Functional branding by Aekae for QWSTION

German design studio Aekae has abstracted the logo of Swiss accessory brand QWSTION to form textural laser-cut patterns within the outer fabric of these bags.

Functional branding by Aekae for QWSTION

Aekae collaborated with typographer Fabian Leuenberger from EuropaType to explore ways in which QWSTION could subtly apply branding to their products in a more integrated and functional way.

Functional branding by Aekae for QWSTION

The designers transformed the brand’s logo into various patterns, which were then laser-cut into the outer fabric of QWSTION’s Oyster Grey Special Edition bags, increasing the stretch of the products through the typographic cuts.

Functional branding by Aekae for QWSTION

The QWSTION brand was co-founded by Fabrice Aeberhard and Christian Kaegi of Aekae studio, who act as creative directors and industrial designers for the brand.

Functional branding by Aekae for QWSTION

The bags were made by textile laboratory DevelopmentNeverStops as an experiment in branding and are not intended for sale.

Functional branding by Aekae for QWSTION

Earlier this year we featured these handbags carried by clamping fingers in woven tubes, similar to Chinese finger trap puzzle.

Functional branding by Aekae for QWSTION

See all our stories about bag design ».

Functional branding by Aekae for QWSTION

Here’s some more information from QWSTION:


A few thousand years ago, artisans were the first to place distinctive marks on their fabrications as signs of quality. At QWSTION, we believe that a product should speak in great terms for itself and a subtle statement of origin is all the branding it really needs. That’s why we came up with the concept of functional branding, only placing our name on parts of the product that serve a functional purpose (such as buckles, twist locks, zipper pullers, and rivets).

In correspondence, choosing a typeface that’s simple and timeless was crucial. We discovered it in EuropaType’s modern sans serif typeface EUROPA. Run by graphic designer and typographer Fabian Leuenberger, EuropaType is based in Zurich and London. Their approach of developing typeface turned out to be very similar to our approach of designing functional bags: Questioning, refining, and maybe even redefining the shapes of our heritage.

The goal of this collaboration was to push the boundaries of the functionality of branding. Using a laser cutter and bags of the current Oyster Grey Special Edition, we created various patterns based on our logotype. Branding becomes subtle and abstract, and the otherwise stiff material as a result became expandable and enhanced in its utility through the typographical cuts. The products are not intended for sale.

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for QWSTION
appeared first on Dezeen.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Here are some photos of the latest collection of Sire spectacle frames, which are made of water buffalo horn.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Designed by Zurich studio Aekae and manufactured by Swisshorn, the frames are made by hand from thin laminated layers of horn.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Aekae showed the first six Sire frames on Dezeen back in 2009 and have since expanded the range to 18 frames for sunglasses and correctional lenses, all with the same distinctive gap between the lenses at the nose bridge.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Check out our top ten stories about spectacles and shades here.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Stills are by Sandra Kennel. Portraits are by Nadine Ottawa.

Here are some more details from Aekae:


SIRE – handcrafted natural horn eyewear

Origin

A Sire was a Gentleman of rank, a Nobleman of certain esteem. He was a man of authority, a Cavalier, a Knight. It was from the 13th century on that Sire was used as a title to address someone of high regard.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

And as such, a Sire had the ambition to only wear what was of refined quality and unique appearance, whereat he would always find it made by the hands of the best craftsmen.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

At SIRE we aim to pursue those traditions and cater to them with craftsmanship, sharp designs, and fine materials – to be worn by Noblemen and Gentlewomen.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Crafting

Each single piece of SIRE eyewear is handcrafted out of natural horn in collaboration between Aekae and Swisshorn.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

A small manufacturing company in the midlands of Switzerland, Swisshorn has been working with the high-value material for years. It produced numerous prototypes of SIRE spectacles before the first line had been launched.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Designing the eyewear, Aekae builds on the tradition of using natural horn as a working material for premium objects. The spectacles’ open part just above the nose has made for a capturing feature ever since the first pieces.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

By bringing together their respective skills and impressions, Aekae and Swisshorn create something truly noble and unique.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Natural Horn

SIRE spectacles are hand crafted into exquisite eyewear from water buffalo horn. This mighty animal is South-East Asia’s most common livestock and can grow horns up to two meters in length. And once a water buffalo has deceased its horns can be used in creating long lasting products.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Swisshorn hand selects every single piece of horn used in manufacturing SIRE spectacles. Because it is a natural material, each piece of horn differs in color and pattern – and therefore makes each frame unique.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Manufacturing

Take something rough and turn it into something smooth and elegant. This is what happens in the process of making SIRE eyewear. And it happens in numerous steps, almost entirely by hand.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Initially thin layers of horn are laminated to plates from which the frame of the spectacle is cut out of. In several steps the frame and its earpieces are crafted and polished. After they’ve been brought into perfect shape the separate pieces are put together. With the use of a laser each frame then receives its individual number of reference that is unique to every single SIRE frame.

Sire by Aekae and Swisshorn

Finally, the lenses are inserted. Here the open nose part takes advantage of the material’s natural flexibility. To secure the glass, a special thread is pulled through the opening at the nose.

SIRE glasses by Aekae

Zurich and London designers Aekae have designed a collection of glasses made of water buffalo horns. (more…)

Café/Bar Z am Park by Aekae

cafebar-z-am-park-by-aekae-19.jpg

Zurich and London designers Aekae have completed the interior of a cafe in a Zurich park. (more…)