The latest in an ongoing series of creative collaborations, Valextra’s new collection was designed Bethan Laura Wood who brought her special brand of whimsy to the rigorous leather bags. Titled ‘Toothpaste’, the collection is, as Wood puts it, is ‘somewhere between Neapolitan ice cream and your father’s 1970s ties, with a bit of mint toothpaste’.
The British designer looked at the work of artist Eduardo Paolozzi’s during her research, but also drew from a wider pool of inspiration, from the curved typography of M/M Paris to the logo from the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. The collection was also a continuation of research that first began with her interconnecting ‘Playtime’ tables in 2010, a graphic furniture design that has become one of her signatures.
The Valextra collection features new interpretations on two of the brand’s classics: the Iside, a rigid-handle handbag, and the Passpartout, a spacious and multifunctional day bag and the latest addition to the brand’s family. Wood created new handles and clasps for the former, and accessories for the latter’s front pocket. The palette, a mix of murky 1970s tones and pop jewel hues, is complemented by Wood’s colorful accessories, in a mix of pastels and candy colours.
Her design is characterised by a modular ‘wiggle’ motif inspired by Valextra’s own signature Costa treatment, a black painted edge punctuating the bags. ‘I really like the products’ detailing,’ explains Wood. ‘Valextra’s world is clean, graphic and minimal. I wanted to see where my world could collide with them.’ Wood engineered seven handle designs, four clasps and three pocket accessories, creating possibilities galore for the bags’ different identities.
Valextra has previously worked with designers such as Martino Gamper on a collection of bags and an pop-up installation, and Philippe Malouin on the brand’s London flagship boutique. ‘What they do is really brave,’ says Wood. ‘Their collaborations look completely different, they work with such different people and they are not afraid of conceptual interpretations.’
Wood’s collection is available from the brand’s Milan boutique, presented in a site-specific installation inspired by Paolozzi’s visual universe. It’s yet another reinvention for the 80-year-old company (the anniversary celebrations this year have included a collaboration with Snarkitecture), affirming its ability mix new influences into its heritage.
The installation marks the launch of the Italian label’s ‘Toothpaste’ collection, designed by Bethan Laura Wood
The designer also created different accessories for the Passpartout pockets
Left, one of the designer’s most complex handles comprises a modular wiggle design with several layers. Right, Wood’s references included this interlocking tube artwork
The piping of a Mexican industrial plant was among Wood‘s inspirations
Installation view at the Valextra boutique in Milan
The mood board and a series of prototypes for the handles, clasps and front pocket designs in Wood’s London studio
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Valextra website
ADDRESS
Valextra
Via Alessandro Manzoni 3
20121 Milan
-
Alaïa teams up with Rare Books Paris to curate a stylish libraryAlaïa partners with Rare Books Paris to celebrate some of fashion and art’s most collectable tomes, curated by Peter Mulier and displayed in Alaïa’s Paris and London boutiques
-
Sam Youkilis’ ‘Somewhere’ is an ode to the beauty of everyday life across cultures
Photographer Sam Youkilis unveils new book ‘Somewhere 2017 – 2023’, the world as seen through his iPhone camera
-
Pierre Yovanovitch opens a home in New York
The Pierre Yovanovitch New York gallery is a 10,000-square-foot space within a penthouse in Chelsea, bringing a taste of Paris to the city
-
Valextra’s unique Kyoto outpost combines traditional Japanese craft with Italian midcentury design
Housed in a former teahouse, the new Casa Valextra store in Kyoto debuts the Milanese leather goods label’s offering against a backdrop of iconic Italian design
-
Jonathan Anderson on his new store in Milan, an ode to the city’s design codes
For his second JW Anderson store – and first outside of London – Jonathan Anderson has set up shop in Milan with a space that pays homage to the city’s stylistic codes. Here, he tells Wallpaper* the story behind the opening
-
Sunnei launches its first Objects collection
Italian label Sunnei launches a range of lifestyle pieces, ranging from pillows to puzzles
-
Aitor Throup launches first Anatomyland prototypes as NFTs
-
Coperni harnesses Star Wars tech in new campaign
Innovative French label Coperni, launches its cutting-edge XR digital campaign ‘Ready to Care'
-
Mr Porter celebrates the mastery of Italian fashion
The luxury menswear retailer celebrates the impeccable craftmanship of Italian menswear with a capsule collection featuring Aspesi, Etro and Valstar
-
Vintage-inspired denim from a heritage Italian brand
Over three decades of denim expertise lay the groundwork for Italian brand Jacob Cohën’s latest collection
-
Versace A/W 2020 Milan Fashion Week Women's
