HAORI remodels japanese kimono into curving aluminum and cowhide lampshades

its gently curving form emulates the folds of a kimono, enclosing a soft glow of light within.

Atsushi Shindo edited by kat barandy May 8, 2023 3 min

a cross between kimono and self-standing lampshade

Atsushi Shindo’s HAORI stands at an intersection between a kimono and a self-standing lampshade, where its gently curving form emulates the folds of the traditional Japanese clothing in aluminum and leather. Becoming both the shade and the base, the minimalist lighting fixture envelops within an internal projection which converts a magnetic LED light into a soft, soothing glow. As the lamps are dressed in a different material, their distinct properties exude a different ambient tone of lighting, from the delicate perforated rays of seeping through the aluminum holes, to the soft semi-translucent grow through the fabric. The project was unveiled at SaloneSatellite during Milan Design Week 2023 at the Fiera Milano exhibition center.

atsushi shindo launched haori inspired by a japanese traditional kimono and a self standing lampshad for milan design week 2023 10 — cowhide lampshade with a luxury finish | all images courtesy of Atsushi Shindo

atsushi shindo rethinks traditional japanese clothing

HAORI merges the simplicity of the familiar object with a unique sense of spatial awareness, transforming the traditional cultural item of clothing with little use in modern life into a fabric of the home’s interior. Encouraging the audience to re-evaluate the object’s potential and beauty within our everyday lives, the concept was sparked after Atsushi Shindo found himself wearing a kimono for the first time, materializing the novelty, joy, and radiance he felt.

The Japanese designer used a range of Haoris to create the diverse collection of lampshades wherein each material’s qualities created a different lighting effect. The sheets of each material can also be adapted, reducing environmental impact by giving new life to readily-found scraps. At Salone Satellite, three types of materials were showcased: aluminum, cowhide, and fabric. Aluminum was chosen for its high recycling rate, and a pattern of holes were drilled into its surface to exude a delicate, sculptural expression of light. Cowhide, derived from the byproducts of cattle, alternatively gives a more luxurious appearance with an elegant luster and sense of weight. Lastly, scraps of fabric from substandard production were upcycled, with their unique softness reminiscent of a kimono and the layering of the fibers delicately transmitting a more tranquil glow.

atsushi shindo launched haori inspired by a japanese traditional kimono and a self standing lampshad for milan design week 2023 2 — Atsushi Shindo launched HAORI at Milan Design Week 2023

atsushi shindo launched haori inspired by a japanese traditional kimono and a self standing lampshad for milan design week 2023 1 — in custom sizes, the self-standing fixtures are both a lampshade and base

atsushi shindo launched haori inspired by a japanese traditional kimono and a self standing lampshad for milan design week 2023 6 — perforated aluminum surface

atsushi shindo launched haori inspired by a japanese traditional kimono and a self standing lampshad for milan design week 2023 8 — emitting a delicate, sculptural expression of light

atsushi shindo launched haori inspired by a japanese traditional kimono and a self standing lampshad for milan design week 2023 11 — semi-translucent enclosure of upcycled fabrics diffuses the light into a softer glow

atsushi shindo launched haori inspired by a japanese traditional kimono and a self standing lampshad for milan design week 2023 9 — Cowhide derived from the byproducts of cattle

atsushi shindo launched haori inspired by a japanese traditional kimono and a self standing lampshad for milan design week 2023 5 — a stick-shaped LED luminaire installed inside the shade can be easily removed with a magnet

the proportions of the kimono are generously spread from the top to the hem

project info:

name: HAORI
designer: Atsushi Shindo

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