Unveiling the epitome of artistic collaboration: French and Japanese craftsmanship converge in Polène x Mobje’s limited-edition Lapel Vase collection, celebrating the fusion of leather offcuts and woven paper fibers.
In a creative revelation that transcends borders, Polène, renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices, and Mobje, a Japanese brand steeped in traditional craft, have joined hands to present an extraordinary collection of Lapel Vases. This captivating series, launched in May 2023, epitomizes the harmonious meeting of two artisanal houses, where leather offcuts from France blend seamlessly with woven paper fibers from Japan, creating objects of unmatched beauty.
Driven by a steadfast commitment to honoring the efforts behind their high-quality raw materials, Polène has made it their mission to maximize the reuse of leather offcuts from their esteemed leather goods collections. Embracing the ethos of upcycling, Polène places the circularity of resources at the heart of their creative process, allowing for new realms of expression in the world of artisanal decorative arts. It is within this context that the collaboration with Mobje flourishes, as the two houses share a common vision centered on refined craftsmanship and an unwavering dedication to authenticity.
Mobje, founded in 2019 by Kazumitsu Kakine, draws inspiration from a heritage deeply rooted in hat-making techniques, inherited from the revered Fujii Hat Co, nestled in the historic Onomichi region of Hiroshima Prefecture. Mobje’s creative pursuit revolves around reimagining this traditional savoir-faire within contemporary contexts, crafting objects that embody a sense of timelessness. Guided by the visionary designer and artistic director, Shinya Yamamoto, Mobje weaves poetic narratives through their creations, inviting individuals to embrace, appreciate, and cherish their objects as vessels of artistic expression.
The convergence of Polène and Mobje sparks an exquisite dialogue, an amalgamation of their shared affinity for minimalist aesthetics and an unwavering dedication to unmatched craftsmanship. At the core of this creative union lies the iconic “Lapel” vase, renowned for its mesmerizing organic folds and waves. Through their collaboration, Polène’s leather offcuts intertwine with Mobje’s woven paper fibers, resulting in a limited edition collection that showcases the finest fusion of materials and expertise. The creation of these remarkable vases involved an extensive prototyping process, whereby the varying shapes and sizes of leather offcuts were meticulously transformed into spirals, seamlessly stitched onto Mobje’s woven strips. The outcome: a trio of vases, each adorned with a unique leather badge and distinguished by captivating color combinations.
The ethereal “Nano Lapel” weaves a delicate tapestry of pink paper fibers and a smooth camel leather base, delicately tracing the vase’s contours and creating an aura of subtle elegance. The “Large Lapel” entwines sand-colored paper fibers with tan leather offcuts, their union accentuated by the addition of graceful leather strips that effortlessly guide the transition from a tubular shape to an undulating neck. Exuding boldness and graphic allure, the “Tall Lapel” flaunts a striking collar embellished with sleek black leather, allowing the vase’s form to be fluidly transformed through the placement of a gold clip. Equipped with a concealed glass vase and a stabilizing weight, this design effortlessly accommodates both fresh blossoms and dried arrangements. Each Lapel Vase proudly bears a leather badge, serving as a testament to its 100% handmade origin and its exclusivity, with less than a thousand units available.
The Polène x Mobje Lapel Vases stand as the epitome of sustainable artistic expression, where discarded leather offcuts are reincarnated through the harmonious interplay of woven paper fibers. This exceptional collection represents the embodiment of a cross-cultural artistic symphony, where French and Japanese traditions unite to create objects that transcend time and space. As these breathtaking vases find their way into the hands of discerning collectors and art enthusiasts, they become cherished embodiments of the seamless coalescence between two venerable artisanal lineages, celebrating the beauty that emerges when creativity knows no bounds.
