In 2023, G-Star RAW launched its innovative art platform, The Art of RAW, providing young creatives with a stage to showcase the endless possibilities of denim. By transforming denim waste into unique art objects, the brand has highlighted the synergy between fashion and sustainability. This initiative has seen collaborations with various international design talents, with the latest partnership featuring Japanese designer Kodai Iwamoto.
East Meets West: A Historical Inspiration
Kodai Iwamoto’s work draws inspiration from the historical connection between the Dutch and Japanese cultures. During the 19th century, pieces of paper from Japan, often used as packaging material for ceramics, found their way to the Netherlands. The unfamiliar composition and color scheme of these Ukiyo-e prints sparked the creativity of artists like Vincent van Gogh. Building on this cultural exchange, Iwamoto infused traditional Japanese washi paper with denim waste fibers to create a unique material named ‘UNERI’. This innovative creation symbolizes the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
UNERI: A Modern Interpretation of Tradition
Iwamoto’s lamp, crafted from ‘UNERI’, reflects the influence of Shoji, traditional Japanese doors characterized by a circular wooden frame, a lattice-like framework, and washi paper. The term ‘UNERI’ translates to “swelling ocean waves,” alluding to the visual effect of denim fibers intertwined within the liquid paper. This modern interpretation marries the aesthetics of eastern and western cultures, embodying the spirit of The Art of RAW.
Kodai Iwamoto: A Versatile Visionary
Born in 1990, Kodai Iwamoto studied Product Design at Kobe Design University and École cantonale d’art de Lausanne in Switzerland. Based in Tokyo and the Kagoshima prefecture, Iwamoto operates his studio, focusing on bridging the gap between mass production and craftsmanship, and eastern and western cultural elements. His accolades include the Young Japanese Design Talent Award by ELLE Décor Japan and the Rising Talents Award 2022 by Maison & Objet.
G-Star RAW Collaborations Timeline
G-Star RAW’s dedication to art and design has been evident since its inception. Each collaboration under The Art of RAW pushes creative boundaries, allowing artists to experiment with denim waste or deadstock, creating unique pieces within their disciplines while upcycling materials.
- Nienke Sikkema (1988): Collaborated with Dutch glass artist Bernard Heesen to create a trilogy of vases inspired by Delfts Blauw earthenware, utilizing staple details of G-Star jeans.
- Iwan Pol (1988): Combined concrete with indigo pigment to create ‘Rockin’ Denim,’ a trilogy of objects capturing the movement of denim waste fabric.
- Johanna Seeleman (1990): Created ‘Potentials,’ a five-piece office furniture series using untreated leftover denim, winning the Premiere Classe 2023 x Eyes on Talents Prize.
- Milou Voorwinden (1990): Reimagined denim through recycled yarns in ‘Warping Twills,’ using a jacquard loom to connect with G-Star’s industrial past and sustainable 3D weaving techniques.
- Teun Zwets (1992): Kicked off The Art of RAW with ‘Denim Living,’ a unique furniture piece layering denim waste, featuring a lamp, cupboard, and chair.
- Athena Gronti (1993): Crafted ‘Ariadne’s Thread,’ a large quilt reflecting the sociological paradoxes of denim through intricate stitching and abstract shapes.
- Lenny Stöpp (1994): Developed the ‘Fluff Stacks’ furniture series by inventing a new material from denim pieces, water, and starch.
- Pien Post (1996): Designed ‘Waving the Denim Flag,’ a series of seven denim flags exploring unity through technical experiments like laser-cutting and weaving.
Through The Art of RAW, G-Star RAW continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and artistic innovation, transforming denim waste into extraordinary art pieces that bridge cultures and eras.
Featured Image(s): Loes de Boer for G-Star RAW
Leave a Reply