JAPAN in Milan

TOKIDOKI

Tokidoki (meaning “sometimes” in Japanese) is a lifestyle brand created in 2005 by Italian artist Simone Legno. It produces apparel, footwear, accessories and other products. 

Tokidoki has collaborated with Japanese brands such as ASICS Onitsuka Tiger and Hello Kitty in the past. In addition, after the 11/3/2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster, Tokidoki organized a relief fund marathon in Los Angeles, in which many celebrities took part. The brand also created a limited edition tshirt and bag.

DUVETICA store in #Milan - Interior design by renowned Japanese architect Tadao ANDO.

The venetian clothing brand opened its showroom and boutique last year (27/10/2011).

Split between 2 levels, the open plan presents 220 sq.metres of display area between each floor. The minimalist and light-color palette places the brightly hued clothing as the focus of the space. There are also 2 LCD touch screens which introduce cutting edge technology into the shopping experience, allowing customers to view all available sizes, quantities, models and prices!

ALCANTARA & CAPPELLINI

Marcel Wander’s “TULIP CHAIR” for milanese Cappellini made of Alcantara® leather.

ALCANTARA & CORSO COMO 10

Hi-tech accessories made of Alcantara with classic Corso Como 10 motif.

Digital and Vectorial Art by TOMOKO NAGAO - Japanese micropop artist living and working in Milan. A modern and cool (“kawaii”) reinterpretation of the great works of Caravaggio, Velasquez, Tiziano, Latour, Botticelli contaminated with global brands such as Coca Cola, Ipad, Barilla, Sanrio, Kikkomann, Nissin cup instant noodles and L’Oreal.

JASPER MORRISON & JAPAN CREATIVE

In yesterday’s Design class we had people from PUNKT. (www.punktgroup.com) explain their philosophy and products. Since their creative director is JASPER MORRISON, here are some of his works presented at the Milan Design Week 2012 at the Museo Minguzzi for “JAPAN CREATIVE”. Inspired and dedicated to the 11/3/2011 earthquake and tsunami victims.

Objective: get individuals to rethink and redefine the role of design in our lives.  Express Japan’s craftsmanship and wisdom of past generations in a contemporary context.

Jasper Morrison conceived a series of cast-iron products produced in Mizusawa, one of the areas affected by the great earthquake. 

http://www.japancreative.jp/

NENDO at Fuorisalone in Milan (16-22 April 2012).

“Zabuton” chair. This in Japanese is a cushion typically used for sitting on the floor. Japanese Design company Nendo has therefore reinterpreted these traditional pieces in something more contemporary; futon-shaped lounge chair with large, thick cushions draped over its metal wire frame. 

Developed for Italian furniture company MOROSO. 

It is available in 3 versions: chaise lounge, a sofa and a dining chair.

NAOTO FUKUSAWA & PLANK at Fuorisalone in Milan (16-22 April 2012).

Collaboration between Japanese industrial designer Naoto FUKUSAWA and Italian manufacturer PLANK. The chair “Blocco” seems to be carved from a single block of ash. The wooden chair has small bends along the back, arms and seat. 

Simplicity. Durability. Naturality.

The stack-ability of the form makes the chair suitable for many different spaces (domestic/public).

Tokujin YOSHIOKA & KARTELL at Fuorisalone in Milan (16-22 April 2012).

“The Invisibles Light” collection. The transparent pieces have been redeveloped, keeping the same form and materiality, but with more solidity thanks to the opacity of the acrylic.

Same modern aesthetic as the transparent version. But there’s a different quality in the interaction with the light.