Maison Kitsuné opens first location in Canada

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Jan 27, 2022

Franco-Japanese outfit Maison Kitsuné has opened its first location in Canada, taking up residence in Vancouver’s historic Gastown district.

Located at 157-159 Water Street, the Parisian retailer has bowed both a Café Kitsuné cafe and Maison Kitsuné boutique, side-by-side in the city, marking its fourth retail outlet and second cafe in North America.

Inside, oak wall panelling rubs against unfinished concrete, while orange leather detailing invokes Maison Kitsuné's fox icon and brand identity. Designed by Kuroki, the spaces are inspired by "Vancouver lakeside residences, reflecting connectivity, warmth, and modernity, with local natural materials embraced throughout," according to a press release.

The Café boasts a brushed stainless-steel counter and walnut tables for a reinterpretation of the classic Parisian café and wine bar with Japanese influences. The menu, conceived by Lina Caschetto (head chef) and Layla Frances-Smith (wine & sake director), boasts specialty drinks, sweet and savory pastries alongside internationally influenced small plates, plus a curated selection of natural wines, sakes and cocktails.

The brand will also be offering Café Kitsuné Objets, its collection of tableware, ready-to-wear, and accessories, as well as a small épicerie that sells coffee beans, homemade granola in partnership with Butterboom bakery, and a collaborative Okanagan sour cherry and plum spread by
beloved pâtisserie, Cadeaux.

The boutique area boasts the brand's latest Fall/Winter 2021/22 collection, drawing its main inspiration from Paris by night. The Vancouver store will also carry on the Kitsuné tradition of experiential programming, tapping the brand’s label, Kitsuné Musique, for DJ performances during monthly ‘Super-Saké’ programming at the café. The brand has also promised upcoming exclusive Vancouver capsule drops in the coming months.

The latest Vancouver location adds to the brand’s North America network, joining its New York flagship in Soho, and Archives and Café Kitsuné in the West Village, as well as its Los Angeles flagship in Silver Lake.