Issey Miyake and Ensamble Studio Transform Industrial Byproducts into Art at Milan Design Week 2026
Embracing the Unexpected: Where Industrial Waste Meets Artistic Innovation
The Genesis of "The Paper Log": A Creative Revelation
At Milan Design Week 2026, Issey Miyake unveils "The Paper Log: Shell and Core," an ambitious project conceived by Satoshi Kondo of MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO and developed in partnership with the esteemed Spanish architecture firm, Ensamble Studio. This initiative focuses on the ingenious repurposing of compressed paper rolls, which are typically discards from Issey Miyake's distinctive garment pleating operations. Each 80-centimeter paper cylinder, previously slated for disposal or recycling, is now reimagined as a foundational element for both furniture and sculptural art, showcasing a forward-thinking approach where industrial remnants ignite fresh creative endeavors. Satoshi Kondo remarked, "Upon first observation, the outcome strikingly resembled a tree log, inspiring its name, 'Paper Log.' The intricate marbling within mirrors the natural rings of a tree. Each log possesses a unique character, dictated by the garment's color pleated on that particular day, as the intense heat and pressure impart its hue onto the paper."
A Symbiotic Partnership: Bridging Fashion and Architecture
The installation, 'The Paper Log: Shell and Core,' is a testament to the seamless collaboration between Issey Miyake's internal project team and the innovative Spanish architects at Ensamble Studio. The project unfolds through two distinct yet interconnected explorations: the 'Shell' and the 'Core.' Ensamble Studio approaches the paper as a malleable sculptural surface, while the in-house team delves into the inherent structural capabilities of the paper logs. This interdisciplinary partnership transcends conventional boundaries between design and architecture, challenging traditional manufacturing norms and fostering a spirit of inquiry that propels significant innovation. Antón García-Abril, architect at Ensamble Studio, explained, "The exhibition aims to bestow diverse forms and materialities upon the same material, ensuring that both explorations honor the intrinsic memory embedded within the paper's structure. When simply unfurled and shaped, it continues to echo the distinctive essence of Issey Miyake."
Exploring "Shell": The Art of Sculptural Form
For the "Shell" series, Ensamble Studio delves into the paper's potential as a solid, sculptural medium. Drawing inspiration from the intricate drapery seen in classical sculptures like Michelangelo's Pietà, the studio investigates how texture fundamentally influences form. By carefully separating a layer and applying a hardening agent, every delicate crease and fold is meticulously preserved, transforming it into a moment of arrested elegance. This design approach creates a secondary skin that envelops familiar shapes, bestowing upon them a renewed and enduring presence. Débora Mesa, also an architect at Ensamble Studio, elaborated, "In our examination of this pleated paper, we also considered the role of folds in sculpting form, as exemplified by the Pietà. Our material research sought to understand the log comprehensively; when you peel back the initial layer, the distinct paper sheets separate, revealing their individual qualities."
Delving into "Core": Unveiling Structural Potential
The "Core" series, developed by the dedicated project team at ISSEY MIYAKE, rigorously explores the paper log's inherent structural capabilities through extensive experimentation. By impregnating the paper with wax, treating it with adhesive, or bundling it together, the team transforms thin slivers into robust furniture prototypes, such as stools and tables. This method remains deliberately minimal and elemental, allowing the intrinsic elegance of the pleated paper to radiate without excessive intervention. Satoshi Kondo further elaborated, "We are seeking alternative ways to engage with the log itself; for instance, by saturating it in wax. Typically, paper is encountered in sheets, never in such fine slivers and filaments. This process strikingly evokes the natural fibers of wood."
An Ongoing Experiment: Art and Functionality Converge
The installation functions as a dynamic laboratory throughout Milan Design Week, demonstrating that even a seemingly insignificant byproduct can be elevated into functional art. It serves as a crucible for shared values, where persistent experimentation culminates in delightful and innovative creations. The collaborative dialogue between the project teams evolves across the Issey Miyake store in Milan, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe the intricate design process firsthand. The project encourages a deeper contemplation of materials often overlooked, emphasizing that by focusing on the material's 'memory' – the residual imprint of the pleating process – a collection can be crafted that transcends conventional definitions. This transformation illustrates how a garment, originally a spatial layer, now extends its logic into the domestic realm through inventive furniture pieces. Antón García-Abril concluded, "The work profoundly embraces this memory, the material's inherent DNA, which guides its ultimate form and purpose."