Maison Kitsune

SUMMARY

Maison Kitsuné is a French-Japanese lifestyle brand founded in 2002 by Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki. The name “Kitsuné,” meaning “fox” in Japanese, symbolizes versatility and adaptability. The brand integrates fashion, music, and café culture, offering a unique “Art de Vivre” that combines Parisian elegance with Japanese minimalism. Maison Kitsuné operates boutiques worldwide and has expanded into cafés and a record label, Kitsuné Musique.

ORIGINS AND HISTORY

Maison Kitsuné was established in Paris in 2002 by Gildas Loaëc, a former manager of Daft Punk, and Masaya Kuroki, a Japanese architect. Their initial venture was a record label, Kitsuné Musique, which gained prominence through curated compilations and collaborations with artists like Phoenix and Two Door Cinema Club. The duo’s shared passion for music and fashion led to the creation of a clothing line in 2005, marking the brand’s expansion into fashion.

In 2013, Maison Kitsuné opened its first Café Kitsuné in Tokyo’s Aoyama district, merging the brand’s aesthetic with the café culture. The café concept was later introduced in Paris in 2019. As of 2022, the brand operates 35 boutiques globally, including locations in Paris, New York, Tokyo, and Seoul. Independent Paris fashion house Maison Kitsuné draws its inspiration from the cultural and aesthetic connections between these two cities through a wardrobe that brings together sharp tailoring, distinct streetwear influences, playfulness and wearable, comfort-focused designs.

Since inception, Maison Kitsuné has grown its network of directly-owned and operated stores to 38 locations across the world, including Paris, New York City, Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, and Los Angeles. The collection is also available online via the brand’s e-commerce site, in addition to more than 400 points of sale worldwide. Music label Kitsuné Musique’s philosophy has always been driven by singling out emerging talents as they break into music. Over the years, Kitsuné Musique has become the first home of sought-after artists such as Parcels, Two Door Cinema Club, Digitalism and more. If there is a Kitsuné sound, it could be described as incredibly diverse and led by the passion for talent scouting.

Specialty coffee retailer Café Kitsuné pays tribute to the pleasure of enjoying a quality coffee in iconic locations. Created in 2013, Café Kitsuné has grown to a network of 18 cafés across the world including Tokyo, Paris, Seoul, New York City, and Beijing, achieving cult status amongst specialty coffee lovers around the world. In 2019, Café Kitsuné has also extended its activities to new business lines, adding roasteries, bars and restaurants to its portfolio.

Maison Kitsuné has been recognized for its innovative collaborations with brands and artists. Notable partnerships include: Reebok Classics (2015) Shu Uemura (2015 & 2019) PUMA (2021) Montblanc (2021) and Olympia Le-Tan (2022). In 2016, Japanese fashion group Stripe International acquired a stake in Maison Kitsuné, providing the brand with additional resources for expansion. Despite this partnership, the brand has maintained its independent identity and creative direction. In 2025, Maison Kitsuné announced the closure of its U.S. retail stores to refocus on e-commerce and wholesale distribution, reflecting a strategic shift in its business model.

VISION

Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki envisioned Maison Kitsuné as a multifaceted brand that transcends traditional fashion boundaries. Their goal was to create a lifestyle brand that embodies their passions for music, fashion, and culture, offering a holistic experience to their audience. The founders aimed to build a brand that reflects their personal “Art de Vivre,” focusing on authenticity and creativity. They believed in the power of collaboration and sought to work with artists and brands that shared their values and vision. This approach has led to successful partnerships and a diverse product offering that extends beyond fashion. Maison Kitsuné’s vision also includes creating spaces that reflect its brand ethos. The Café Kitsuné concept was developed to provide customers with a physical space that embodies the brand’s aesthetic, offering a place to enjoy music, fashion, and coffee in a harmonious environment.

MISSION STATEMENT

Maison Kitsuné’s mission is to offer a unique blend of fashion, music, and culture that resonates with a global audience. The brand strives to create products and experiences that reflect its founders’ passions and values, focusing on authenticity, creativity, and quality. The brand is committed to fostering collaborations with artists and brands that align with its vision, enhancing its cultural influence and expanding its reach. Through these partnerships, Maison Kitsuné aims to continue its legacy of innovation and artistic expression. Maison Kitsuné also seeks to create spaces that embody its brand ethos, providing customers with environments that offer more than just products but a lifestyle experience. The Café Kitsuné concept exemplifies this mission, blending fashion, music, and café culture into a cohesive offering.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

• Gildas Loaëc – Chief Executive Officer

• Masaya Kuroki – Creative Director

• Galib Mammadov – Managing Director

• Yuni Ahn – Head of Design, Womenswear

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Maison Kitsuné combines Parisian elegance with Japanese minimalism. Its fashion line includes seasonal ready-to-wear collections for both men and women, featuring elevated staples such as tailored jackets, trousers, and accessories. The Maison Kitsuné Parisien collection redefines the modern Parisian silhouette, offering a city-chic and laid-back wardrobe for everyday wear.

In addition to fashion, Maison Kitsuné operates Café Kitsuné, a chain of coffee shops that serve as cultural hubs. These cafés offer a curated selection of coffee, pastries, and Maison Kitsuné merchandise, providing customers with a space to experience the brand’s lifestyle firsthand. As of 2022, there are 35 Maison Kitsuné boutiques and 26 Café Kitsuné locations worldwide, including in Paris, New York City, Tokyo, London, Vancouver, and Shanghai.

Maison Kitsuné also maintains a record label, Kitsuné Musique, which has been instrumental in the brand’s cultural influence. The label has released compilations featuring emerging artists and has collaborated with established acts, contributing to the brand’s identity as a purveyor of both fashion and music.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Maison Kitsuné has been recognized for its innovative approach to combining fashion, music, and culture. The brand’s collaborations with artists and other brands have garnered attention in the fashion industry, showcasing its ability to merge diverse creative elements. The Café Kitsuné concept has been praised for its design and ambiance, earning accolades for creating spaces that reflect the brand’s aesthetic and provide customers with a unique experience. These cafés have become destinations in their own right, contributing to the brand’s global appeal. Kitsuné Musique has received recognition for its contributions to the music industry, with its compilations and artist collaborations being celebrated for introducing new sounds and supporting emerging talent. The label’s influence extends beyond fashion, solidifying Maison Kitsuné’s position as a multifaceted cultural brand.