Gathering on the Dock: The Odd Incidents Emerge when Car Architects Socialize Together
In a unique fusion of automotive innovation and fashion, a groundbreaking fashion show took place at the World Kita-Aoyama Building in Tokyo, open to the public. The event, organised by JAID, an association of interior and CMF designers from nine major carmakers, including Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu, showcased unconventional creations made from discarded automotive materials.
The fashion show, themed under "TSUNAGI" (Coveralls), aimed to promote sustainable fashion by reusing materials from the automotive and clothing industries. Designers from various car companies gathered for candid discussions, revealing their thoughts and camaraderie.
Toyota made a splash with their unique guitars, crafted using bits of wood, leather, and a substance discharged from FCEV hydrogen tank resin parts. Toyota Auto Body presented the Kimochi Booster, a remarkable piece that changes colour and shape based on the wearer's mood, with built-in fans for inflation and glow effects. The Kimochi Booster was made with scrap materials from an airbag plant, adding to the eco-friendly ethos of the event.
Honda and Isuzu collaborated on a creation called Oyako Tsunagi, which combined scrap automotive materials with used clothing from the vintage boutique Ragtag. The result was a striking blend of automotive and fashion, embodying the spirit of reusing and recycling.
Nissan presented Celebuton, a garment made from discarded automotive airbags and fabrics. Toyota Boshoku showcased Kakera no Down/Kafu Tsunagu Fuku, using materials discarded during car seat production, including shredded offcuts and car seat covers.
The event also featured Upcycled Material Garments, with clothing made from repurposed car parts or materials, such as jackets from old seat belts or dresses from recycled car fabric. Automotive-Inspired Patterns were also on display, with designs that mimicked car-related motifs, like tire tread patterns or car body shapes, incorporated into clothing. Sustainable Accessories, like handbags made from recycled car interior materials or jewelry inspired by car components, added to the diversity of the show.
Keisuke Takahashi, President of a World Group-affiliated company, was involved as an advisor and saw potential in the innovative ideas presented at the fashion show. This collaboration between the automotive and fashion industries not only highlights the creativity and environmental responsibility of these companies but also paves the way for a more sustainable future in both industries.
At the event, Nissan moved towards sustainable fashion with Celebuton, a garment created from repurposed automotive airbags and fabrics. Toyota Boshoku followed suit, showcasing Kakera no Down/Kafu Tsunagu Fuku, made from materials discarded during car seat production, such as shredded offcuts and car seat covers. The event also extended to home and garden, as it promoted a sustainable-living philosophy by encouraging upcycling, with fashion and beauty items crafted from repurposed car parts or materials, like handbags from recycled car interior materials or jewelry inspired by car components.
