CFCL Designs New Uniforms for 20th Anniversary of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

CFCL Designs New Uniforms for 20th Anniversary of
the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

CFCL has proudly designed the third-generation of uniforms for the reception and gallery staff of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

Opened in 2004, the museum is internationally acclaimed for its commitment to the concepts of “generating new culture” and “revitalizing its community,” attracting the attention of tourists and art professionals from around the world.

Yusuke Takahashi, Founder and Creative Director of CFCL, has visited the museum numerous times since his student days. The new uniform is inspired by the lasting impressions left in his memory—drawn from the refreshing sense of clarity created by the tension of contemporary artworks and the transparency of the architecture, as well as the welcoming openness that allows the museum to blend seamlessly into the city.

Featuring cool, soft-colored stripes which evoke an image of horizontal glass panes, the uniform is paired with a bold orange stripe on the back, representing the pillars that support the building and incorporating the iconic color of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. The design blends seamlessly into the space while ensuring high visibility with a striking graphic that makes it easily recognizable even from a distance.

The timeless design focuses on versatility, with styles based on the Chesterfield coat and T-shirt, offering a relaxed silhouette that fits a wide range of body types, across age and gender. Based on dialogue with people in the field who wear the uniforms, the sizing and details reflect a focus on comfort and practicality. Priority is given to ease of care and durability, while remaining mindful of a functional design suitable for a uniform worn in contemporary life.

The new uniforms will be worn by the museum’s reception and gallery staff, welcoming visitors for the next decade starting Saturday, February 1, 2025.



The single-layer Chesterfield coat embodies a universal design with a lightweight construction. The large pockets are designed for easy access, holding essential items such as mobile phones, notebooks, and brochures. Deep side slits also ensure that even seated gallery staff maintain a clean silhouette. The aim is to create uniform that fits a diverse range of individuals.



For the summer uniform, the oversized T-shirt is made from a structured fabric that retains its bold graphics while offering a fit that conceals body contours and inner layers, even with its lighter material. The T-shirt is also machine-washable and durable, making it ideal for hot and humid summer conditions. Instead of traditional pockets, a drawstring sacoche has been proposed as a practical accessory for carrying essential items.

The Chesterfield coat and sacoche are made from 100% recycled polyester, while the T-shirt is composed of 75% Cotton-in-Conversion (*1) and 25% recycled polyester. All materials are certified by a third-party organization for their commitment to responsible the global environment and basic human rights. Additionally, all items are manufactured in Japan.

*1: Cotton-in-Conversion refers to cotton cultivated using the same methods as organic cotton. However, since soil regeneration requires a certain period, this cotton is produced during the approximately three-year transition period before the soil fully meets organic certification standards.