Reds That Complement the Super Seven (Part 3)

Red That Suits the Super Seven (Part 3)

Masafumi Suzuki × Kaneyoshi Kondo (L&KONDO)

photo by UZAWA kay

At the L&KONDO Showroom

The Material is Honest, Which Makes It Difficult

Masafumi SuzukiI heard it's difficult to get good raw hides, and it occurred to me, couldn't you solve that by directly contracting with livestock farmers, Kondo-san?

Kaneyoshi KondoI actually went to Hokkaido thinking the same thing. There was a young couple raising sheep on a pasture, but their methods were rough. The sheep were getting cut and bleeding from the fences. When I pointed it out, they said, 'But it doesn't affect the meat.' They weren't interested in the hides.

SuzukiSo, an awareness revolution among livestock farmers is necessary?

KondoBut if we have to be that careful, the raw hides will become incredibly expensive.

SuzukiSo, Kondo-san, you're always seeking good materials?

KondoWhen I go hiking, I see cows and sheep in nature, and I think, 'Oh, that's a nice hide' (laughs). The main material I'm using in my collections now is sheepskin.

SuzukiWhat about reptiles?

KondoI like exotic leathers too.

SuzukiWhat do you like about them?

KondoHmm. I suppose I just like them with all my senses. For this year's collection, I really want to work with fur. The more I look at leopards and Chinese mountain cats, the more I want to use fur.

SuzukiThat's something to look forward to. Coats?

KondoYes, I think I'll be quite enthusiastic about coats (laughs).

More Leather in Everyday Life

SuzukiI love the smoothness and suppleness of leather, and because leather wear is meant to last, I feel the design needs to be really solid.

KondoI agree. I also prefer it when people wear it out, like denim. Leather has oils in it, so as you wear it, it naturally absorbs dust and becomes more supple. I suppose I like leather because it's a bit of a wild horse that requires care.

Red That Suits the Super Seven (Part 3) Masafumi Suzuki × Kaneyoshi Kondo (L&KONDO)

Sitting on the "Pernilla × L&KONDO"

SuzukiI saw it earlier, and that high-back chair and ottoman are also wonderfully crafted.

KondoThat's part of our "Modern Folk" category, a collaboration with Tendo Mokko PLY. It's Bruno Mathsson's "Pernilla," a masterpiece of Swedish design, reupholstered with our embossed leather.

SuzukiYour work is brilliantly showcased in it.

KondoI want to see leather items used in more places in daily life. I'm experimenting with various things myself, like laying leather flooring in a herringbone pattern or using leather for wallpaper.

SuzukiJust an idea, but how about applying leather to tatami mats? It would feel nice in the summer.

KondoThat's a great idea.

SuzukiI came up with a good one, didn't I? (laughs).

KondoWell then, please wear it when you ride in the Caterham.

SuzukiI'll go with 'The Man in the Red Leather Jacket'.

KondoIf I see you, I'll give you a honk!

SuzukiThank you for your time today.