Kengo Kuma and Fendi: A Remarkable Collaboration

Fendi recently unveiled its Spring 2024 collection, and there's something truly special about it. The fashion house partnered with artist Kengo Kuma, and the results are sure to leave you pleasantly surprised. The bags and shoes from this collaboration showcase an intriguing blend of materials, techniques, and aesthetics that will capture your attention.

He is a highly regarded architect known worldwide for his Japanese roots and inspirations and his vision. Kuma skillfully combines contemporary elements with traditional techniques and spaces from his culture, creating a unique, respectful and minimalistic artistic expression.

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Fendi's Legacy

Fendi has built a global reputation for its artisanal craftsmanship, elegance, and contemporary designs. As pioneers in working with furs and leather, the fashion house has always been associated with experimentation, quality, and evolution. It's no wonder that Fendi's vintage bags remain fashionable and sought-after even today.

The Collaborative Endeavor

Kuma brought his expertise in natural materials and ancient Japanese craft techniques to reimagine Fendi's iconic pieces. The Peekaboo bag, Baguette Soft Trunk, and Flow Sneakers were given a fresh twist, showcasing a fusion of heritage and innovation that is truly captivating.

Exploring Materials and Techniques

One of the notable materials used in this collaboration is waranshi, a unique blend of cotton and tree bark fibers. This mixture creates a distinct handmade paper-like texture. Waranshi has long been employed in Japan for various art forms, such as origami, lantern-making, and kimono embellishments. 

In the creation of the Peekaboo bag, Kuma drew inspiration from the meticulous art of yatara ami weaving. This traditional technique involves weaving fine bamboo pieces to create intricate lattice patterns. By incorporating this method into the bag's internal structure, Kuma added an exquisite touch of craftsmanship.

Kuma perfectly summarizes the collaboration, stating, "I have transformed some of Silvia Venturini Fendi's signature men's designs with traditional Japanese techniques and materials, showcasing our shared passion for nature, lightness, and innovative design."

Noteworthy Footwear

The same weaving technique used in the Peekaboo bag also influenced the design of the Flow trainers' soles. Kuma ingeniously integrated woven lattice forms into the sole's shape, resulting in a captivating and unique aesthetic. During the show, Kuma presented two styles of the Flow trainers: one with a recycled poly-cotton knit upper and the other featuring a waranshi upper. This combination beautifully merges sustainability and traditional craftsmanship.

The collaboration between Kengo Kuma and Fendi is a testament to the beauty that arises when cultural heritage, artisanal craftsmanship, and visionary design come together. These extraordinary pieces pay homage to tradition while embracing the future, resulting in a dialogue between Fendi's iconic style and Kuma's distinctive artistic vision. As Fendi expressed, "His work combines the future with his roots in a very essential way. I feel a sense of kinship with his Japanese approach to savoir-faire – it's a shared value between Japan and Italy."