Inspo.
Author Béatrice Lorans
Searching for inspiration? From sustainable breakthroughs in the paper-making industry to cutting-edge eBike kits and mesmerising photochromic garments showcased at Paris Fashion Week, the world of design innovation is thriving.
Here are the projects that have caught my eye this month!
Swytch – Leading the eBike revolution
Building on the success of their second generation eBike kits, Swytch has launched the world’s first pocketable eBike battery. Smaller and lighter than any other kit and designed to fit 99% of bikes, the new Swytch Kit champions versatility, making electronic transport accessible at a fraction of the cost of an eBike.
“Our job as innovators is to make environmentally friendly technology that people want to use because it’s cool! That way, a global change to a more sustainable way of life will happen naturally.” – I love this quote from Oliver Montague, Co-founder and CEO of Swytch, because it’s exactly this kind of ethos that will ultimately move the needle when it comes to mass-adoption of sustainable solutions.
Team Demi – The Epitome of Sleek Minimalism
For all my fellow stationery fans out there, feast your eyes on the Team Demi, a portable office set that compiles daily essential stationery items in an elegantly magnetic case. Originally conceived in 1984, Naoto Fukasawa’s 2021 redesign elevates the compact palm-sized set to a pinnacle of sleek minimalism, making it a visual delight. Whether as a treat to yourself for starting a new job or as a gift for your friends, this beautiful yet practical set is the perfect addition to any desk!
ANREALAGE – Technology Fuses with Fashion
Designer Kunihiko Morinaga founded ANREALAGE in 2003, and over 15 years, the label evolved through distinct periods. The third phase, spanning 2011-2017, focused on infusing technology into fashion. At Paris Fashion Week, ANREALAGE stunned with a colour-changing collection, activated by suspended UV lights. Models initially showcased all-white outfits, but as UV lights swept, vibrant colours and bold patterns emerged. This transformation relied on photochromic fabrics reacting to sunlight and UV rays.
Releaf Paper – A circular approach to paper production
Every year, a staggering 3 million hectares of forests vanish for paper production. With the demand for packaging materials skyrocketing to an expected $1.05 trillion in 2024, the urgency for a sustainable alternative has never been more pressing. Enter Releaf, a Ukrainian start-up dedicated to redefining paper-making, and they don’t fell a single tree.
Instead, they harness fallen leaves, transforming them into a tapestry of eco-friendly packaging materials. Their mission? To globally replace wood cellulose in paper mills while putting an end to the burning of dead leaves, a process that contributes heavily to air pollution. Two major issues, one ingenious solution.