World-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma designed bags and shoes for fashion giant Fendi. Kuma used washi paper and tree bark in the accessories and his design was inspired by Japanese craft. With this collection, the architect displayed his understanding of aesthetics in the fashion industry.
A closer look at Kengo Kuma's shoe and bag designs!
Fendi's Spring Summer 2024 men's collection was presented at the fashion show held in June as part of the Pitti Uomo fair, which is held twice a year in Florence, Italy. Japanese architect Kengo Kuma designed Peekaboo, Baguette Soft Trunk bags, and Flow sneakers for the collection. The accessories, which bear traces of ancient Japanese craftsmanship, reveal Kengo Kuma's interpretation of fashion.
Kengo Kuma said, "Nature and craftsmanship have always been at the center of my work. When Fendi asked me to reflect on their bags and shoes, I thought of them like small architectural projects on a human scale."
Kengo Kuma used washi paper in his bag designs. This paper is used in origami, lantern, and kimono making and it is made of cotton and tree bark. The fabric has a soft texture, and has a similar visual texture to handmade paper.
Architect Kengo Kuma also created a design that references Fendi's Pequin wood series. Pequin bags are designed with solid wood and vertical lines are at the forefront. Birch bark gives this effect in Kengo Kuma's design. There is light-colored bark on the outside of the bag.
Flow sneakers were designed using traditional weaving techniques and recycled materials. While cork was used on the insole of the shoes, dye-free and biobased EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) was preferred on the bottom sole.
"Our partnership with Kengo Kuma creates not only a dialog between Fendi and architecture but also a conversation with another designer and their choice of artisans and materials," Fendi said about the part.
Images reproduced from www.fendi.com and www.globaldesignnews.com.
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