FENDI, a luxury brand based in Rome, Italy, held a show for its Spring/Summer 2024 men's collection by Silvia Venturini Fendi at the new FENDI Factory, an innovative hub for artisans located in the Capannuccia hills of Tuscany, and unveiled special accessories designed in collaboration with Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
Courtesy of FENDI
“I have always considered Kengo Kuma a master of naturalistic architecture. He was one of the first to recognise the importance of integrating nature into his buildings, both inside and out,” says Silvia Fendi, Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear.
Courtesy of FENDI
Kuma's naturalistic approach to building environments and his rigorous design principles, the "negative architecture" movement, are internationally acclaimed, and his experimentation with natural materials and dedication to craftsmanship align with Fendi's approach to material innovation and research and development. "His work blends the future with his roots in a very essential way. I see a similarity with his Japanese approach to savoir-faire, which I consider to be a strong shared value linking Japan and Italy," continues Silvia Fendi.
Courtesy of FENDI
Focusing on the Peekaboo and Baguette Soft Trunk bags and the Fendi Flow sneakers, Kengo Kuma has created subtly innovative new versions of Fendi icons, using ancient Japanese craftsmanship and natural materials. Kuma used "Waranshi," a hybrid style of washi paper made from cotton and tree bark fibers that evokes ancient handmade paper, as a key intervention in each design. Traditionally used in origami, paper lanterns and kimono detailing, this dry, soft-textured fabric forms a strong structural foundation alongside the uneven, imperfect facades of the Peekaboo, Baguette Soft Trunk and Fendi Flow sneakers, echoing Kuma's philosophy of integrating the man-made with nature. The second Peekaboo design is constructed from fine skeins of pale birch bark, with an inner frame carved from Tuscan olive wood – a subtle nod to Fendi's iconic Pequin stripe.
Courtesy of FENDI
Kuma also weaves thin bamboo in an irregular pattern reminiscent of "Yatara-ami," creating a strong latticework. This Japanese tradition is used for the inner frame of the Waranshi Peekaboo and also serves as inspiration for the 3D-printed sole of the Fendi Flow sneaker, which features an upper made from recycled polycotton knit or Waranshi paper. The Fendi Flow is reinterpreted with uppers featuring laces or zippers, cork insoles, and an "FF" logo sole made from undyed bio-based EVA.
Courtesy of FENDI
Courtesy of FENDI
With a vision of innovation and a harmonious dialogue between man and nature, FENDI KENGO KUMA fuses past and present through an authentic expression of the potential of materials, engaging in inspiring cultural exchange in the creative field.
Courtesy of FENDI
Courtesy of FENDI
-Silvia Fendi
-Kengo Kuma
Courtesy of FENDI“I have always considered Kengo Kuma a master of naturalistic architecture. He was one of the first to recognise the importance of integrating nature into his buildings, both inside and out,” says Silvia Fendi, Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear.
Courtesy of FENDIKuma's naturalistic approach to building environments and his rigorous design principles, the "negative architecture" movement, are internationally acclaimed, and his experimentation with natural materials and dedication to craftsmanship align with Fendi's approach to material innovation and research and development. "His work blends the future with his roots in a very essential way. I see a similarity with his Japanese approach to savoir-faire, which I consider to be a strong shared value linking Japan and Italy," continues Silvia Fendi.
Courtesy of FENDIFocusing on the Peekaboo and Baguette Soft Trunk bags and the Fendi Flow sneakers, Kengo Kuma has created subtly innovative new versions of Fendi icons, using ancient Japanese craftsmanship and natural materials. Kuma used "Waranshi," a hybrid style of washi paper made from cotton and tree bark fibers that evokes ancient handmade paper, as a key intervention in each design. Traditionally used in origami, paper lanterns and kimono detailing, this dry, soft-textured fabric forms a strong structural foundation alongside the uneven, imperfect facades of the Peekaboo, Baguette Soft Trunk and Fendi Flow sneakers, echoing Kuma's philosophy of integrating the man-made with nature. The second Peekaboo design is constructed from fine skeins of pale birch bark, with an inner frame carved from Tuscan olive wood – a subtle nod to Fendi's iconic Pequin stripe.
Courtesy of FENDIKuma also weaves thin bamboo in an irregular pattern reminiscent of "Yatara-ami," creating a strong latticework. This Japanese tradition is used for the inner frame of the Waranshi Peekaboo and also serves as inspiration for the 3D-printed sole of the Fendi Flow sneaker, which features an upper made from recycled polycotton knit or Waranshi paper. The Fendi Flow is reinterpreted with uppers featuring laces or zippers, cork insoles, and an "FF" logo sole made from undyed bio-based EVA.
Courtesy of FENDICourtesy of FENDIWith a vision of innovation and a harmonious dialogue between man and nature, FENDI KENGO KUMA fuses past and present through an authentic expression of the potential of materials, engaging in inspiring cultural exchange in the creative field.
Courtesy of FENDICourtesy of FENDI"Our partnership with Kengo Kuma has created a dialogue not only between Fendi and architecture, but also with other designers, and their artisans and material choices. Creativity on a larger scale is never the work of a single individual. Not at all. It is important that Fendi's artistic projects continue to grow outside of Italy. They are the result of hands, hearts, and the collaboration of diverse talents and resources from around the world."
-Silvia Fendi
"Nature and craft remain at the heart of my work as an architect and designer. When Fendi approached me to conceive of Fendi bags and shoes, I conceived them as small architectural projects on a human scale. I transformed the Silvia Fendi men's design signature with traditional Japanese techniques and materials, expressing our shared passion for nature, lightness, and innovative design."
-Kengo Kuma
