Kanebo Cosmetics Inc gets a fluid and tactile makeover courtesy of Curiosity
![Kanebo Cosmetics fresh day cream and night lipid wear](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HZRvqC3ijpedKCmbLdowbS-415-80.jpg)
Kanebo Cosmetics Inc started life in the early 19th century as a successful cotton trading and textile company, shifting later to the production of silk and thread. In 1936, the company launched 'Savan de Soie', its first skincare product, a luxurious soap formulated with silk oil extracts.
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of its entry into the cosmetics industry, Kanebo Cosmetics Inc tasked Gwenaël Nicolas of the Franco-Japanese design studio Curiosity – responsible for the design of the Uniqlo Megastore, the Nikkei Media Wall and the Sensai Select Spa at Interlaken's Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – with the rebranding of the company. Now simply named ‘Kanebo’, the packaging of the skincare line is unashamedly and unapologetically sensuous.
When asked about what influenced his fluid, tactile lines, Nicolas explains, ‘I was inspired by nature. The skincare line represents the flow of water you can find in a garden in Kyoto... full of endless energy. The idea of movement and energy are very important to me.'
He continues, ‘The Kanebo line is an opportunity to introduce modern women to other cultures, to discover possibilities and the intrinsic uniqueness of different traditions and techniques. Kanebo embodies the connection between traditional Japanese aesthetic and modernity.'
These days Nicolas sees Kanebo as more of an ‘attitude’ than a brand. ‘I wanted Kanebo to be the embodiment of refinement. I wanted to create something timeless that would look as if it has always been there but with a modern twist.’
Now simply named Kanebo, the packaging of the skincare line is unashamedly and unapologetically sensuous
Says Nicolas, 'I wanted Kanebo to be the embodiment of refinement. I wanted to create something timeless that would look as if it has always been there but with a modern twist'
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Kanebo website
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
Meet the creative linking ‘blue zones’ and skincare secrets
Founder Ila Colombo shares the traditional Japanese, Italian, Brazilan skincare secrets behind the new high-tech brand
By Mary Cleary Last updated
-
The 7 steps to sustainable cosmetics, from Stockholm’s new beauty sensation
By Sotos Varsamis Last updated