Fendi Men collaborated with Kengo Kuma to unveil its exclusive accessories collection

The standout highlights of Fendi Men’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, curated by Silvia Venturini Fendi, are the exquisite accessories resulting from the collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Kuma, recognised for his innovative fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary architectural principles, has introduced the concept of ‘negative architecture’ to fashion design, resulting in the creation of truly unique and unparalleled pieces

He has reimagined iconic Fendi Peekaboo, Baguette Soft Trunk, and Flow sneakers with natural materials. The Peekaboo is revealed in two versions. The first design stands out with its body made of Washi paper, produced from the bark and fibres of the mulberry tree, while the lighter birch bark on the other side of the bag is crafted with jacquard fabric. Kengo Kuma has applied the Yatara Ami weaving technique to create the frame and bag handles inside the bag. The second version is adorned with a soft birch bark texture on the bag’s body, combined with reversible beige leather. Both versions of the bag are crafted by Japanese artisans and undergo reinforcement treatment at Fendi’s factory in Italy. The brand’s new factory is nestled in the green hills of Capannuccia in the Tuscan region.

Another highlight piece cannot be else but the Fendi Flow sneakers, the piece is incorporated with the Yatara Ami weaving technique to create the rubber sole with graphic patterns produced through cutting-edge 3D printing. The shoes are made from natural materials and developed by skilled artisans of the house. The insoles are crafted from cork wood with Fendi Kengo Kuma lettering, offering a modern slip-on sneaker design that is both fashionable and comfortable. Available in two colours both gray and beige.

His work mixes the future with his roots in a very essential way. “I feel a sense of kinship with his Japanese approach to savoir-faire, I think it is such a strong shared value between Japan and Italy.”

“Nature and craftsmanship have always been at the centre of my work as an architect and designer. When FENDI asked me to contemplate their bags and shoes, I viewed them as small architectural projects on a human scale. I have infused some of Silvia Venturini Fendi’s signature men’s designs with traditional Japanese techniques and materials, reflecting our shared passion for nature, lightness, and innovative design,” said Kengo Kuma.

Sources: Fendi

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