A little over four months ago, I went through one of the hardest moments of my life. On March 1st, I lost Stash'ü, my best friend. For fourteen years, he shared my everyday life and was there through every chapter of my personal and professional journey. He was there when Guillaum Chaigne was still just an idea, through long days in the studio, sleepless nights before fashion shows, moments of doubt, and the biggest accomplishments. Over time, he became so much more than a friend. He became a true part of my life and, in a way, a part of the brand itself.
I often called him my studio assistant. He was always somewhere close by, lying on a cutting table, a pile of fabrics, or a box waiting to be shipped. He somehow always knew exactly where to be and when to come ask for attention or interrupt a workday that had gone on for a little too long. His presence became such a natural part of my routine that I didn't even realize how much space he truly occupied in my life.
When he left, the emptiness was overwhelming. The studio felt silent in a way I had never experienced before. For a long time, I didn't even want to consider adopting another cat. In my mind, it felt like I would be trying to replace Stash'ü, and that idea didn't feel right. Some relationships are unique. They cannot be recreated, and they should never have to be.
With time, I started understanding that it was never about replacing him. Welcoming a new animal into your life doesn't mean forgetting the one you've lost. It doesn't take away from the love you shared, it doesn't erase the memories, and it doesn't change the importance of that relationship. It simply means allowing a new story to begin. A different story, but one that can be just as meaningful.
Two weeks ago, Owens came into my life.
He is now ten weeks old, and he is discovering everything with a curiosity that makes me smile every single day. A leaf moving in the wind, a cardboard box, a roll of paper, a ray of sunlight on the floor... everything feels like a new adventure to him. He is incredibly playful, but also surprisingly calm and affectionate. Every night, without exception, he curls up and sleeps around my neck, as if that has always been his place. In only a few days, he found his place in my home... and in my heart.
Of course, he quickly found his place in the studio as well. Like any good assistant, he inspects the fabrics, watches over the printing process, gets involved with every order, and makes sure - at least according to him - that everything is done properly. Those who have followed my journey for a long time know how important cats have always been in my world. Seeing Owens slowly become part of that environment brings me a lot of joy.
I never compare Owens to Stash'ü. They are completely different, and that is exactly what makes this new relationship so special. I wasn't looking to find my old companion again. I simply wanted to experience that unconditional love that animals have such a unique way of giving. Today, I realize that the heart is much bigger than we often imagine. It can hold onto the love we have for those who are no longer with us while still making space for a new bond to grow, without guilt and without comparison.
This is the emotion that inspired this new capsule.
A few times ago, I created MEOW CALISS, a design that quickly became one of my most loved pieces. I wanted to revisit that universe, but this time through the softness and innocence that I see in Owens every day. The first design is a new interpretation of MEOW CALISS, inspired by a baby kitten.
The second design features the skull of a kitten. At first glance, the image may appear darker, but to me, it represents something completely different. It speaks about softness, fragility, curiosity, and the ability animals have to remind us that happiness is often found in the simplest things. Like most of my creations, these illustrations are never just graphics. They always capture a specific moment in my life, an emotion, or a story that I want to preserve.
When I look at this capsule today, I don't just see new garments. I see a chapter slowly coming to an end and another one beginning. I see all the love I will always carry for Stash'ü, but I also see the love that is quietly growing for Owens. These two stories don't compete with each other. They can exist together. And I think that is probably the most beautiful lesson these past few months have taught me.
I hope you enjoy this new capsule as much as I enjoyed creating it. More than anything, I hope it reminds you that even after the hardest moments, it is always possible to find a little bit of light again, sometimes in places where you least expect it.
Thank you for following this journey for all these years. Thank you for being there through the difficult moments as well as the happiest ones.
And most importantly...
Welcome to the family, Owens.
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