Maison de chatnoir
/Show Day
DAY1, APR 8
/Social Media
maison de chatnoir is a brand created by Noir, a leather goods and shoes designer, and Macoto, a clothing designer.
We propose and transmit a new style, “Naughty Style,” which incorporates the image of a curious and naughty child into the British fashion of the 1930s to 1960s.
Noir started his own business in 1990's after 3 years of training under a leather shoe master while living as a “MODS” in Tokyo. He started his career as a leather shoemaker in his hometown, Kumamoto. After that, he met Macoto and they hit it off and established maison de chatnoir. They mainly make leather shoes that go well with clothes, as well as small leather goods and leather bags.
Macoto graduated from Kumamoto Design College with a degree in fashion design and worked for an apparel company as a designer of women's wear for about a year. She then founded Noir and maison de chatnoir. It started out as a Lolita fashion store, but after about two years, it began to produce the current “Naughty Style”.
For those of you who yearn for the adult world and can't let go of your curiosity. If you don't enjoy the present, when will you enjoy it?
For this collection, we have assembled a style based on the 60's style that fully expresses the maison de chatnoir style.
While incorporating modern designs, we have paid close attention to the details of the fabrics and silhouettes, including the use of the brand's original patterns.
In addition, since the garments are made from the very beginning of the pattern making process, every design has a playful touch. The “Naughty” concept of the brand is on full display in this collection, so please take a good look at it from head to toe.
PREVIOUS COLLECTIONS
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
Noir: In the 1990s, I was living as a MODS in Tokyo, immersed in British subculture. After three years training under a leather shoe master, I started my career as a shoemaker in Kumamoto. That craftsmanship became my foundation.
Macoto: I graduated from Kumamoto Design College in fashion design and worked designing women's wear for a year. But I wanted to create something more personal. I founded Noir, which evolved into maison de chatnoir. We started as a Lolita store but discovered our true voice with Naughty Style within two years.
How would you describe your design style?
We call it Naughty Style, incorporating the image of a curious, naughty child into British fashion from the 1930s to 1960s. It's for those who yearn for the adult world but can't let go of their curiosity. Our philosophy is if you don't enjoy the present, when will you enjoy it. We blend vintage British elegance with playful, mischievous details in everything from leather shoes to garments.
What can people expect from your latest collection?
This collection is based on 1960s style that fully expresses maison de chatnoir. We've incorporated modern designs while paying close attention to fabric and silhouette details, including our original patterns. Every garment is made from the pattern-making stage, so each design has a playful touch. The Naughty concept is on full display from head to toe.
How do you choose which vintage textiles to use, and what guides your decisions when redesigning them?
We actually create our own original patterns from scratch rather than sourcing vintage textiles. This gives us complete control over quality and design. We're guided by the Naughty Style concept, era-specific inspiration like 1960s silhouettes for this collection, fabric-silhouette harmony, and wearability. By controlling the entire process from pattern-making to final garment, every piece truly represents our vision.
What role do you hope maison de chatnoir plays in the future of sustainable fashion in Japan and beyond?
We believe quality craftsmanship and timeless design are inherently sustainable. Our leather goods and shoes are made with traditional techniques, designed to last for years. We encourage personal style over trends, support local Kumamoto craftsmanship, and practice mindful production. If we can inspire people to buy less but better, choosing pieces with personality and purpose, we're playing our part.