Steinlen Chat Noir Silk Habotai Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

An idiosyncratic Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf with design featuring the Black Cat from the poster designed by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen (1859-1923), for the Montmarte venue, Le Chat Noir.

The iconic poster was created by Steinlen in 1896 to promote the famous Parisian cabaret founded by Rodolphe Salis.

Steinlen’s striking black cat, with its piercing yellow eyes and arched back, perfectly captured the mysterious, bohemian spirit of the Montmartre nightlife. The poster’s bold silhouette style combined Art Nouveau elegance with graphic simplicity, making it instantly memorable and influential.

Steinlen was originally Swiss and deeply involved in social activism; his work often highlighted working-class struggles, which added depth to his playful yet edgy imagery.

COLOURS

STYLING

A Fox & Chave habotai silk scarf can be worn with the classic knot style or a pussycat bow. You can even create a shawl effect by knotting two scarves together behind your neck and allowing them to drape over your shoulders. More scarf styling ideas are available in this wonderful How to Tie a Scarf book.