Inspiration
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN GARNIER & LINKER AND JAPAN HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE 2014
The year in which they first participated in a program jointly organized by the cities of Kyoto and Paris. Its purpose: ensuring active collaboration between Japanese craftsmen and French designers with a contemporary application of ancient savoir-faire.
Ever since, collaborations have accelerated over the course of travels and workshop visits, which have gradually extended throughout various regions of Japan. The breadth of know-how has also expanded considerably, from ceramics to bamboo, tatami, Kitayama cedar, lacquer and washi paper.
Two initial collections have been launched: a furniture collection made of KITAYAMA cedar, a uniquely-textured type of wood, and a collection of washi paper Byōbu—or folding screens—named KIN.
The connection between Garnier & Linker and Japan remains deep, also showcased through a series of household objects that discover new know-how.
JAPAN HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE FOR GARNIER & LINKER, PARTICULARLY ITS WEALTH OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
Despite carving out its own style from millennia of traditions and innovations, Garnier & Linker sees striking similarities between Japanese and French craftsmanship. Through a quest for excellence, seemingly infinite know-how and specialized workshop techniques, the comparisons are visible.
Such craft is also manifested using vulnerable materials and savoir-faire which require reinterpretation to acquire a new lease on life.
Against this backdrop, Garnier & Linker aspires to develop long-term collaborations with Japanese workshops in the tradition of meaningful interactions between France and Japan, whether through the exemplary work of Jean Dunand, Charlotte Perriand or Eileen Gray.
AN INSPIRATIONAL BODY OF TEXTURES, SHAPES AND MATERIALS
Through their ventures across Japan, Garnier & Linker has drawn inspiration from Japanese practices and creativity. Such fascination applies to the worlds of architecture, fashion, crafts and gardens, creating an inspirational body of textures discovered through façades, fences and low walls.
This imaginary collection preserves a connection with Japan in an effort to capture the often-mysterious meaning more closely.
