A collaboration we might all take note of is Remix Maison, by Native Shoes Remix™ and multidisciplinary designer Irina Flore. The recycled home collection uses Native Shoes Remix™, Native Shoes proprietary material, and metal to create sculptural furniture from reclaimed and repurposed footwear. The material consists of EVA and rubber, the main components of the brand’s injection-molded footwear. After finishing out their usable life, the shoes are collected, cleaned, and ground to give them a chance at becoming another new product or project.
Functional and contemporary, the bench designs that make up Remix Maison are practical and environmentally conscious, thanks to Native Shoes Remix™. Designed for use in an entryway or other small spaces, they serve multiple purposes: a seat, a tray for small items, a shoe holder, or even coat hanger. Flore’s conceptual drawings were the map for each, giving slightly different functions to each design.
Through the Native Shoes Remix™ recycling process and project, the brand is spreading awareness that reclaimed shoes can be much more than waste in a landfill. By teaming up with designers and manufacturers and using Native Shoes Remix™, Native Shoes will continue to manufacture responsibly and give products another chance at life.
This collaboration makes great sense, as Flore’s practice has a focus on functional art that are in essence everyday objects. All of her pieces tell a story, beginning with extensive research on material, form, and function. The fabrication process is just as important a part as the end result.
To learn more about Remix Maison, visit irinaflore.com.
Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.
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