2 MINUTE READ

True to the androgyny of our brand name Claude,
so is the nature of our designs – they are for everyone.

Since our formation, Claude has presented our accessories as “feminine.” This was not intentional but an organic expression stemming from collections, designed and worn by one who identifies as a woman. However, recently Claude has become aware that people of all ages, nationalities and genders have been taking to the brand.

“Inclusion and diversity is the highest moral to live by, and design based on universality is key,” says Claude. “It should go without saying, however, when it comes to fluidity in fashion—the merging of women’s and menswear as gender-neutral is needed and it frees us all—both the wearer and the designer. Wear and create what you want with no judgements. Self-expression is the full expression and joy of fashion.”

A Designer’s Coming Out

In seeing how her scarves had become part of a more inclusive and genderless fashion trend, Claude, the designer herself, started photographing diverse subjects who live in Kanazawa wearing Claude’s silk scarves. Claude worked closely with stylist Masako Hayashi in the downtown area of Shintatemachi and created a series of photographs of Masuo Shioi, the first model who identifies as ‘male’ for Claude.

“This conscious move to present the brand in this way opens up our creative realm and feels just right.”

I’ve run an antique shop, VerMeer in Kanazawa for twenty years.
A scarf and a pipe are must-have items for me.
They are like twins of my life.

金沢でフェルメールというアンティークのお店を20年ほどやっています。
私にとってスカーフとパイプは生活に欠かせない「双子」みたいなものです。

Masuo’s shop VerMeer deals in 18th and 19th century British antiques and is located on the artistic and inviting main street of the Shintatemachi district.

To see the scarves worn by Masuo, come and explore our Claude x Nishiyama Silk collection.