Kvadrat and Raf Simons Expand Collab With New Kid’s Accessories

3 hours ago7 min read

In a move that feels ripped straight from the front row of Milan Fashion Week, the design world is buzzing as textile powerhouse Kvadrat and fashion’s visionary enfant terrible, Raf Simons, have expanded their wildly creative collaboration into a new, unexpected realm: children’s accessories. This isn't just another merch drop; it's a full-scale reimagining of Simons' modular Shaker System, seen through a whimsical, child-centric lens that feels both incredibly chic and delightfully playful.For those who’ve followed Simons' trajectory from his groundbreaking work at Jil Sander and Calvin Klein to his more introspective recent collections, this pivot makes perfect sense. There’s always been a thread of youthful rebellion and nostalgia running through his designs—think the oversized coats reminiscent of a child in an adult's wardrobe or the raw, emotional energy of adolescent angst.To see this aesthetic philosophy applied to a modular system and accessories designed for kids is like watching a beloved director release a prequel; it fills in the emotional backstory of his entire creative universe. The original Shaker System, with its clean lines and textile-based, customizable panels, was a hit in design circles for its minimalist elegance and functionality.But this new iteration is something else entirely. Imagine those same architectural principles, but scaled down, softened at the edges, and rendered in Kvadrat’s most tactile, high-pile velvets and vibrant, color-saturated wools.We’re talking about storage cubes that double as building blocks, tactile wall hangings that invite interaction, and soft, sculptural forms that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-concept gallery but are durable enough for a playroom. It’s a genius fusion of Scandinavian design rigor—Kvadrat’s undeniable heritage—with Simons' unique ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist.This launch speaks volumes about the current state of design, where the boundaries between high fashion, interior design, and lifestyle are not just blurring but dissolving entirely. It’s a direct challenge to the often garish, character-led world of children's products, offering an alternative that treats children as discerning aesthetic beings with a right to beautifully designed environments.One can draw a direct line from the collectible, art-toy phenomenon to this collection; it’s about creating heirlooms, not disposables. The potential consequences are fascinating.Will this spur a 'quiet luxury' movement for the nursery set, forcing other brands to elevate their offerings? And what does it mean for Kvadrat’s brand, so long associated with upholstery for architects and designers, to now be crafting objects for the hands of children? It’s a bold, confident expansion that relies on the strength of a partnership which has consistently proven its relevance. In the glamorous, often fickle world of design collabs, Kvadrat and Raf Simons continue to be a pairing that matters, not just for what they create, but for the conversations they start. This foray into kids' accessories isn't a side project; it's a core chapter in their ongoing narrative, proving that the most sophisticated design always leaves room for a sense of wonder.

#Kvadrat

#Raf Simons

#collaboration

#kids accessories

#Shaker System

#design

#fashion

#interior design

#featured

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