Drawing from the Japanese tradition of diving for precious pearls, AGOBAY was created to inspire a more beautiful and conscious life. Explore our founding story, philosophy, and intentions, and join us on a transformative journey beyond the mundane.
FROM AGO-WAN 英虞湾 TO AGOBAY
Early morning in Ise-Shima, Japan – the first rays of the sun caress the small curved rock formations, transforming their clusters of trees into shimmering emerald. Surrounding them, the tranquil waters gently sway. And there, a few women glide through the water, skilfully diving down and reemerging a few moments later.
The picturesque stretch of coastline is known as Ago-wan, and these women are the ‘Ama’ (Japanese for ‘Women of the Sea’). Without any tools, relying solely on the knowledge passed down to them through generations and a specific breathing technique, they dive into the ocean’s depth, carefully harvesting its treasures: abalone, sea urchins and precious pearls – all while respecting nature’s resources and rhythms.
While the coastline was the inspiration for AGOBAY’s name, the skills of the Ama stand for its vision: finding, celebrating and creating the pearls of this world – whether they come in the form of a single handmade product, an unforgettable experience or a place to feel at home.
Attention to quality and craft are at the core of our philosophy, while we share these rare finds in both digital and physical realms. We fondly refer to them as escapes, for they take us to magical places beyond the mundane, where time stretches, every detail aligns, and we experience with all our senses. AGOBAY aims to approach every facet of life – from the way we travel, to what we read, listen to and experience, to the selection of objects that surround us. It’s an inspirational guide for those who seek to live their life with intention and savour its finer nuances, prioritising time over money and valuing quality over quantity. The visionary mind behind AGOBAY is René Allemann. With over 25 years of experience as a creative director, he has shaped the ideas, strategies and designs of numerous brands around the world. In 2023, with AGOBAY, he has brought his very own to life, alongside a dedicated team of individuals who live and share the same vision.
“AGOBAY was borne of the desire to inspire, discover and create beauty with a purpose, so that we connect with life-minded individuals all over the world. I feel that, as creatives, this is our contribution to the world we live in.”
René Allemann, Creative Director, AGOBAY
You’ll discover an atmospheric journal of stories, photographs and films. You’ll find an online shop filled with carefully chosen or purposefully created artisanal products, and soothing playlists to dive into. You’ll experience our warm world coming to life at our stores and cafés in selected cities, at fugitive events and in thoughtfully designed sanctuaries.
Sign up to our newsletters and be the first to know what’s new and coming next on AGOBAY, from new stories in our journal, additions to our online shop, monthly playlists, upcoming events, and everything else that inspires our world. Create your own profile to save your favourite escapes and much more.
