When Glamour Grows a Heart (and a Little Cattitude)
- Nov 19
- 3 min read
By Yuko Tsukada
Founder & Creative Director, Catastrophy Pte. Ltd.
For years, glamour meant perfection — shiny, flawless, untouchable. But today, glamour with gratitude looks different. It’s grounded, human, and brave enough to care. It’s about creation that gives back, beauty with purpose, and style that leaves a positive mark on the world.
That belief inspired me to create Catastrophy — jewellery that symbolises the love people share with their cats, designed with a subtle, stylish edge and plenty of cattitude. Every piece is made from recycled sterling silver for those who want their accessories to carry meaning, not just sparkle. To me, true luxury isn’t about excess; it’s about consciousness.
Catastrophy began as a personal story. When I lost my two cats, Tuna and Caesar, in 2017, I spent years unable to face that absence. Creating jewellery became my way back to gratitude — transforming grief into design. What began as a tribute evolved into a movement celebrating the bond between humans and their feline companions.
Each design carries its own story. Every piece is named after a real cat and comes with a short fictional storybook that gives it a narrative before the wearer begins their own journey with it. Jewellery becomes more than decoration; it becomes a keepsake, a reminder that love leaves a mark worth honouring.
Sustainability runs through every stage of our process. Pieces are ethically crafted in Bangkok and placed in linen jewellery bags hand-made by local artisans in Chiang Mai. Each piece is also protected using a biodegradable ziplock-style bag designed to prevent silver from tarnishing — a sustainable solution backed by extensive material research. We only work with partners who uphold fair labour, vegan-friendly practices, and respect for people and animals alike.
We proudly donate 10 percent of every purchase to local organisations like the Cat Welfare Society, who work tirelessly to improve the lives of cats in Singapore. Also the Soi Dog Foundation in Thailand, who rescue vulnerable cats in need and fight to end the cat-meat trade in Asia. Together, we strive to create a brighter future for felines everywhere. These collaborations remind me that style and compassion can coexist beautifully —and that even small brands can create meaningful ripple effects.
As the holidays approach, I’m reminded that gifts carry energy — they tell stories, share gratitude, and connect us. The Luna Ring, for example, was inspired by the way a cat curls its paw around you when they sleep — a gesture of trust and quiet love. That intimacy is what I try to capture in every design.
The modern cat lover doesn’t want mass-market “cute.” They want something real — something that mirrors the quiet strength and grace of the animals they adore. That’s why our pieces are minimalist yet expressive, bold yet personal. Whether it’s the Luna Ring, the Tom Hoops, or the Tribute Locket, each piece whispers its story rather than shouting it.
Glamour, to me, is no longer about chasing trends. It’s about meaning, memory, and doing things right. Catastrophy stands for jewellery that’s ethical, emotional, and unapologetically full of cattitude — a puurfect reminder that love and gratitude, when carried close, never fade.
Yuko Tsukada
Founder & Creative Director, Catastrophy Pte. Ltd.
Born in Tokyo and based in Singapore, Yuko Tsukada is the founder and creative director of Catastrophy, the world’s first jewellery brand certified by The Vegan Society. She conceptualises every design and story behind Catastrophy’s sustainable collections, blending compassion, craftsmanship, and cattitude to honour the bond between humans and their cats.
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