In the realm of global fashion, it’s the top-notch brand that expands. For Milly designer Michelle Smith, to Tokyo she goes. Since launching her label in 2000, Smith has brought forth a luxe line of smart, sweet, and simultaneously sexy pieces heightened by the application of highly creative couture techniques and gorgeous details. Over the past decade, Milly has become an iconic label associated with pristine quality and soft femininity, and with the brand’s newly established presence in Tokyo, it’s a whole new show.

From her early beginnings working in Paris for Hermes and interning at Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior Haute Couture, Smith felt a deep desire to create collections of luxurious quality whilst maintaining a classic, chic sensibility. For Smith, the launch of Milly was truly the manifestation of her deepest dreams.

“Launching my collection was invigorating and a bit nerve-wracking all at once,” says the designer. “I will be forever proud of my first collection, as it was the first of many great triumphs for Milly.”

With inspiration derived from her personal experiences living in New York and Paris, as well as beautiful travel destinations across the globe, there’s clearly no shortage of fodder for this sartorial soul. “My spring collection now in stores has hints of Talitha Getty’s boho chic,” says Smith. “In the past, I’ve also drawn inspiration from Dorris Duke. The Milly fall collection, hitting stores this August, was driven by Manhattan’s Gallery Girls; these muses, like the Milly customer, are chic, sophisticated and glamorous!”

New York has been the manufacturing post for Milly since its inception, yet the time is nigh for bigger prêt-a-porter pastures. For the launch of her first boutique, Smith has chosen Tokyo as the location of choice, with bold plans to grow her business in Japan.“ The boutique is comfortable and inspiring,” says Smith. “Our hope is that it becomes a refuge for stylish shoppers and their fashionable friends. The shop incorporates large etched mirrors, plush carpeting, and beautiful, mod chandeliers to make my metallic pieces truly sparkle.”

The pristine new Tokyo space serves to showcase Smith’s garments gorgeously, featuring Milly signature pink accents and windows displaying the bold, iconic prints associated with the line. “Shoppers will feel as though they are entering their dream New York City apartment, fully stocked with a perfect Milly wardrobe!” With its universal appeal, Milly’s transition to a Japanese market should easily be breezy. “Milly customers in Japan appreciate the line’s smart, sexy, feminine style,” says Smith.

“Like their global counterparts, our Japanese customers recognize the importance of luxe fabrics and chic silhouettes that are retro but truly modern, and easily transition from day to evening.” Lovers of the line will flip over Smith’s future plans to expand. With specific aims to establish a U.S. flagship in Manhattan and set up outposts in Chicago, Boston, Dallas, San Francisco, and Atlanta, the mind behind Milly has quite the iron will. Heart, be still.

Visit: www.MillyNY.com