Fold-Cut-Wear

Some years ago, a japanese friend tried to teach me the art of Origami. Just the basic designs. I think I still remember how to make a crane,


but apart from that I can't remember anything else...
I begin folding paper and in a few moments I'm lost!

I'm always impressed by the variety of things certain artists can built with a sheet of paper. It's a fabulous world!

Fashion too often looked at japanese arts as inspirations. It's a fact. Origami and Kirigami - another japanese paper art, really similar to Origami, except here you fold and CUT paper - inspired pieces are everywhere.
Manipulation of paper and fabrics are not so different, the Origami/Kirigami techniques work wonderfully on both of them.
There are tons of examples. Take a look at the great contemporary textiles of Anne Kyyro Quinn, at her wonderful cushions, and you'll have an idea.


High Fashion too is largely influenced by these art forms. Looking at this season and at F/W '08-'09 collections, the trend seems to be totally confirmed, more than ever.
Laser cut and folds give birth to three dimensional shapes; the surface change according to an "architectural" approch to fabrics and elements and the results are usually eye-catching yet extremely elegants.

Derercuny

Marni


Bottega Veneta


Proenza Schouler


Preen


Moschino


The "winged shoes", Prada F/W 2008-2009.



All photos courtesy Style.com