Clothing brands have, for a long time, diversified into other product groups in order to both maintain visibility and relevance, but also set those cash registers ringing. However, in a world already full of products, it’s nice to see some using this as a way of recycling and so adding a layer of sustainability to side projects. This week has seen a couple of great examples. Elsewhere, there were pop-ups in legendary restaurants, new collabs and the ultimate in luxury gaming.
ASICS and Karimoku turned deadstock into furniture
Sneakers are far from being the most sustainable of products: they are mostly constructed from man-made materials, they are difficult to repair, and they usually end up as landfill, as the vintage market is rather limited (who wants to buy smelly old shoes?). Asics, however, have found a great use for unsold and sample shoes by dismantling them and reconstituting the different parts into cushion filling for a new collection of chairs and sofas by Japanese interior company Karimoku. The results, covered in Kvadrat fabric, include club chairs and a stylish sofa/chair with an integral coffee table. We can’t attest to how comfortable they are, but they sure look good.
Another Aspect and Fritz Hansen turned surplus leather into accessories
Copenhagen-based Another Aspect have always tried to run a sustainable business, centred around their commitment to using deadstock fabric. But they have pushed this further by also moving into the world of furniture by collaborating with Danish design masters Fritz Hansen. A limited edition of iconic Series 7 and PK22 chairs have been released, covered in unused fabric from the Another Aspect archive – tough outerwear material on the top and, charmingly, shirting as a hidden detail on the underside. The relationship goes both ways, too, with a series of belts and bags being made using scraps of leather left over from furniture production.
Perfumer H and Studio Nicholson introduced ‘SOAP’
Brands releasing fragrances is obviously not a new thing, but usually it is done by license with a big, anonymous conglomeration and the results have little to do with the quality or spirit of the clothing. Studio Nicholson, perhaps unsurprisingly, wanted to do things differently and so went into partnership with niche Perfumer H to create a joint-branded scent called, rather self-effacingly, SOAP. Inspired by the aroma of clean fabric against the skin, there is an eau de parfum and also a room incense made by craftsmen in Japan. Alongside this is a tiny clothing capsule consisting of a blue shirt, matching pants and a baseball cap so you can look as delightful as you smell.
Audemars Piguet 150th Anniversary Collection designed by Studio Tyrsa
Watchmaking is such a complex and nerdy thing that most manufacturers are complete specialists and do no other product lines. However, to celebrate their 150th anniversary, Swiss horologists Audemars Piguet have partnered with Parisian design agency Studio Tyrsa on a series of lifestyle and clothing pieces. All using typefaces from archival documents and the brand’s Royal Oak motif, the collection includes the expected t-shirts and hoodies alongside scarves and candles, but also, rather strangely, an umbrella and an American-style Varsity jacket. Sadly for those who want to look like an extra from Grease, the collection is not for sale but instead will be gifted to ‘friends and family’ (i.e., clients and VIPs).
Ami Paris Just Moved Into Balthazar
More of an advertising campaign than an actual collaboration, more-Parisian-than-Paris brand Ami are making themselves known stateside by partnering with legendary New York restaurant Balthazar. For a month, the Ami heart logo will be appearing on everything from table mats to takeaway coffee cups and paper bags in the hallowed Spring Street location. There doesn’t seem to be any influence on the food, however: despite the place looking like a French brasserie, the A-list clientele still want their brunch to be an American take on a petit-dejeuner rather than the real thing.
Hermès is now selling a Pool Table
Meanwhile, in the world of super-luxury, Hermès would not dream of collaborating with anyone: they are fully aware that they are pretty much capable of anything the customer might want, albeit at a price. Indeed, the brand has a special department that works exclusively on one-offs – usually special commissions – that has done everything from record players to yacht interiors in the past. Their latest project is perfect for the private games room of your local billionaire: a pool table covered in dark green leather, complete with custom-made cues, balls and leather-encased chalk. It’s not one for a casual Friday night game, though: the cost is a whopping $296,000…
