and Innovation
While PANELO’s first collection focuses on clothing, Okino has big plans for the future. She aims to expand the brand’s offerings to include accessories, bags, and jewelry, creating a holistic fashion experience for women. The vision is to build a “PANELO world”, where women can express their style harmoniously, from clothing to accessories and even fragrances.
As PANELO prepares to make its mark at Milan Fashion Week, the brand’s emphasis on quiet beauty and female strength sets it apart in today’s fast-paced fashion landscape. With many exciting projects on the horizon, Okino is ready to take PANELO to new heights, offering a refreshing take on elegance that never goes out of style.
Gabriella Chiarappa