As the nights draw in and October brings an autumnal chill to the air, our thoughts turn toward the atmospheric, the mysterious, and the theatrical...
While seasonal style often focuses on heavy wools and earthy tones, true style distinction lies in the details. This spooky season, we are looking beneath the lapel to showcase one of our most striking creations: The Gods & Demons Collection.
Conceived by Cravat Club director Jennifer Lane in collaboration with Japanese artist Yusuke Aoki, this series of silk pocket squares draws deep from the well of traditional Ukiyo-e woodblock art, Japanese folklore, and Noh theatre. Rather than simple decorative patterns, each piece in the collection contains a visual narrative - a vibrant snapshot of a legendary tale.
Here is the folklore, artwork, and story behind some of Cravat Club's most haunting designs.
Hannya: A Tempest of Jealousy and Rage
The tale of the Hannya demon is among the most tragic in Japanese folklore and Noh theatre, giving rise to one of its most terrifying figures. It tells the story of a woman consumed by heartbreak, betrayal, and unbridled wrath after being forsaken by her lover. In Japanese mythology, these overwhelming human emotions do not merely linger in the heart - they physically manifest, transforming the woman into a horned, vengeful demon.
Yorimitsu: The Clash of Samurai and the Demon King
For a tale of valour and supernatural drama, few legends match the confrontation between the legendary samurai Minamoto no Yorimitsu (also known as Raikō) and the formidable demon king, Shuten Dōji.
According to 10th-century legend, Shuten Dōji terrorized the capital city of Kyoto, striking fear into the hearts of its inhabitants from his mountain stronghold. Hearing the pleas of the people, Yorimitsu gathered his most loyal retainers and embarked on a perilous quest to confront the demon lord. Through tactical cunning, powerful mythical armor, and sheer strength of will, Yorimitsu engaged the monster in a series of supernatural battles.
Our design captures the ultimate, decisive showdown. Framed against a backdrop of swirling clouds, Yorimitsu stands poised in intricate samurai armour, katana raised high. Facing him is the colossal, monstrous head of Shuten Dōji, featuring fierce red eyes, sharp fangs, and sweeping horns. The dynamic tension between hero and monster creates an extraordinary burst of colour when folded into a blazer pocket.
Izumo: The Night the Gods Came Out to Play
Stepping back into the realm of the divine, the tale of Izumo centres on the mythological origins of Japan itself. Izumo, located in Southern Honshu, is revered as one of the most sacred regions in Japanese mythology - the birthplace of the Kami (gods and spirits) and the site of their divine assemblies.
Legend holds that during the tenth month of the traditional lunar calendar, all the gods across the realm abandon their local shrines and converge upon the sacred land of Izumo. Here, they gather to hold court, discuss matters of creation and governance, and bestow blessings upon the human world below.
Rather than a single moment of conflict, the Izumo design is a rich, whimsical tableau depicting the divine realm in full celebration - the night all the gods come out to play. Set against a dramatic backdrop of a snow-capped mountain, the canvas is alive with mythical figures, celestial musicians, sacred spirits, and traditional theatrical masks. It is an enchanting celebration of Japanese myth, rendered in several different palettes.
Made in England: The Art of the Hand-Rolled Edge
While the inspiration behind these pieces originates in centuries-old Japanese lore, their physical form is firmly rooted in British textiles. Each design in the Gods & Demons collection is printed in England on Grade A Mulberry silk, ensuring crisp detail and vivid ink depth that does justice to Yusuke Aoki's intricate artwork.
To give you complete styling freedom, each design in the Gods & Demons collection is crafted in four distinct colourways. Whether you are pairing your square with a classic navy blazer, charcoal tailoring, or a rich seasonal tweed, having four unique palettes allows you to choose a combination that complements your personal wardrobe, making your selection feel even more individual and tailored to your style.
Crucially, every single pocket square is finished with a traditional hand-rolled and hand-stitched edge.
Unlike modern mass-produced accessories (which rely on rigid machine-stitching that flattens the silk), a hand-rolled edge requires exceptional artisan skill. A seamstress carefully rolls the hem by hand and secures it with tiny, delicate stitches that remain almost invisible.
This creates a plump, pillowy border that allows the pocket square to hold its structure naturally inside a breast pocket. Whether folded into a crisp point or tucked into a relaxed puff fold, the hand-rolled hem gives the silk a luxurious weight, soft contour, and distinct hand-finished finish, as well as a beautiful presentation when worn.
The Ultimate Conversation Starter
A fine pocket square should never be an afterthought. It is the final punctuation mark on a well-tailored jacket - and when crafted with this level of detail, a guaranteed talking point.
Whether given as a thoughtful gift for a gentleman who appreciates mythology and fine art, or worn as a subtle nod to the season of ghosts and folklore, the Gods & Demons collection brings story, soul, and British craftsmanship to any wardrobe.
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