La Mouche
La Mouche is a 54-card poker-sized custom deck narrating the adventures of a mischievous fly. Successfully funded on Kickstarter in January 2024, the deck is now available in two editions: La Mouche Blanche and La Mouche Noire.
Why “La Mouche”, and why is the deck in French?
There is no exact counterpart in English for the word “mouche” in its multiple meanings. While the term directly translates to “fly” when referring to the insect, it can also indicate the artificial beauty mark that gained significant popularity in France and Europe from the 16th century onwards.
This inherent ambiguity in meaning permeates the entire project. La mouche, our mischievous protagonist, clandestinely weaves through a series of playful stories set in diverse locations and historical periods — sometimes appearing as an insect, at other times disguising herself as a beauty mark.
This inherent ambiguity in meaning permeates the entire project. La mouche, our mischievous protagonist, clandestinely weaves through a series of playful stories set in diverse locations and historical periods — sometimes appearing as an insect, at other times disguising herself as a beauty mark.
Throughout the faces and reverse of the cards, you will find numerous references to repurposed playing cards from the past, as well as nods to old card games, art, literature, music, and more — all tied together by la mouche.
La Mouche Blanche
La Mouche Blanche is the classic edition of La Mouche and has been printed by Expert Playing Card Co. on their classic linen-finish stock, featuring silver cold foil on the faces. The custom-shaped tuck box, inspired by an opera libretto and echoing vintage packaging designs, has been manufactured in Italy by Boschiero & Newton using letterpress printing on high-quality Gmund Cotton paper stock
La Mouche Noire
La Mouche Noire is the deluxe edition of La Mouche. The tuck box, inspired by the charming aesthetic of vintage French posters, is completed with a hand-stamped seal resembling an event ticket with numbered, limited seating. Like the Blanche deck, La Mouche Noire has been printed by Expert Playing Card Co. on classic linen-finish stock, with the card faces showcasing silver cold foil. Additionally, being more limited, the Noire edition features silver gilded edges. The custom-shaped tuck box has been manufactured in Italy by Boschiero & Newton with silver, red, and white hot foil on high-quality Fedrigoni paper stock, enhanced by detailed embossing.
Photography ©Richard Arturo