minä perhonen “swing camellia” —A Spring Coat Where Camellias Sway Quietly, Like Wearing a Piece of Art

The “swing camellia” textile by minä perhonen was introduced in the Autumn/Winter 2022–23 collection.

Depicting camellia flowers that bloom in winter—both strong and delicate in their expression—
this textile could well be considered one of the defining works of mina perhonen.

Oto

I, too, am a devoted admirer of “swing camellia.”

From the moment it was introduced, it quickly became a beloved textile.
It appeared in various items—shoulder bags in different sizes, egg bags, and more—
yet they seemed to sell out almost as soon as they reached the shelves.

I still find myself thinking… I should have bought one back then.

Variations of “swing camellia” —
Bringing Color to Everyday Life

Before introducing this coat, let’s take a moment to look back at the different variations of “swing camellia.”

・swing camellia / checked embroidered long coat
(Outer: 100% cotton / Lining: 100% silk)
(aaa6718)

・swing camellia / embroidered long coat
(Outer: 100% cotton / Lining: 100% silk)
(aaa6719)

・swing camellia / gingham checked embroidered long coat
(51% cotton / 49% silk)

・swing camellia / cotton embroidered gathered skirt
(Outer: 100% cotton / Lining: 100% silk)

Nami

For bags and cushions, the same material—50% wool and 50% cotton—is used.
Its character lies in a slightly thicker, loosely woven texture.

・swing camellia / shoulder bag large size（wool 50% cotton 50%）

・swing camellia / shoulder bag small size（wool 50% cotton 50%）（aaa9471）

・swing camellia / egg bag（wool 50% cotton 50%）（AAA9487）

・swing camellia / cushion large size　50cm×50cm
（I couldn’t confirm whether a 45 × 45 cm small cushion was available in the “swing camellia” series.）

・swing camellia / ravioli cushion 　50cm×25cm

The Subtle, Unconventional Beauty Within “swing camellia”

Now, let’s take a closer look at the details of the “swing camellia” embroidered long coat.

Cocona

This time, I paired it with a voluminous white blouse, chosen to echo the raw-cut fabric of the “swing camellia.”

The length is on the longer side.
In the smallest size, 36, it measures just under 110 cm.

A coat enveloped in “swing camellia” embroidery from every angle—truly striking in its presence.
It appears time and again in mina’s exhibitions, and could well be considered one of the iconic coats that represent mina perhonen.

At the back, a decorative belt adds a subtle accent.

Seen from the side,
the embroidery may pause in places, yet it still carries a gentle, natural flow.

The Beauty of Subtraction, Found in the Details

Overall, it reveals a voluminous silhouette with a generous width through the body.
From here, let’s take a closer look at the details.

Three soft buttons, gently aligned along the front.

Oto

The buttons, in a slightly muted tone that gently echoes the color of the fabric,
may at first feel surprisingly simple.
I, too, found myself wondering—
couldn’t they have chosen something a bit more distinctive?

And yet, when seen from a distance, once worn, the reason quietly reveals itself.

The true focus lies with the camellias—boldly placed, yet delicately rendered.
These understated buttons become quiet supporting actors,
allowing the “swing camellia” embroidery to stand in its full presence.

By deliberately holding back, by choosing restraint,
it feels as though the piece allows the textile—this work of art—to fully come into being.

There are pockets at both sides of the waist.
This is the pocket on the right.

And this is the pocket on the left.
Even the opening of the pocket is beautifully and carefully finished—something that quietly earns my admiration.

The lining is also finished with remarkable care.

Nami

With embroidery of this richness, I wondered if the coat might feel heavy when worn.
Out of curiosity, I stepped on the scale—and found a difference of about 1.3 kg between wearing it and not. (A bit of a surprise.)
At 1.3 kg, it does carry a noticeable weight.

For those who are sensitive to shoulder strain, or who prefer lighter outerwear,
the unlined swing camellia gingham embroidered long coat—made from the same textile—may be a gentler choice.

A Light Rhythm Woven into Tradition

At the foundation of this coat is a fabric with a composed, tailored character—
something that quietly recalls a well-made men’s jacket.

Woven in a loose, basket-like structure, it offers a smooth touch and a lightness that resists creasing.

Upon this traditional, slightly masculine base, camellia embroidery seems to drift lightly across the surface.
It is this delicate balance—between structure and softness, between a quiet strength and a gentle fluidity—
that lifts the piece beyond simple charm, giving it a presence that feels quietly intelligent.

Wearing “swing camellia” in Your Own Way

Even when casually draped over a relaxed outfit, it carries a quiet sense of presence.

Paired with black slacks and boots for a sharp, refined look.

It also pairs surprisingly well with more mode-inspired styling, creating a quiet, unexpected harmony.

Beyond the Boundaries of Gender

“swing camellia” is not meant for women alone.
Of course, it depends on finding the right fit—

but when worn by a man, the composed weave and the raw-cut texture may transform—
becoming something bolder, more forceful—
a piece that reads as art in a different, powerful way.

“swing camellia” —
A Free Beauty That Resonates Beyond Boundaries

Regardless of gender or nationality,
this textile reveals ever-changing expressions depending on who wears it.

Perhaps what matters most is not being bound by convention,
but trusting in one’s own sense of beauty.

What this piece has taught me is the true freedom of wearing clothing—
and the quiet joy of bringing art closer to everyday life.

With this “swing camellia,” newly added to my closet,
I hope to walk into the coming seasons in a way that feels truly my own.

Oto

月から金までフルタイムで働く！更年期一歩手前の頑張る社会人。

「コーディネートが苦手！でもミナペルホネンが大好き！」と、
ひょんなことから悩みと熱意を聞いてもらい、 ファッションが大好きな仲間と一緒にミナペルホネンのお洋服やグッズ、その魅力をお伝えするサイトを作ることになりました。
撮影にこだわり、ミナが好きな方、ファッションやアートが好きな方にも、ワクワクしていただけるような情報をお届けします。