Postalco Story
Postalco was founded in 2000 in Brooklyn, New York by Mike Abelson and Yuri Abelson Shimizu, before the studio permanently relocated a few years later to Tokyo, Japan. Both founders are graduates of the ArtCenter College of Design and share the conviction that good design does not arise from trends, but from long-term use. Their approach understands design as a cultural practice in which function, material, and time are of equal importance. An intensive engagement with Japanese everyday objects—and the question of why many of them function for decades without losing relevance—decisively shaped Postalco’s direction.
The Name & Origins are closely tied to the early history: “postal” refers to Mike Abelson’s long-standing fascination with postal systems, envelopes, and organizational structures—systems that function similarly worldwide yet remain culturally shaped. “co.” stands for collaboration, a central principle of Postalco. From the very beginning, the studio worked with paper mills, weaving workshops, and tanneries whose knowledge has in some cases been passed down through generations and normally rarely reaches the outside world.
The Founders: Mike Abelson, originally from the USA, brings an analytical, use-oriented perspective to the design process. His products emerge from observation, prototyping, and repeated testing in everyday life. Yuri Abelson Shimizu, who grew up in Japan and has a background in graphic and communication design, shapes the brand’s visual clarity, storytelling, and conceptual depth. The tension between their different cultural and design backgrounds forms the foundation of Postalco.
Development & Milestones: Postalco first became known for its custom-developed notebooks and organizational products that open completely flat—a detail that arose from intensive use rather than marketing considerations. This was followed by bags, textiles, and everyday objects whose cuts and details are derived from the working lives of photographers, designers, and travelers. Many products remain almost unchanged in the range for years—a deliberate counterpoint to the fast-paced design industry.
Interesting Facts: Postalco often tests new materials internally for long periods before adding them to the collection; some fabrics were originally developed exclusively for internal use. Patina is understood as part of a product’s biography—scratches, creases, or discoloration are considered visible traces of use. In this sense, Postalco sees itself less as a classic brand and more as an ongoing archive of everyday life, in which objects are allowed to accumulate experiences.
Postalco was founded in 2000 in Brooklyn, New York by Mike Abelson and Yuri Abelson Shimizu, before the studio permanently relocated a few years later to Tokyo, Japan. Both founders are graduates of the ArtCenter College of Design and share the conviction that good design does not arise from trends, but from long-term use. Their approach understands design as a cultural practice in which function, material, and time are of equal importance. An intensive engagement with Japanese everyday objects—and the question of why many of them function for decades without losing relevance—decisively shaped Postalco’s direction.
The Name & Origins are closely tied to the early history: “postal” refers to Mike Abelson’s long-standing fascination with postal systems, envelopes, and organizational structures—systems that function similarly worldwide yet remain culturally shaped. “co.” stands for collaboration, a central principle of Postalco. From the very beginning, the studio worked with paper mills, weaving workshops, and tanneries whose knowledge has in some cases been passed down through generations and normally rarely reaches the outside world.
The Founders: Mike Abelson, originally from the USA, brings an analytical, use-oriented perspective to the design process. His products emerge from observation, prototyping, and repeated testing in everyday life. Yuri Abelson Shimizu, who grew up in Japan and has a background in graphic and communication design, shapes the brand’s visual clarity, storytelling, and conceptual depth. The tension between their different cultural and design backgrounds forms the foundation of Postalco.
Development & Milestones: Postalco first became known for its custom-developed notebooks and organizational products that open completely flat—a detail that arose from intensive use rather than marketing considerations. This was followed by bags, textiles, and everyday objects whose cuts and details are derived from the working lives of photographers, designers, and travelers. Many products remain almost unchanged in the range for years—a deliberate counterpoint to the fast-paced design industry.
Interesting Facts: Postalco often tests new materials internally for long periods before adding them to the collection; some fabrics were originally developed exclusively for internal use. Patina is understood as part of a product’s biography—scratches, creases, or discoloration are considered visible traces of use. In this sense, Postalco sees itself less as a classic brand and more as an ongoing archive of everyday life, in which objects are allowed to accumulate experiences.