Two masters of timeless design from two sides of the world share their vision of a home with harmony. The end result, Iittala X Issey Miyake Collection, is a unique collaborative collection of high quality ceramics, glass and home textiles.
Iittala X Issey Miyake home collection helps bring harmony to everyday life, where we are constantly encouraged to do more and live faster. It helps us become aware of how our homes have many functions: relaxing, working, socializing and shopping. The home collection of textiles, ceramics and glass invites you to celebrate the rituals of domestic life by setting a gentle mood with its colours and delicate shapes.
Shared Values
Iittala and Issey Miyake are ideal partners as both brands share similar values and design philosophies. Iittala is a master of timeless design icons, whereas Issey Miyake is a global brand renowned for innovative clothes that go beyond fashion and trends. “The two brands have always been true to their philosophy of timeless design and creative thinking. They also value tradition, functionality, craftsmanship and the use of innovative materials and methodologies in their design work”, says Harri Koskinen, Design Director of Iittala.
The simple and minimal design language of Japan and Finland complement each other perfectly. A shared respect for tradition and innovative materials has led the two cultures towards an increasingly similar aesthetic – one that is fully realized in the new collection.
Close Collaboration
The collection has been designed in close collaboration between Iittala concept and design team and Miyake Design Studio. Throughout the design development process, both teams have shown a great appreciation of nature, handwork, design simplicity and new technology in their work.“The continuous research and development for clothes making of Issey Miyake is now crystalized in the collaboration project with Iittala. The textile items are created using not only the latest technology to fold and pleat the material but also the delicate handwork. The pentagon suggests a non-daily element. We hope this will bring a special moment”, says Midori Kitamura, President of Miyake Design Studio.
The collection consists of 30 items. The tactile play of textiles and pentagon forms of the glass and ceramic objects is an invitation to touch and feel the material, while the colour scheme is inspired by the awakening of spring and the blossoming of flowers.
The textile products are created based on Issey Miyake’s original folding and pleating techniques that have been used in its clothes making since late 1980s. The best material to keep the folded and pleated shapes is selected, and it is also easy-care. The transformation from the flat shape to the 3D shape of the textile products suggests a blooming blossom. It creates the moment of surprise and joy.
Placing your home keys on to the table flower is a ritual that can transit you from work mode to home mood, a decision to light up a tealight candle in the ceramic votive silently tells you to calm down for few hours, as long as the candle lasts.
The collection is the first brand collaboration for Iittala and Miyake Design Studio.