Introducing a BE@RBRICK featuring textiles from the premium collection "Kvadrat/Raf Simons" by Kvadrat, the world's leading textile manufacturer! We spoke with them about the company's history, their encounter with Raf Simons, and how this BE@RBRICK 1000% came to be.

Kvadrat, a world-renowned textile manufacturer based in Denmark, is a leader in its field. Their fabrics are used for upholstery by numerous interior brands and are also found in museums, offices, and public spaces.

The premium collection "Kvadrat/Raf Simons," designed by fashion designer Raf Simons, who enjoys immense popularity in Japan, offers innovative textiles that blend the tradition of Scandinavian design with contemporary sensibilities. The carefully selected, high-quality materials and the bold yet delicate color palettes are truly unique.

The "BE@RBRICK RAF SIMONS 1000%" being released features "Atom," a textile from Kvadrat/Raf Simons that evokes the pointillist style of late 19th-century Impressionist paintings.

To commemorate the release, we spoke with Mr. Yugo Paulino Sanada, Sales Manager Residential at Kvadrat, about the company's history and the origins of this collaboration.

—First, could you tell us about Kvadrat?

SanadaFounded in Denmark in 1968, Kvadrat is a textile manufacturer rooted in Scandinavian design traditions, yet it collaborates with artists from various fields to create top-quality textiles.

Kvadrat's products, which meticulously pursue design philosophy, artistry, and technological innovation in textiles, are adopted not only by world-renowned architects and designers but also as upholstery by leading furniture manufacturers.

—Kvadrat/Raf Simons was first presented in London in 2014 as Kvadrat's premium line. How did it come about, and what kind of products have you developed so far?

SanadaThe Kvadrat/Raf Simons collaboration began when our president, Anders Byriel, met Mr. Raf Simons through a mutual acquaintance. Having studied industrial design in Kortrijk, Belgium, Mr. Simons had a strong interest in upholstery textiles, which led to the collaboration.

Initially, he participated in selecting the color palette for Kvadrat's other premium line, the Fanny Aronsen series. This later evolved into his own fabric collections and accessory lines. Furthermore, Kvadrat-developed fabrics have been incorporated into Mr. Simons's fashion collections, expanding the collaboration into a unique fusion of fashion and interiors.

—What are your thoughts on collaborating with external designers?

SanadaAt Kvadrat, we always prioritize respecting the designer's vision above all else.

The designers we collaborate with come from very diverse backgrounds, including not only textile designers but also architects, fashion designers, and product designers. Therefore, in fabric development, we actively support designers' creative endeavors by providing access to their inspirations, materials, and technologies. We respond flexibly, offering site visits or opportunities for technical training as needed.

—Could you tell us about the background of Kvadrat/Raf Simons textiles being used for BE@RBRICK and your impressions of the finished product?

SanadaFirst and foremost, we are deeply honored to have had the opportunity to be involved in such a unique and stimulating project as using Kvadrat/Raf Simons fabrics for BE@RBRICK.

We met Mr. Akashi of MEDICOM TOY, who develops BE@RBRICK, at a previous event, where he expressed interest in the versatility of upholstery textiles. Later, the development team from MEDICOM TOY visited our showroom and saw various fabrics, particularly from the distinctive Raf Simons series, which led to this collaboration.

In recent years, upholstery textiles have expanded beyond interiors to be used in apparel, electronics, and various other fields, with their versatility and potential continuing to grow. This BE@RBRICK is a prime example, and I was deeply moved by the materials being given new life in this form when I saw the finished product.

—Could you tell us about the characteristics of "Atom," used in this BE@RBRICK?

Sanada"Atom" is a fabric developed from our previous collections, characterized by a design featuring colorful speckles. It is composed of a coarse bouclé weave that gives an impression of randomness and a non-repeating pattern.

The weft uses two types of voluminous bouclé yarns, one solid and one with up to three colors, while the monochrome warp also incorporates similar materials. The colors, reminiscent of lush flower fields or paint splatters on a canvas, lend a natural and free impression to the surface.

—Are there plans for future展開 of Kvadrat/Raf Simons fabrics?

SanadaWhile Raf Simons as a fashion brand concluded with the Spring/Summer 2023 collection, the Kvadrat/Raf Simons collaboration will continue. We plan to continue joint development not only for upholstery but also for accessory lines such as cushions.

In recent years, as interest in interiors has grown, the demand for textiles that combine playfulness and elegance has increased. Mr. Raf Simons's unique perspective and aesthetic sensibility align perfectly with these demands. We believe we can propose them for a wide range of applications, from residential spaces to commercial environments, hotels, and fashion-integrated interior designs.

—Finally, could you tell us about Kvadrat's current initiatives?

SanadaKvadrat will continue to actively collaborate with designers from diverse backgrounds to develop textiles that incorporate new ideas and perspectives. We believe that encounters with different fields such as architecture, fashion, and art are the driving force behind creating unprecedented expressions.

Furthermore, while maintaining our commitment to quality, Kvadrat is also focusing on creating sustainable products with reduced environmental impact. We will continue to promote initiatives for a sustainable future, including the use of recycled materials and environmental considerations in our manufacturing processes.

BE@RBRICK RAF SIMONS 1000%
Size | Approx. 700mm (height)
Release Date | Scheduled for release in June 2025 at MEDICOM TOY NEXT
Price | ¥275,000 (incl. tax)
*Limited quantity. Please forgive us if sold out.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©️ 2001-2025 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

MEDICOM TOY NEXT
Address | Shibuya PARCO 4F, 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours | 11:00 - 21:00
Phone | 03-6452-5003
Regular Holidays | Irregular