Belgian fashion designer Raf Simons and Danish textile brand Kvadrat have worked together for just over a decade. The close partnership has resulted in a slew of dynamic textiles and accessories innovatively implementing quality materials. Their shared ambition: bringing richer, more nuanced applications of color and texture into our interiors. “Working with Kvadrat is extremely collaborative, almost like a family,” says Simons. Through this “side hustle” of sorts, the noted polymath has not only applied his sartorial expertise and inherent sense of experimentation (material and composition) to multivalent fabrics but also explored the concept of home with a broader perspective. Now in their third collection, the latest Kvadrat/Raf Simons collaboration is designed with children in mind.
In this ongoing working relationship, Simons has often looked to the past to inform the future; citing the lasting validity of certain historic touchpoints. “I’m interested in how inventive they were, or how revolutionary, in terms of form language or ways of thinking about how people are living,” he says. “That’s what’s on my mind – how can something be transformed and become relevant and loved in a new way.”
Building on the reimagined coat hook Shaker System – originally launched in 2022 – the new Kids collection is a third version in which the considerations of clear function and quotient need have been addressed from a child’s vantage point. Naturally, a sprinkling of whimsy is also now part of the equation but doesn’t detract from the underlying sophistication of the kit-of-part product.
The modular system, anchored by a rectilinear bar now rendered in a distinctive vermillion red, plays host to everything from a teddy bear – produced in Asator velvet – to blankets – one produced in wool jacquard and emblazoned in graphical depictions of “relaxed bears and bunnies.” Rounding out the Kids collection are solid wool blankets, velvet pillows, hooded towels, bucket hats, and a storage bag These playful, and nurturing, items come in addition to preexisting components such as baseball caps, key chains, mirrors, document envelopes, and pillows that attach to the Shaker System.
“Some of the things like the hooded towel (terry cotton) are made from the same textiles as the ones for the adults. I like the idea that the child can think and also have what their mum or dad have,” says Simons. For those kids that are already fashion conscious, the cotton bucket hat is subtly branded with Simons’ logo.
The original collection drew inspiration from the honest construction and no-frills philosophy of the American Shaker community – known for upholding tradition in both life and craft production. That straightforward approach and sense of resourceful adaptability is still reflected in these new additions.
“The Kids collection has a practical side and one that appeals to imagination,” Simons adds. “Building on the original Shaker concept of imagining accessories room by room, we thought about children and their things across the whole home. Children have a different way of looking at things, for instance, a throw can be a blanket or a plaything. For me it was interesting to try to understand children’s thinking and what might intrigue them.”
Drawing inspiration from his own experience growing up in the 1970s, the multifaceted designer developed the especially flexible Vidar 4 bag – optimized for creative play and organization. As a catch-all for other items in the system, toys, etc., it can stand on its own or be hung up. It resembles the Christmas stocking of Simons’ youth.
“I find kids are creative in a more interesting way than adults,” the designer says. “They could use their blankets to make a sort of tent, for example. That was something I did my whole childhood. I’m very [nostalgic] when it comes to these domestic gestures that are related to either daily life or special moments.”
To learn more about the Kvadrat/Raf Simons Kids collection by Kvadrat and Raf Simons, please visit kvadratrafsimons.com.
Photography courtesy of Kvadrat.
