Kvadrat / Raf Simons – Einar & Aaren
UPHOLSTERY COLLECTION 2023
EINAR
70% alpaca, 30% mohair (pile) 100% cotton (base)
140 cm wide
6 colours
Plush and ultra-soft from the combination of mohair and alpaca, Einar is a masterful take on modern luxury: exclusive, of the moment, and the ultimate in comfort and tactility. Even when intensely coloured, the dense and deep pile captures the characteristics of the natural fibres in a form that is both organic and structure. Powdery and lively, the nuanced colour of the evenly cut pile is accentuated by slight variations in the cotton base.
A more controlled version of Argo, Einar re-interprets the sheepskins, furs and mohair used by mid-century designers such as Jean Royère. Raf Simons also takes cues from his AW21 fashion collection, one he said was a manifestation of the ‘things he has always loved’ and which explored how contrasting elements can achieve equilibrium.
In setting the palette Simons imagined how he would use the textile himself, selecting champagne pink as highlight alongside signature colours from the Kvadrat/Raf Simons collection, off white, red, dark green and black.
AAREN
85% wool, 10% viscose, 5% nylon
140cm wide
11 colours
Formal yet informal, Aaren is Raf Simons’ interpretation of the classic twill, its lively dissolved organic surface restrained and contained by sharp diagonal ribs. A technical tour de force, the upholstery textile gets its dichotomous character from a specially developed, loosely spun wool and viscose yarn. The uneven texture, sheen and colouration of the yarn set up the contrast against the regularity of the woollen backing.
Aaren is a classic Raf Simons juxtaposition, what the designer describes as ‘bouclé style 3D relief meets blown up twill’. Taking the obvious and making it anew, it continues his fascination with translating traditional textiles that originate in fashion to upholstery. Aaren has the durability and density required for furniture and a freewheeling expression that elevates it from an object of utility to one of emotion.
The palette shows Simons’ passion for defining colours; magenta, deep burgundy and dusky rose, along with his favoured yellow and black, are complemented by subtle grey and beige, off white, tobacco and anthracite. Tonal variations in the warp yarn and the sense of depth and shadow from the tight diagonal lines of the twill, create an exceptionally vibrant colour effect, an intense and multifaceted monochrome.
About Raf Simons
Born in Belgium in 1968, Raf Simons studied industrial design in Genk. Inspired by the work of designers such as Martin Margiela, he moved to Antwerp, where the head of the Fashion Department at the city’s Royal Academy encouraged him to start his own label without further study. Launched in 1995, Raf Simons menswear – informed both by classic tailoring and youth culture – had a huge impact on the style of the decade. In 2005 Simons became artistic director of the Jil Sander label, which under his tenure became known for its vital, sophisticated modernism. In 2012 he was named creative director of Dior Women, a position that he held until late in 2015. During his time as Chief Creative Officer of American fashion label Calvin Klein from 2016 to 2018, he has been awarded Designer of the Year 2017 for both his Menswear and Womenswear collections and for his Womenswear collection in 2018.
In April 2020 Simons joined the Prada brand as Co-Creative Director, working in partnership with Miuccia Prada. A passionate collector of contemporary art and modern design, Simons’ aesthetic is often informed by his admiration for art and he regularly engages in interdisciplinary collaborations.
About Raf Simons
Born in Belgium in 1968, Raf Simons studied industrial design in Genk. Inspired by the work of designers such as Martin Margiela, he moved to Antwerp, where the head of the Fashion Department at the city’s Royal Academy encouraged him to start his own label without further study. Launched in 1995, Raf Simons menswear – informed both by classic tailoring and youth culture – had a huge impact on the style of the decade. In 2005 Simons became artistic director of the Jil Sander label, which under his tenure became known for its vital, sophisticated modernism. In 2012 he was named creative director of Dior Women, a position that he held until late in 2015. During his time as Chief Creative Officer of American fashion label Calvin Klein from 2016 to 2018, he has been awarded Designer of the Year 2017 for both his Menswear and Womenswear collections and for his Womenswear collection in 2018.
In April 2020 Simons joined the Prada brand as Co-Creative Director, working in partnership with Miuccia Prada. A passionate collector of contemporary art and modern design, Simons’ aesthetic is often informed by his admiration for art and he regularly engages in interdisciplinary collaborations.
About Kvadrat
Kvadrat was established in Denmark in 1968 and has deep roots in Scandinavia’s world-famous design tradition. A leader in design innovation, Kvadrat produces quality contemporary textiles and textile-related products for architects, designers and private consumers across the world.
Our products reflect our commitment to colour, quality, simplicity and innovation. We consistently push the aesthetic, technological and functional properties of textiles. In doing so, we collaborate with leading designers, architects and artists, including Miriam Bäckström, Raf Simons, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Thomas Demand, Olafur Eliasson, Alfredo Häberli, Akira Minagawa, Peter Saville, Roman Signer, Doshi Levien and Patricia Urquiola.
For more information, please contact:
Trendgruppen PR, Helena Walfridsson,
Mail: helena.walfridsson@trendgruppen.se
Phone: +46 73 663 76 12