12 Fashion and Architecture
Fashion and Architecture share a similar nature.
While observing the works of leading Japanese architects, we realized that we shared some similarities. It became a starting point to think about our craftsmanship and its connection to architecture. Among the many renowned architects, Kengo Kuma ’s ideology spoke to us the most.
“Breathing Architecture”
Japanese Architecture is different from the West.
While the West base their production on the carving of majestic stones, the Japanese base their foundation on breathing materials such as wood and soil. The Japanese structural construction is centered around designing the ‘Space in between’.
Without any obstruction, air flows through the structure to achieve material lightness. As if the building itself breathes. It is undeniable that this architectural style is a prominent principle in Japanese Design Philosophy.
That is why we landed on this theme for this season.
To design, there are two prominent principles.
The structural principle of support
and the visual principle that encapsulates sight.
The structural principle in architecture is about the strength of pillars and stable walls. Whereas the visual principle is about manifesting a sight which then performs an emotional experience on the audience. It is about how we make use of this principle that holds less importance in terms of productivity.
We aren’t professionals in architecture, so we cannot say anything definite.
However, logicality is heavily considered in architecture. We felt that clothing is, or maybe even intensely involves justification.
The craft of knitting is about the act of organizing and combining yarn. Even in doing so, the possible combinations are endless.
For instance, a thick yarn.
Fabric knitted with thick yarn will have a robust finish and visually, have a strong impression. Without diminishing this impression, for instance, adding a ‘Space in between’ can add intricacy to the fabric. By adding holes in the fabric or utilizing thin yarn in replacement for sections, we can create visual lightness, along with physical lightness. This concept is not just about deduction. It is about presenting a new perspective, like adding a new detail which wasn’t possible with just thick yarn alone.
Design shouldn’t be limited to the visual appearance.
Productivity, durability, utility, weight and texture are all equally relevant.
Depending on the diverse imagination of the craftsman, and the impression they want to have on the receiver, a product can be deep or shallow.
This collection is the result of our interest in this ideology and passion to further challenge ourselves to perfect our craft-making alongside the design philosophy of Japanese architecture. We believe this theme has the potential to be explored further, therefore will continue to explore this in the upcoming season.
Please go to the below link to see the color cards for 2024 Spring/Summer collection.
