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Issey Miyake and Ensamble Studio explore paper's sculptural potential in Milan Design Week exhibition

architecture-design · 2026-04-19

At its flagship location in Milan, Issey Miyake showcases 'The Paper Log: Shell and Core' during Milan Design Week, in partnership with Ensamble Studio. This initiative employs compressed paper logs derived from Miyake's pleating techniques to craft furniture and sculptures. Design director Satoshi Kondo began this exploration after noticing dense paper rolls at production facilities. The 'Core' collection features wax-treated benches and intricately carved side tables, while the 'Shell' segment showcases paper draped over furniture and set with resin. Each log stands 80cm tall and has a diameter of 40cm, displaying marbling effects from garment pleating. Kondo seeks to emphasize the aesthetic appeal of paper and the art of pleating. The exhibition can be found at Via Bagutta 12, 20121 Milano.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'The Paper Log: Shell and Core' at Issey Miyake Milan flagship store
  • Collaboration between Issey Miyake and Ensamble Studio
  • Part of Milan Design Week
  • Transforms paper byproduct from pleating technology into furniture and sculptures
  • Paper logs measure 80cm high, 40cm diameter with marbled colors
  • Miyake Design Studio creates 'Core' pieces using wax, glue, carving
  • Ensamble Studio creates 'Shell' pieces by deconstructing and hardening paper
  • Stools from project used in Issey Miyake S/S 2025 Paris show

Entities

Artists

  • Satoshi Kondo
  • Issey Miyake
  • Rosa Bertoli
  • Le Corbusier
  • Antón García-Abril
  • Débora Mesa
  • Michelangelo

Institutions

  • Issey Miyake
  • Miyake Design Studio
  • Ensamble Studio
  • Wallpaper*
  • London Craft Week
  • Maison & Objet
  • The Italian Cultural Institute (London)
  • Clippings
  • Zaha Hadid Design
  • Kartell
  • Frieze Art Fair
  • Chart Architecture Award
  • Dutch Design Awards
  • DesignGuild Marks
  • MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO
  • ISSEY MIYAKE
  • designboom

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Madrid
  • Spain
  • Paris
  • France
  • Udine
  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Via Bagutta 12 Milano

Sources