Zurich welcomed us with blue skies and gentle spring light as COGTHEBIGSMOKE made its Swiss debut at Monocle’s Hanami Market on Saturday 22 March, 2025 — a beautifully curated gathering held at the Monocle Shop in the heart of the city.
From the early morning, the space came alive with a steady flow of visitors — each drawn by curiosity, creativity, or simply the promise of something quietly elegant.
One unforgettable moment came when a visitor arrived with a quiet sense of purpose. She told us she had discovered our clothes in Japan and had been a fan ever since — travelling across Zurich to meet us in person. It was a moving reminder of how deeply design can connect us, and how small the world feels when we meet someone who truly sees what we do.
We were surrounded by local vendors celebrating Japanese craftsmanship — objects of serene utility and refined simplicity, each with its own quiet story to tell. Sharing this space with like-minded creators made the experience all the more rich and rewarding.
It was more than a market — it was a meeting of aesthetics, a celebration of thoughtful design, and a gentle affirmation that our story resonates beyond the cities we know. To be met with such warmth and understanding in a new place was a rare and moving gift.
Zurich, thank you — we hope this is just the beginning!