Maison Kitsuné, the esteemed French fashion label founded in 2002 by Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki, is venturing into exciting new design territories with the appointment of South Korean designer Yuni Ahn as the creative director for its ready-to-wear collections. This strategic move signifies a significant shift for Maison Kitsuné, as it marks the first time the brand has enlisted an external designer to lead its creative direction. Previously, the label’s collections were exclusively crafted by its founders and in-house creative team.
Yuni Ahn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Maison Kitsuné, having previously held prominent roles such as head of style for pre-collections and runway collections at Céline during Phoebe Philo’s tenure. With a notable background that includes education at Central Saint Martins and design experience with renowned fashion houses like Stella McCartney, Chloé, Miu Miu, and Paul Smith, Ahn is well-positioned to make a lasting impact with her inaugural collection for Maison Kitsuné.
The eagerly anticipated debut collection under Ahn’s creative leadership is slated to be unveiled in January, as part of Paris Men’s Fashion Week, with a co-ed show scheduled for Jan. 18. This marks Maison Kitsuné’s premiere inclusion in the official Paris Fashion Week calendar, symbolizing the brand’s ambitious growth plans and determination to fortify its presence on the global fashion stage.
Maison Kitsuné has been witnessing rapid expansion, particularly in Asian markets, where strategic partnerships have been established in South Korea and China. In addition to broadening its international footprint, Maison Kitsuné is dedicated to enhancing its product offerings and fashion content. With Ahn at the helm, the brand now boasts three distinct ready-to-wear lines, including the main line, Maison Kitsuné Parisien, and the newly launched ACIDE Maison Kitsuné, catering to the ‘genderless arty’ segment.
Co-founder Gildas Loaëc expressed enthusiasm regarding Ahn’s appointment, emphasizing her keen insight into the brand’s potential and shared aspirations for its collections. With current revenues at €40 million, Maison Kitsuné has firmly established itself within the Parisian and Japanese fashion spheres. A strategic partnership with Japanese group Stripe International has further propelled the brand’s growth, resulting in enhanced distribution networks, lifestyle initiatives, and a renewed focus on fashion content.
As Maison Kitsuné continues to evolve and carve out its identity as an independent Parisian fashion powerhouse, the addition of Yuni Ahn as creative director marks a significant turning point in the brand’s narrative. With a compelling combination of talent, vision, and expertise, Ahn is poised to lead Maison Kitsuné towards greater success and cement its position as a formidable force in the global fashion industry.
Learn more about Maison Kitsuné by visiting their official website here.
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