The project explores material reuse and design experimentation through a collaboration with Ensamble Studio
Issey Miyake presented “The Paper Log: Shell and Core” at its Milan store on Via Bagutta from April 21 to May 5, 2026, as part of its ongoing series of in-store design collaborations. The project was conceived by Satoshi Kondo of Miyake Design Studio and developed in collaboration with Spanish architecture office Ensamble Studio.
The installation centered on the Paper Log, a compressed roll of pleated paper originally used in the garment pleating process to protect fabric during production. Derived from Issey Miyake’s proprietary pleating technology, the material was repurposed as the basis for a series of experimental objects and furniture prototypes, extending the lifecycle of an industrial byproduct into a design context.
Structured around the dual concepts of “Shell” and “Core,” the installation presented two distinct approaches to the material. Ensamble Studio developed the “Shell” series, consisting of sculptural objects created by peeling and reshaping layers of paper, then treating them with hardening agents to preserve their form. These pieces emphasized surface detail and the transformation of the material into rigid, crystallized structures.
In parallel, the in-house project team developed the “Core” series, which included functional prototypes such as stools, chairs, and tables. These works explored the structural potential of the Paper Log through processes including cutting, binding, and material treatments such as wax and adhesive applications. A dedicated section of the installation documented the development process behind these objects.
The project extended Issey Miyake’s ongoing investigation into material innovation and design methodology, linking its garment production techniques to broader applications in product and spatial design. By situating the installation within its retail environment, the brand continued its program of engaging external collaborators to explore new interpretations of its core technologies.
