Artek and Hender Scheme have united in a groundbreaking collaboration that seamlessly blends Finnish modernist principles with the refined artistry of Japanese craftsmanship. This collection breathes new life into Artek's celebrated designs, including the iconic 'Stool 60' and 'A330 Golden Bell' pendant lamp, by adorning them with natural vegetable-tanned leather. The partnership reflects a profound respect for raw materials and the inherent beauty of natural aging, resulting in pieces that are not merely functional but evolve with the passage of time and the experiences of their owners. This fusion creates a compelling dialogue between two distinct design philosophies, emphasizing enduring quality and the personal narrative embedded in everyday objects.
At the heart of this collection lies a shared ethos that celebrates the unique journey of materials. Ryo Kashiwazaki, founder of Hender Scheme, articulates his brand's core philosophy: products are not complete upon purchase but are brought to fruition through the user's interaction, aging gracefully with daily use. This belief finds its perfect complement in Artek's heritage, which has always championed the enduring quality and timeless appeal of natural materials like Finnish wild birch. The collaboration goes beyond mere aesthetics; it delves into the functional and sensory aspects of design, offering an experience that deepens over time as the leather patinates and the wood matures, each element telling a story of shared life and evolving beauty. The collection exemplifies a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and the creation of objects that transcend transient trends.
The Evolving Beauty of Materials: Artek & Hender Scheme's Collaborative Collection
The new collection from Artek and Hender Scheme introduces a compelling dialogue between Finnish wild birch and vegetable-tanned leather, two raw materials celebrated for their ability to develop a rich patina over time. This collaboration reimagines classic Artek pieces by incorporating Hender Scheme's distinctive leather craftsmanship, creating designs that are intended to age gracefully and become uniquely personal to their owners. The collection, which includes leather-wrapped stool tops, protective 'shoes' for furniture legs, and a leather-cocooned 'A330 Golden Bell' pendant light, will debut at London Design Festival 2026 before its global launch on 10 October. This partnership underscores a shared philosophy of respecting natural materials and embracing the evolving beauty that daily use imprints upon them.
Central to this collection is the concept of a 'timeline,' as articulated by Ryo Kashiwazaki, founder of Hender Scheme. He emphasizes that the products are not static finished items but rather works that continue to be shaped and completed through the user's daily life, memories, and experiences. The vegetable-tanned leather, known for its natural oxidation and gradual deepening of color, registers every scratch and mark, transforming each piece into a tangible record of its owner's journey. This approach is beautifully complemented by Artek's use of wild birch, which also ages distinctively. The collection extends beyond furniture to accessories like leather coasters, key holders, and a clock, all inspired by Aino Aalto's 'Riihitie' ceramic plant pots. Each item in the collection is designed to be a living object, constantly changing and gaining character, fostering a deeper connection between the user and their environment.
A Fusion of Functionality and Enduring Aesthetics
The collaboration between Artek and Hender Scheme is rooted in a shared commitment to functionality, material purity, and enduring aesthetics. Hender Scheme, founded in 2010 by Ryo Kashiwazaki, is celebrated for its clean-lined minimalism and a unique philosophy centered on products that evolve with time and use. This ethos perfectly aligns with Artek's modernist heritage, which champions simple, functional designs crafted from natural materials. The collection showcases how these two brands seamlessly merge their distinct design languages, creating pieces that are both timeless and deeply personal. Kashiwazaki's passion for Artek and Alvar Aalto's work, combined with Hender Scheme's innovative leather techniques, has culminated in a collection that respects the original forms while introducing a new dimension of texture and patina.
The meticulous development of this collection spanned nearly five years, emphasizing a respectful integration of Hender Scheme's leather artistry with Artek's iconic outlines. A key innovation is the concept of 'shoes' for Artek stools, not only a unique aesthetic addition but also a functional element that protects floors and softens acoustics. The reimagined 'A330 Golden Bell' pendant light, encased in 3D-printed leather, demonstrates the intricate craftsmanship involved, combining traditional materials with modern fabrication techniques. The accessories, inspired by Aino Aalto's planters, further exemplify the collection's dedication to blending heritage with innovation, using leather molded through water-dipping and 3D printing. This collaboration is a testament to the power of shared philosophies, emphasizing the beauty of natural materials, the passage of time, and the creation of products that foster personal connections and joy.