Meet the Founder and Creative Director - Michael Saiger
Michael Saiger, founder and creative director of Miansai, has steered the jewelry brand into its present position as a global company that’s inspired a generation of style seekers. An aficionado of antiques and fine art, the native New Yorker brings a refreshed perspective to jewelry creation, thanks to a background in handcrafted design.
Seeing a void in the men’s jewelry market for inspired yet understated pieces, Michael launched Miansai – a portmanteau of his full name – while studying at the University of Miami. A scholar of mechanics and movement, Michael began taking raw input and transformed it into refined output, a process he continues to execute to this very day. From its beginnings in 2008, Miansai has now grown into a lifestyle and fashion success story with pieces for men, women and children, as well as fine jewelry collections. Emphasizing an elevated aesthetic for the everyday, modern minimalist, Miansai has become synonymous with style that’s presented in an authentic manner.
Today, the brand’s jewelry, timepieces and leather goods are sold online and around the world in 40 states and 36 countries, with headquarters in Miami and a flagship boutique in New York City. Additionally, Michael has created a mobile fleet, or experiential retail spaces inside reimagined vehicles like a restored 1964 Piaggio purchased in Capri, a 1964 Lambretta discovered in Sicily, and a 1948 Airstream II that was sourced from a vintage vehicle collector in Wyoming. He’s also designed the brick-and-mortar store in New York City, featuring Scandinavian-inspired designs with exposed white brick walls, Italian porcelain tiles and rich wooden beams. Miansai’s latest retail operation includes a boutique onboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady. Designed by Michael, the space’s sleek interior is reminiscent of the company itself: elevated, minimal and clean.
In addition to steering his jewelry and accessories brand, Michael has become a global leader in sourcing, procuring and manufacturing specialty goods, from medical equipment to apparel. With nearly two decades of producing and distributing high-quality goods sourced at best value prices from reputable factories in Asia and beyond, Michael has built an extensive network of contacts, including clients from health organizations, private schools and nonprofits.
Michael and his wife, Rachael, are parents to three children. Alongside Rachael, Miansai’s fashion director, Michael is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various local and global initiatives. Miansai sponsors such non-profits as Style Saves, which Rachael founded in 2011 to provide underprivileged students with school uniforms, supplies, clothing, accessories and other necessities. Additionally, Michael and his team have also supported the global relief efforts in countries such as Haiti, Colombia, Nicaragua and Honduras.
Today, as Miansai continues expanding its collection and broad range, Michael is strengthening the brand’s direct-to-consumer accessibility, as well as expanding its global reach with meaningful partnerships and collaborations. The way he sees it, it’s all for pursuit of an effortlessly cool, elevated aesthetic.
Learn more about Michael at michaelsaiger.com.