Kataoka’s First U.S. Store Opened
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Japanese jeweller Kataoka has opened its first store in the US. In stark contrast with the firm’s 700sqft shop in Tokyo, the new 1600sqft New York flagship has been located in the trendy Tribeca neighbourhood to reflect Kataoka’s brand identity with its historic look.
The store has been distinctively designed with a blend of Japanese and Manhattan sensibilities to convey an exotic industrial context for the brand’s delicate jewellery designs, displayed in vintage Japanese casings.
Company COO Anis Boudraa said the company founder and designer Yoshinobu Kataoka “only wanted display cases that are antique that have a beautiful patina… they really reflect the theory of Kataoka – working with something that’s old”.
“Our designer hates fast fashion and everything that’s related to fast consumerism.”
The firm makes its pieces using only recycled gold, which it salvages from the Japanese semiconductor industry. All pieces are hand made.
Questions & Answers
Q.Why did Kataoka choose Tribeca for its first US store location?
Why did Kataoka choose Tribeca for its first US store location?
Tribeca was chosen for the New York flagship because its trendy neighbourhood setting helps to reflect Kataoka's brand identity. The store's historic look aligns with the jeweller's aesthetic, contrasting with its smaller Tokyo shop.
Q.What is unique about the display cases used in the New York store?
What is unique about the display cases used in the New York store?
The New York store uses antique Japanese casings with a beautiful patina for displaying the jewellery. The company founder specifically wanted old display cases, reflecting Kataoka's philosophy of working with pre-existing items.
Q.What materials does Kataoka use for its jewellery, and how are the pieces produced?
What materials does Kataoka use for its jewellery, and how are the pieces produced?
Kataoka exclusively uses recycled gold, which is salvaged from the Japanese semiconductor industry. All of the brand's delicate jewellery pieces are meticulously handmade, emphasising quality and sustainable practices over fast consumerism.
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