Origami for your clothes? Japan, I love you!

Wow, there are two amazing design projects from Japan which I want to share with you today.

They are both based on the art of Origami (folding paper) and have been applied to make fashion items and both have won prizes.

No 1 is “Orishiki” by Naoki Kawamoto. Kawamoto-san has made a range of accessories which consist of sections that are attached to fabric. First flat, they will ‘snap’ into a handbag! http://naokikawamoto.com/

Here is what he says:

“Orishiki” is a hybrid word composed of “Ori ”, taken f rom Origami, Japanese paper-folding art, and “Shiki ” taken f rom Furoshiki, Japanese traditional wrapping cloth which is large enough to wrap and transport goods and gifts, as well as wearing them as scarves. “ORISHIKI” is a new carrying device consisting of a single piece of two dimensional structure, constructed of triangular segments which can be folded like origami, and can wrap things like furoshiki. The geometric bag is not only idiosyncratic in its appearance but also in its highly speacialized production process. The unique process can be applied to just about any productions without losing its unique product identity.

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“132.5 Issey Miyake is a tricky concept to explain but basically it uses recycled materials to create garments designed to expand from two-dimensional geometric shapes into structured shirts, skirts, pants and dresses. The video above probably better explains the concept of flat folded-down 3D clothes – by 3mins.53 you’ll get it. Our verdict: wardrobe space saving, but not, you know, for everyday.” stated the Guardian on Issey Miyake’s 132.5 project.

This is project No2 which I want to share with you today.

Have a look here to better understand this concept:

Each garment in the 132.5 collection is made from identical sized pieces of material that are pleated and have hidden snaps and darts encorporated into the fabric. When unfolded they become beautiful structured, blouses trouser, skirts, dresses and jackets. The collection recently won the Design Museum’s award Design of the Year.