Meet Takako
Designer Background
Takako (Founder and Designer of Circle3.nyc) grew up in Tokyo in a 3-generation family shoe business. She graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design and studied at ARS Sutoria Institute in Milan. Working for Italian shoe designers, she honed her craft through the daily design and production of shoes and accessories.
After a stint designing for Spanish and Portuguese shoe makers, she continued her design career in Tokyo and launched Karoline by Takako, a Spanish ladies shoe brand for fine shops around the world, including Barneys New York in Tokyo. Ever aware of New York's position at the center of the fashion world, Takako moved to NYC in 2012 to connect with its creative communities for collaboration and inspiration.
"I believe that a nice pair of shoes, take you to nice places, to meet nice people. Shoes can bring happiness and luck for all women, just like how it did for me." - Takako
Takako's Words
"In my twenties, I learned about shoe design and production in Europe. After some time, I launched my own shoe brand in Japan and Europe. After a 4-year break dedicated to child-rearing, I revived my design career as a shoe-maker in New York.
Now, I operate a shoe design studio, combining Japanese sophistication with European shoe production know-how and New York creativity and passion!"
BRAND CONCEPT
Designed With Purpose
Takako (Founder and Designer of Circle3.nyc) was inspired to create a sneaker which fits any situation, night or day, work or play - enabling anyone to make the scene, wherever it may be, with style, confidence, and comfort.
In addition to design and function, the sneakers feature a unique playfulness as expressed through the combination of material, color, shape, and texture. The brand name "Circle3" is a translation of Takako's Japanese family crest and was selected in tribute to her family roots.
Credits
Special thanks to my many talented friends who have helped and supported Circle3.nyc, including:
Photographers: Mickey Photo Studio and Niki
Models: Frida, Oriana, Kito
Make-up by Thamina
"Karoline by Takako" at Barney's New York (Ginza/Tokyo)