Women in the cities

The cities Urbanic loves, and the women who inspire us there. 

Capturing the unique mood and energy of their respective cities, we observe how these women seamlessly weave Urbanic into their daily lives. Though their neighborhoods, ages, and stories differ, they all share a natural ease in expressing themselves through Urbanic's style. In their individuality, we find a beautiful source of inspiration.

Meet the people of different cities and experience a variety of sensibilities through Urbanic. 

Yui Matsuzaki, Paris

Born and raised in Shizuoka, Japan, Yui Matsuzaki (@yui___matsuzaki) now runs a charming café and a Japanese home-style restaurant in Paris. We caught up with Yui and her husband, Yuichiro Sugiyama, at Dreamin’ Man in the 1st arrondissement, capturing the busy yet beautiful moments of her life seamlessly woven into the fabric of Paris.

Yui wears the Bone Shirt, Ancienne Sleeveless Top, Faded Pocket T-shirt, Archive Denim, Indigo Bandana, and Rustic Moccasins—all by Urbanic.

Yui Matsuzaki (Y): Hello, I’m Yui Matsuzaki. I live in Paris and, together with my partner Yuichiro, run three Dreamin’ Man cafés and a Japanese home-style restaurant called Our House. I handle the concept and creation of the desserts for our cafés, as well as the accounting.

U: What brought you to Paris, and how did your journey with the café begin?

Y: Before moving to Paris, I went to London to study. I absolutely loved the British tea culture, the desserts, and how the city beautifully balanced urban life with green parks everywhere. At the time, my dream was to work in London someday. However, getting a visa wasn't easy, so I ended up coming to Paris on a working holiday visa instead.

Although I had no professional experience in the food industry in Japan, I've loved baking with my grandmother and mother since I was a little girl. Even as an adult, I spent almost every weekend making desserts.

After moving to Paris, I began helping manage Boot Café, working alongside its American owner. As the business grew significantly, I once mentioned that I would love to try making desserts as well. The owner replied, "Then let's go buy an oven right now." That's how I began baking at home every day.

What started purely as a hobby naturally connected with other people’s everyday lives, eventually leading to the work I do today.

U: What was your first impression of Paris?

Y: To be honest, when I first settled here, I missed London immensely. There were times I deeply wished to go back, and the Parisian people felt a bit cold and reserved at first. But as time passed and I truly lived here, I discovered a warmth beneath the surface, along with a comfortable, respectful distance between people. Now, I love exploring and enjoying all the hidden charms this city has to offer.

U: Are there any favorite neighborhoods, walking routes, or recent interests you’d like to share?

Y: So many of our customers have incredible style, so observing what they and my friends are wearing has become one of my favorite daily pleasures. We often welcome fashion designers and models, and I get so much inspiration from seeing how naturally they enjoy and express their own style.

Another favorite spot is JJ Hings Ice Cream & Things in the 10th arrondissement, which I visit almost every single week. The owner, Julia, changes the flavors weekly, so looking forward to 'what flavor will it be this week?' feels like a sweet little reward to myself after a busy week. Her seasonal flavors also offer a lovely moment to pause and feel the changing seasons during a hectic life.

I believe these small joys and moments of richness hidden within ordinary life naturally shape both my approach to desserts and the way I live.

U: How have Shizuoka and Paris influenced your personal space and style?

Y: Growing up in Shizuoka, surrounded by abundant nature and a slower pace of life, taught me the importance of being present and at ease. Paris, on the other hand, constantly inspires me with its historic streets and the way people cherish the old while embracing new values. As the sensibilities of these two cities intertwine, I feel the unique atmosphere of Dreamin’ Man and my own personal style have gradually come together.

U: How did you feel wearing Urbanic pieces for this shoot?

Y: Actually, I’ve admired Urbanic for a while through my friend Mika (who modeled for Urbanic’s last winter campaign, as well as this summer’s). She always looked so lovely and effortless in the clothes, so I was thrilled to experience them myself this time.

When I put them on, I loved the thoughtful details and soft, flowing silhouettes. They felt incredibly natural and comfortable, allowing me to feel like myself without looking overly styled. I was really drawn to that delicate, exquisite balance—feminine, yet perfectly relaxed.

U: What do you hope to express moving forward, or do you have any future plans?

Y: Through Dreamin’ Man, I hope to express the idea of "finding beauty in everyday life." Whether through desserts, spaces, or fashion, I want to share things that can bring a little more richness to someone's ordinary day.

There are still so many new things I’d love to try. I just hope to continue embracing who we are in each moment while gently opening up new chapters along the way.