Founded by Japanese architect Fumihiko Sano, MIWA is a membership-based club in Paris dedicated to the cultural practice of origata, the decorative and ceremonial gift wrapping.
Members of MIWA meet at the Japanese cultural club and participate in gift wrapping and exchanging ceremonies with other members, a process that has roots in the Shinto religion. Traditionally, the specially wrapped gifts are secured with red and white twine, the two colors representing Yin and Yang.
The MIWA club boasts a stunning wood-lined interior design including a dimly lit lobby with the single source of light directed at the flower sitting on the reception desk, which is made from a piece of 300-year-old cypress wood. Fumihiko Sano is also the founder of Studio Phenomenon.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Origata Gift Wrapping
- The trend of origata gift wrapping promotes the cultural practice of decorative and ceremonial gift wrapping, creating opportunities for unique and personalized gifting experiences.
- Membership-based Clubs
- The trend of membership-based clubs offers exclusive experiences and a sense of belonging, providing opportunities for businesses to create specialized communities and curated services.
- Cultural Practices in International Settings
- The trend of cultural practices being adopted in international settings opens up opportunities for cross-cultural collaborations and the emergence of unique cultural experiences.
Where This Applies
- Luxury Gifting
- The luxury gifting industry can leverage the origata gift wrapping trend to offer premium gift wrapping services and enhance the overall luxury gift experience.
- Hospitality and Experiential Services
- The hospitality and experiential services industry can create membership-based clubs like MIWA to provide unique cultural experiences and foster a sense of community among customers.
- Art and Design
- The art and design industry can explore the adoption of cultural practices, such as origata, to create innovative and visually appealing products and installations.
