Do It Like a Cat
Tata Christiane’s Spring/Summer Collection as a Portal to Japanese Folklore and Street Culture
Somewhere between myth and reality, between tradition and rebellion, lies a creature that has fascinated humans for centuries: the cat. In Japan, cats are more than just adorable companions; they are symbols of transformation, mystery, and independence. They slip between worlds, much like a person moving between identities, places, and dreams.
This duality—between the known and the unknown, the playful and the mystical—sits at the heart of Tata Christiane’s new Spring/Summer collection, Do It Like a Cat. It’s an invitation not just to wear clothes, but to step into a story, to see fashion as a way of connecting to something deeper: folklore, history, and the ever-changing rhythm of city streets.
Fashion as Folklore: The Enigmatic Cat in Japanese Culture
In Japan, cats are more than lucky charms; they are shapeshifters, messengers, and tricksters. Their presence is woven into mythology, art, and even daily life. This collection takes inspiration from these feline legends, bringing them into the language of modern streetwear.
The Bakeneko (化け猫) – The Monster Cat
In folklore, some cats live so long that they develop supernatural powers. These bakeneko can transform into humans, speak, and even control fire. This collection captures that sense of metamorphosis—through oversized layers, fabrics that shift with movement, and prints that hint at something just beyond the ordinary.
The Nekomata (猫又) – The Twin-Tailed Phantom
Even more mysterious than the bakeneko, the nekomata is a cat whose tail splits in two as it gains magical abilities. It is known for summoning spirits and causing mischief. Tata Christiane channels this untamed energy into silhouettes that are both structured and chaotic, balanced and unpredictable.
The Maneki-Neko (招き猫) – The Beckoning Cat
You’ve seen them—small ceramic cats with one paw raised, inviting fortune. But their origins go deep into Japanese history, tied to Buddhist temples and Edo-period merchants. The collection plays with this iconography, blending lucky charms with an irreverent sense of humor.
Harajuku to Kagurazaka: The Intersection of Streetwear and Tradition
Japan’s streets are a living, breathing fusion of history and avant-garde expression. The country has given birth to some of the most experimental street styles in the world, from the eccentric layering of Harajuku to the underground cool of Koenji and the refined nostalgia of Kagurazaka. This collection mirrors that eclectic energy—where a single outfit can tell a dozen stories.
Tata Christiane’s philosophy has always embraced street costume as a tool for self-invention. These are not just clothes; they are characters, shifting with each wearer. Just like the folkloric cats that inspired them, these pieces refuse to be pinned down. They are playful yet poetic, humorous yet deeply rooted in storytelling.
A Slow Fashion Approach to Timeless Tales
Unlike fast fashion, which moves in predictable cycles, Tata Christiane believes in slow, intentional creation. Each piece is made to last, designed with a sense of history and craftsmanship rather than momentary trends. The brand’s approach echoes the idea of monozukuri (物作り)—the Japanese philosophy of craftsmanship that values quality, creativity, and attention to detail.
Wearing Do It Like a Cat is not about following trends; it’s about embracing a personal, ever-changing narrative. It’s about moving through the world with curiosity—always ready to jump, shift, and explore, just like a cat.
Step Into the Story
Fashion should be more than just something to wear—it should be a gateway to discovery. If this collection sparks your curiosity about Japan’s deep and fascinating relationship with cats, why not take it a step further?
Festivals & Places to Experience Japan’s Cat Culture
Bakeneko Festival (化け猫祭り) – Tokyo
Every October, the streets of Kagurazaka transform into a surreal parade of cat spirits. People dress as bakeneko, wearing eerie masks, elaborate kimonos, and painted whiskers.
Maneki-Neko Festival (招き猫まつり) – Seto & Ise
Held in September and October, these festivals celebrate Japan’s most famous lucky cat with street performances, handmade crafts, and even workshops where you can paint your own maneki-neko.
Gotokuji Temple (豪徳寺) – Tokyo’s Maneki-Neko Shrine
Said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko, this serene temple is filled with thousands of beckoning cat statues, offering a quiet but powerful encounter with Japan’s feline folklore.
Nyan Nyan Ji (にゃんにゃん寺) – Kyoto’s “Meow Meow Temple”
A hidden gem, this cat-themed temple has its own feline monk, welcoming visitors with a mix of spirituality and playful charm.
Are You Ready to Do It Like a Cat?
Wear the story. Move between worlds. Find your own rhythm.
Discover the Collection In Tokyo!
