Collaborative tote bag from Raf Simons and Peter Saville, two renowned figures in the design world
In the world of fashion and graphic design, the collaboration between fashion designer Raf Simons and graphic designer Peter Saville is a standout. This partnership, characterized by Simons' minimalist, avant-garde fashion and Saville's influential, often industrial-inspired graphic style, has left its mark on various projects.
The duo's latest venture is the creation of a limited-edition tote bag for Kvadrat. While specific details about the collaboration's inception may not be readily available, it is clear that the tote bag is a testament to the fusion of Simons' fashion sensibilities and Saville's graphic design expertise.
The fabric for the tote bag is chosen from Saville's 'Techicolour' range, specifically 'Techicolour Fleck', a wool 'rural graffiti' textile, available in 0190 black and 0150 grey. The design is based on this distinctive fabric, reflecting the creative synergy between fashion and visual art.
Both Simons and Saville have a strong connection with Kvadrat. Simons has worked with Kvadrat since 2014, launching his 'Shaker System' of functional home accessories in 2022. Saville, on the other hand, has been working with Kvadrat since 2006, advising on its visual identity, designing the 'Technicolour' fabric range, and designing Kvadrat's London showroom.
The collaboration between Simons and Saville is not a new phenomenon. Their relationship dates back to when Simons discovered Saville's work in a local record shop in Neerpelt, Belgium. Over the years, they have collaborated numerous times, with Saville's designs featuring in Simons' A/W 2003 collection and being repeated in his S/S 2018 show.
Peter Saville's work is not specifically interested in graphics or typography but in how two-dimensional culture can reflect the mood of the moment. This philosophy is evident in his cover art for bands like Joy Division and New Order on Factory Records, a testament to his ability to capture the zeitgeist.
The new tote bag from Kvadrat brings Simons and Saville together, taking its shape and design from the signature Kvadrat/Raf Simons Tote Bag. The limited-edition bag represents the relationships between Simons, Saville, and Kvadrat, offering a unique blend of fashion, graphic design, and innovative textiles.
Raf Simons, the founder of his eponymous label in 1995, has had a distinguished career, working at Jil Sander, Dior, Calvin Klein, and Prada. His collaboration with Peter Saville continues to push creative boundaries, influencing fashion campaigns, product design, and broader cultural expressions within and beyond the fashion industry.
The collaboration between Raf Simons and Peter Saville extends beyond fashion and graphic design, venturing into lifestyle areas such as home and garden. Simons' continued partnership with Kvadrat, which began in 2014, is a testament to this, with their latest project being the creation of a limited-edition tote bag showcasing a fusion of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden aesthetics.