The luxury Italian fashion house Tod's has commissioned American artist Willie Cole, known for his three-dimensional artwork, to help design a series of upcycled sculptures.
The Mosaic collection hopes to shed light on 'artcycling' - the crafting process that uses recovered and used materials. Carlo Alberto Beretta, Tod's Milan brand manager, explains that turning waste material into niche objects guided the Mosaic collection. The Mosaic collection also took inspiration from the many Italian factory workers who handmake grocery bags using overstock and unused material scraps.
Together with Willie Cole, Tod's has created a line of handbags made from semi-finished products, recovered pieces, and leather to create dynamic and abstract sculptures. The luxury art world is shifting towards sustainable practices, and Tod's new collaboration ensures its brand moves as well.
Artcycled Sculptural Installations
Tod's Commissions Willie Cole for a Sustainable Art Project
Trend Themes
1. Artcycling - Artcycling is a growing trend that promotes the use of recovered and reusable materials in art installations and consumer products.
2. Sustainable Luxury - The trend of sustainable luxury is growing in the fashion industry, driving the use of eco-friendly materials and production processes in high-end clothing and accessories.
3. Handmade Upcycling - Handmade upcycling is a new trend in production processes, resulting in unique and customized products that contribute to breaking away from mass-produced items.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry is adopting sustainable practices, resulting in environmentally friendly and innovative production methods.
2. Art - Artists are using artcycling to create thought-provoking installations and sculptures, raising awareness about the environment and waste reduction.
3. Retail - The retail industry is embracing the handmade upcycling trend, creating unique and custom-made products that provide a personalized shopping experience for consumers.