ABOUT MIYO

Malia Okamura was born into a family of seamstresses and craftswomen, and was inspired early by Japanese grandmothers who crafted everything from 'Barbie Couture' wardrobes to elaborate wedding dresses for their daughters and granddaughters. Since she was kid Malia has had a unique curiosity in creating things that are at once functional and beautiful.

Malia put artistic genes to work in achieving a Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University in Applied Design with an emphasis in furniture design, where she studied also the intricate processes of jewelry and textile design. She has since worked as a craft artisan at the internationally renowned La Jolla Playhouse, as well as for the Public Theatre in New York City.

Malia has always made her own handbags; MIYO Designs was born of the natural evolution of these skills coupled with interest in her work from friends and acquaintances. Traces of her Japanese and Hawaiian heritage can be found woven subtly into her pieces, always with a unique and progressive perspective.