TOWN TALK / 1か月限定の週1寄稿コラム
【#3】CLOTHES IN MOTION
Writing:Nicolas Yuthanan Chalmeau
2026年2月27日
I founded Sillage in 2018 with the idea of creating clothes for people who value craft and comfort, a daily wardrobe made with Japan’s finest materials sourced from renowned mills. When I moved to Japan, I quickly realized that most brands did not fit me the way I wanted. Everything felt too short or too small, even in the largest sizes. At 185 cm, it was difficult to find shirts or pants that could truly look loose on me. Naturally, when I had the opportunity to start my own label, I took the chance, originally to make clothes for myself and, if possible, to share them with the public. The brand began with a pre order system only. My first design was inspired by Hakama pants, a piece I still produce today for its timelessness and iconic silhouette. For some reason, it is not the most popular piece in my pants lineup, yet it remains very special to me.
Sillage is also deeply inspired by my adventures. Traveling is central to my creative process, learning from other cultures constantly feeds my universe. As the brand director today, I want the label to evolve alongside my personal vision of what a brand means for a young father. Growing older naturally changes the way you look at clothing. I now find myself drawn to a more elegant silhouette, slightly less loose and less oversized, while still keeping the spirit of Sillage.
Recently, we have been rethinking our essential pieces using exceptional materials from discontinued prestigious mills across Japan. We are fortunate to work with suppliers who hold rare and remarkable fabrics. Sillage is like a diary, a reflection of how I want to dress over time. Taste evolves, and that evolution is exactly what I want to express through Sillage. We have many exciting projects coming in 2026 and beyond, and in many ways, this still feels like just the beginning.
Profile
Nicolas Yuthanan Chalmeau
Born in Paris and based in Tokyo, he is a curator, photographer, and creative director. He has lived in Japan for nearly a decade and founded Sillage, an apparel brand produced exclusively in Japan in collaboration with major factories.
He later established a creative agency working with international brands on fashion imagery and storytelling, and went on to open Galerie 21, a space dedicated to craft culture and objects shaped by time, where antiques and contemporary works coexist through shared values of durability and meaning.
Across clothing, objects, and images, his work consistently explores the traditions of travel and the quiet power of handmade things.
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/yuthanan__/