Compiled by Janet Hamilton
There is an advertisement on page 84 of the 10/1996 issue of Metropolis for a line of clothes that can be folded in many ways to vary their appearance...and it is named Origami. The copy states "Origami: the ultimate convertible", and the ad itself is meant to be cut from the page and folded so that the graphics line up and make more sense.
The Bible of clothing origami has to be the US Navy Bluejacket's Manual. They have a technique for folding every item of clothing in a sailor's seabag.
Time South Pacific, October 19, 1998, "Modern Mode" fashion report: “This season, Prada intermingled its new sport line--nylon parkas and rubber Wellingtons--with empire-waist dresses, kerchief tops and leather skirts decorated with mirrors or origami flowers.”
Entertainment Weekly, April 17, 1999, in the article called "Gotham A-Go-Go", states “Seemingly inspired by designer Rei Kawakubo, Calvin [Klein] presented dresses wrapped with obi-like sashes and sweaters tucked into high-waisted skirts. 'It's like origami,' says stylist Phillip Bloch. But don't expect many of these looks on the racks. 'The stores buy the classic suits.'”
Back in 1996, the Wireless catalog (a catalog for fans
and friends of public
radio) carried a lovely Navy blue
silk tie for $35 with paper airplanes flying across it. Looks like the Library
of Congress shop is also carrying it, or do a google seach for other shops.
The summer preview 1998 edition of the Signals catalog
(a catalog for friends and fans of public television) had the following item advertised on page 30:
ORIGAMI SHIRT AND PANTS
Inspired by the ancient Japanese art of origami—folding paper squares into
elaborate shapes of animals and objects --this shirt will complement your
artistic spirit. Embellished with retro fabric patches in a variety of patterns
and styles, stamped with origami figures down the front, the oversized rayon and
cotton shirt has a flattering banded collar, long sleeves, and a loose, flowing
fit. Coordinating rayon straight-legged pants have an elastic waist. Both are
made in the U.S.A. in women's sizes S/M(8-10) and M/L(12-14). Shirt: #61929 $169.00 Pants: #61930
$79.00 Buy both pieces and save $5.00
From the N.Y. Times 6/12/90 . Old cardboard pleat making patterns for clothing with the delicacy and elaboration of origami sculptures. Illustration really looks like origami.
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts Gift Collection carried several items based on a 1,000 origami cranes woodblock print from the Asiatic Collection. There was a brooch with a cluster of origami cranes and matching earrings of individual cranes in sterling silver. There was also a ladies' scarf and men's tie in the origami crane print. The scarf was aptly described as vibrant – hundreds of primary color cranes on a field of black. The ties were in blue or dark red silk with multicolored origami cranes.
On the back cover of the Summer 2000 TravelSmith catalog is the following description of their "Crinkle Crepe" cardigan, skirt and dress: "These crinkle-pleated separates have the grace of a Greek toga and the ingenuity of Japanese origami..."
A Japan Times article on 4/22/2001, “Fashion cuts above and shapes to come” by Chris Cook, states, “For the finale, [Naoki] Takizawa sent out a bevy of models wearing superbly constructed origami coats, the best of which was a full-length, matte tomato-red number worn by a red-faced model wearing a wildly artistic cascading floral headdress.” http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?fl20010422a1.htm
A Japan Times article on 5/27/2000, “Issey Miyake :artist, sculptor, or fashion designer?” by Chris Cook, reports, “A case in point is the Origami series, some of Miyake's earliest pleated pieces, dating from the late '80s. To some, they might seem to have been wadded and stuffed in a suitcase and forgotten for 10 years. To others they are indeed works of art and it is, as Miyake intended, the wearer who gives them life: Each movement of the body translates into movement in each pleat.” http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?fa20000527a2.htm
A Japan Times article on 11/25/2001, “Japan’s designers show they’re going places” by Chris Cook, says “The Eri Matsui offering this time appears to be as such: an experiment. What Matsui showed -- hooped skirts, shiny, sharp-looking origami dresses, asymmetrical or layered pieces with candy stripes, pinstripes and pleating -- was not a disaster.” http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?fl20011125a1.htm
Donna Karan New York (DKNY) marketed this origami purse:
An Origami Wedding Dress made by Mariana Leung. It is made
of silk gazar with silk shantung origami cranes. http://www.marianaleung.com
The Origami jacket made of 100% Alpaca in dark grey. The extra
large lapels fold over and button across the chest. Also, extra high collar in
the back.
T-shirts in crew neck and short sleeve's. Origami
color blocked Rhino on chest with Ecko Red logo below.
Custo
is always on the cutting edge, and they certainly still are with this jacket.
This jacket is made of 50% cotton, 38% viscose, and 12% leather, and the liner
is 100% polyester. It has an awesome 'duster' style cut to it. There is a slit
in the back, and the front has on seam hand pockets.
HolyMolie Clothing and Gifts - Sleeveless Tee With Draw
String On Shoulder. Color: White, Size: S/M, L/XL 3 designs available:
USA/France, Origami, and Chili Peppers.
Origami scarf by Reiko Sudo and Mizue Okada, 1997. Emulating
the Japanese art of folding paper, this delicate scarf is folded repeatedly at
sharp angles, then permanently pressed in a special pleating process. It opens
to a faceted gemlike display, then refolds into a 3" wide strip. Made of
100% polyester in Japan. http://momastore.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1
and search for “origami”
December 2003 “Flat Packing - A look at Nike’s latest
generation of foldable shoes” by Paul Makovsky. “[Kirsten] Schambra looked
at ways to make City Knife II lighter and more packable. Her initial ideas were
inspired by origami, in which paper is bisected, folded, and tucked. She
sketched some quick ideas and then began experimenting with them. One concept
involved slicing a piece of synthetic leather so that you could simply slip your
foot into it. A second idea added creases to the form that, when unfolded,
create structure.” http://www.metropolismag.com/html/content_1203/nik/
Mrs. Chicken & Mr. Rooster look on in amazement as an
origami pajarita chick hatches out of one of their eggs on this rather vintage handkerchief!
Shiana Thai Karen Silver beads that look like an origami
waterbomb with various designs stamped onto the surface.
The Hind activewear company created a capri pant called
Origami. http://hind.com/product_display.php?product_id=71402&major_id=5
The October 2004 Harper's Bazaar magazine features an ad for Kate Spade handbags that has several origami cranes hanging from white thread and a rather nondescript animal that could be a giraffe, llama or dinosaur with long legs.
OPI Nail Polish is offering their new colors for Spring and
Summer 2005 - the "Japanese Collection". Colors include "Don't Be
Koi With Me", "Holy Pink Pagoda", and "Have a Tempura Tan-trum".
The website opens with a Flash animation of an origami crane flying around the
screen. http://opi.com/Japanese.asp
The Coltejer fabric company in Colombia produced a
line call "Linea Origami" in 1973. The ads stated. "The Origami
line -The Japanese art of folding paper - is designed based on one of those
paper models those we folded when we were children. With a stunning variety of
patterns of the Origami line you can do anything, from a coat to a toy. In a
style from today, very modern, dynamic, joyful... in a "very Coltejer"
style. http://www.colarte.arts.co/colarte/foto.asp?idfoto=149135&img=/graficas/Modas/General/1973/Thumb/thMGenrybd1.jpg
http://www.colarte.arts.co/colarte/foto.asp?idfoto=148822&img=/graficas/almacenes/Coltejer/Thumb/thColtrybe2.jpg
http://www.colarte.arts.co/colarte/foto.asp?idfoto=159815&img=/graficas/almacenes/Coltejer/Thumb/thColtrz73d1.jpg
Origami jewelry was created for a fashion photo shoot that
ran in the Guardian Weekend (U.K) magazine in summer 2005. The jewelry was
folded by Sharon Turvey.
July 2005, ReadyMade, "a bimonthly print magazine for
people who like to make things", carried a article called "Four
Laundry Experts Judge a Neat New Trick", written by Laura Allen. The trick
was a way to quickly fold t-shirts, and one of the folding experts interviewed
was "MIT's Erik Demaine, who creates algorithms for problems of folding and
unfolding. Erik explained that the Japanese method has the unique advantage of
using gravity to force the creases out. He vowed to use the technique for all
his own laundry, deeming it, quite unscientifically, "magic." " http://www.readymademag.com/feature_14_foldem.php
http://www.cs.hut.fi/~demi/cloth_folding.mpeg
http://www.howtofoldashirt.net/
http://uptown.jengajam.com/tshirt-folding.wmv
Carhartt, which makes work clothes but also a line of hip
hop/skating clothes, had some shirts with origami swallows printed on them.
What: 1000 people or more get a tattoo of a crane on
the same day.
When: September 21st, 2005. Also known as International Peace Day.
Why: We'll forgo the obvious "why not?" and simply say that a
crane tattoo is pretty neat, and 1000 people getting one one the same day is
extra neat. (Yes, we're aware that getting a tattoo does not create peace. You
should be making your own individual and group efforts for peace - but why not
get an awesome tattoo with us as well?)
1/2006 - A T-shirt with diagrams for an origami throwing
star. http://www.syuriken.com/origami.htm
Lucky Magazine, March 2006
The Maille Artisans International League, an art
organization that shares weaves of chain maille often used in jewelry making,
has a maille weave posted on their website called Origami. The created, "Frostmage",
states, "This weave is a variant of Japanese 6 in 1. I have named it
Origami because you have to fold a chain of Japanese 6 in 1 over itself to make
it. It’s actually not a hard weave to make and it looks great." http://www.mailleartisans.org/articles/articledisplay.cgi?key=8891
Akira Isogawa: Printemps-Ete collection, 2006 Origami partially inspired the
collection. Takahiro Shirai, a master of origami, was a patternmaker for Isogawa
for two years before moving to Germany. http://www.theage.com.au/news/Reviews/Akira-Isogawa-PrintempsEte/2004/12/10/1102625521292.html
http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/akira/index.html
http://www.akira.com.au/
The Spring/Summer 2006 collection by Deepika Govind used jeweled tones to give an Origami-like effect to her outfits. “I have called my collection Origami, because some of the dye and printing techniques that I have used follow from the way its patterns are made,” says the designer.
Kai Kuhne has a Sping 2007 collection that is insprired by German constructivism and origami. "Dresses and shorts appeared as though they had unfolded from a previous form..." http://www.fashionwiredaily.com/first_word/media/article.weml?id=473
In this Fall's "TIME: Style & Design" on page 78 for the article "Green is the new Black" there is an dollar bill shirt, purse and skirt. The shirt looks as though it is based based on Jodi Fukumoto's "Hawaiian Shirt".
"Vera Wang's Dégagé Spring" by Lauren David Peden, September 16th, 2006. "...this time the designer broadened her repertoire by adding Japanese elements to the mix. ... there were obi-wrapped kimono jackets, some plain, others elaborately embroidered, and “ceremonial” brocade dresses, one of which folded over on itself, origami-style, caught at the waist with a matching self-belt. http://www.fashionwiredaily.com/first_word/media/article.weml?id=529
The Fall 2006 series "Project Runway" has fifteen fashion designers competing for the opportunity to show their creations in the world-renowned Bryant Park tents during New York's Fashion Week. In a review of Jeffrey Sebelia, one the final four contestants, The Sun-Sentinal states "His designs are sufficiently fashion-forward with plenty of origami-like folds and even a truly inspired babydoll dress with a sheer overlay." http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/lifestyle/sfl-lirunwaychartoct18,0,167227.story?coll=sfla-features-headlines
Nov 14, 2006 in the Daily Mail: "Liz Jones: Fashion Addict" by Liz Jones. "[Roland] Mouret has used quality fabrics (wool, thick jersey, crepe) that won’t crease, good workmanship, such as hems finished with silk bias binding, top stitching, and lots and lots of trademark touches, such as pin tucks, Peter Pan collars and three-dimensional “origami” puff shoulders (which look wrong on the hanger, but when you wear them you think, ooh, lovely)." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/femail/article.html?in_article_id=416064&in_page_id=1879&in_a_source=
San Francisco designer Savannah Knoop designs sturdy, androgynous clothes
under the label Tinc. One of the designs is linen pants with folds below the
knee that she calls "Origami Pants". http://www.tincwear.com/
LMNOTees has an origami crane flying over two cards, which seems to represent
the worst possible poker hand - a two-seven off suit. The text states "I
fold!" The shirt comes in men's and women's styles and in various
colors. http://stores.ebay.com/LMNO-Tees
"Dreaming of Cherry Blossoms", January 26, 2007, by Kate Betts,
tells about John Galliano's Dior haute couture show in Paris: "One
after another, models in geisha makeup and with orchids and ikebana arrangements
caught up in their hair emerged in glorious confections that recalled
hand-painted kimonos, origami folds and even the bark of a bonsai tree." http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1582319,00.html
Far From Hollywood, Janueary 25, 2007, by Cathy Horn: "Haute couture is a
different game. Not only do you need piles of money, but you have to able to
project yourself into a candy-pink pencil suit with what looks like a Japanese
origami bird coming off the back. ... In a collection that was easily his best
for Dior, and certainly his most coherent, Mr. Galliano did not spare Paris
embroiderers, who gave him dragonflies and tiny, three-dimension birds, or his
fabric suppliers, who made him gazar and organdy in dense triple weights, or his
seamstresses and tailors, who stitched, pleated and pressed the origami folds so
that they were immaculate and perfectly integrated into the whole outfit." http://www.nytimes.com:80/2007/01/25/fashion/25COUTURE.html?em&ex=1169874000&en=c46ff277e830b97b&ei=5087%0A
François Guillot/AFP –
Getty Images
2/8/2007 J. Mendel Show by Lisa Marsh in the New York Post: "Flowing gowns are where Mendel's skills really come into fruition. Black, navy, graphite and quartz hued columns were some of his best pieces, particularly those decorated with jet crystal. The origami, we could do without, particularly in the full-length version that resembled a cake plate." http://www.nypost.com:80/seven/02082007/entertainment/fashionweek/j__mendel_show_fashionweek_lisa_marsh.htm
2/9/2007 Donna Karan Show by Lisa Marsh in the New York Post: "There was a certain beauty in the way Karan decorated her mainly black skirts and dresses with flat fans and used origami folds to cinch a waistline or make a neckline dinstinctive." http://www.nypost.com:80/seven/02092007/entertainment/fashionweek/donna_karan_show_fashionweek_lisa_marsh.htm
2/2007 - Fernando Sierra from Bogotá, Colombia, uses pleats and tesselations
in fabric to create some unique fashions. Some are made with Luisa Toro. The
photos include pleated paper dresses http://www.flickr.com/photos/elelvis/sets/72157594523457921/
A clothing company called Orisue produces a line of youth oriented clothing. The mission statement is "When we look at a piece of paper, it is plain, simple, and without dimensions. But when folded into an ORISUE or better known as origami, it becomes a medium of art and craftsmanship. In retrospect, a piece of fabric when cut and sewn together becomes its own stitch. You can fold a simple quadrilateral paper into any shape. We wish to fold the laws of nature, the dignity of life, and the expression of affection into our clothes. ORISUE's appeal lies within its simplicity. Simple rules and a basic set of folding maneuvers which lies in precision and discipline. Like an ORISUE or a piece of fabric, you are given this life; do something with it, decorate it, and make it your lifestyle." The company, started by Michael Huynh and Allen Doan, was originally call origami, but Phat Farm's designer, who had trademarked his own Origami brand, demanded that they abandon the name. http://orisue.com/weblog/index.html
Target Australia recently launched a range of designer clothes by Stella
McCartney that featured an origami flamingo design. At $50 for a T shirt I
am awaiting them being on sale. http://www.designersfortarget.com.au/menu.htm
Spotted May 2007 in inVogue - "Into the fold" states that "The
ancient art of origami has had a makeover. In metal, fabric and plastic, pleats
and folds look edgier than ever." There are photos of various furniture,
accessories, and fashions over a background tesselation by Polly Verity. A
larger image can be viewed on Jeff Rutzky's page: http://homepage.mac.com/jrutzky/origamisighting/PhotoAlbum101.html
Japanese footwear brand Onitsuka Tiger is giving its UK fans the opportunity to design their own pair of shoes using an exclusive ‘origami’ template, created by Japan’s premier artist Shin Tanaka. The shoe template is the Mexico 66, the first trainer to carry the brand’s signature Tiger stripes, and worn at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico. Download the template, post a picture of your design and Tanaka will judge the entries with the winner being awarded with a pair of Mexico 66 trainers. For more information and to enter the competition visit www.onitsukatiger.co.uk
The June 2007 issue of W Magagine included article called "Trend: Fold Strokes". On page 42, designer Donna Karan states, "the new drape is origami".
Camille Howie, winner of the
2007 Vodafone ID Emerging Designers' Award in March 2007, wow with a origami
themed line. "I was trying to find a balance between origami and a “wow
factor”, plus it should be wearable and desirable for the client ... I [took]
simple silhouettes and built the origami on to them." http://www.lucire.com:80/2007/0526fe0.shtml
"Leading Italian fashion designer Ferre dies of brain haemorrhage" 18 Jun, 2007 in The Times of India."The Italian designer Gianfranco Ferre, whose training as an architect had a crucial influence on his approach to fashion, has died in a Milan hospital after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage....The British fashion writer Colin McDowell has said Ferre's creations had the "power and beauty of sculpture. His clothes are powerful statements of shape and have the crisp quality of origami." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Europe/Leading_Italian_fashion_designer_Ferre_dies_of_brain_haemorrhage_/articleshow/2130304.cms
June 20007 - Origami Bird
T-shirt original design by Robert Mars. Available in black with a metallic
gold/steel blue print or in white with a metallic gold/black print. Silkscreened
on Alternative Apparel. Made in Brooklyn. http://www.elsewares.com/commerce/Origami-Bird-Tee_MPD792.html
Threadless T-shirts has a
subscription club where members get a new T-shirt every month for a year. The
June 2007 T-shirt was called "Destroyigami" by Ste7en.
July 4, 2007 "News from RM" by Suzy Menkes in the International Herald Tribune. "Roland Mouret's first show under his new label, RM, is a change of fashion, with the multimedia magnate Simon Fuller (of "American Idol" fame) backing the fashion brand. ... Mouret, who lost the right to his name in a dispute with his former backers, showed a "satellite" collection for summer 2008, featuring his signature seductive fit and origami folds of fabric." http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/04/style/rmouret.php
August 2007 - Lucky Magazine, page 56, featured dresses from various sources
with "soft origami folds".
July 19, 2007, Charlie Smith's Style Watch in the Georgia Straight newspaper
(Vancouver, Canada) - "in the Georgia Straight newspaper in
Vancouver, Canada): "A paper crane usually has lots of folds, and so do
Merida Anderson's elegant PaperBird Clothing designs."
A kimono-style sash gives
whimsical kick to PaperBird’s skinny wool dress.
Oscar de la Renta :Origami T-Strap Sandals http://www1.oscardelarenta.com//nshop/product.php?view=detail&productid=OR-4608&startColor=Bordeaux
August 2007 - Knitting Daily had an "Origami Cardigan" design that
included no folding and seemed to be related to origami only in the way the
sides overlapped at the front. http://www.knittingdaily.com/knittinghelp/origamicardigan.html
September 2007 - Nitin Goyal uses silks, cashmeres, satin velvets and
chiffons that are pressed and stitched into the intricate folds, pleats and
creases to make luxury scarves, exclusive women's wear and lifestyle
accessories. "His fascination for transforming a flat piece of fabric into
a three dimensional piece of wearable art also enthralled past masters, Fortuny
who took the craft of origami into the world of couture whilst this season the
Parisian catwalks have seen contemporary couturiers Galliano and Givenchy keep
the trend in the wardrobes of todays chic." http://www.nitingoyal.com/index.shtml
September 2007 - Hoss Intropia Origami Pleated Top - "Neutral wide neck
twill top with capped puff sleeves and pin tuck detailed neck. Hoss Intropia top
has origami pleating along waist, two pockets on front and a zip fastening on
back." http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/25789
The cover of the 2007 Fall Fashion Issue of Surface magazine features quite
an interesting modular style outfit in various shades of gray. On page 66 (trend
section) are examples of designers merging minimalist forms with geometry-
through referencing origami. The cover of the 2007 Summer issue featured another
paperfolded dress. www.surfacemag.com
While the fashion world has recently been overusing "origami" to
describe any style clothing with a few extra creases, there are some very
fashionable paper dresses shown here developed using the he "Floderer"
crumpling technique, tesselations, and origami folding: http://flickr.com/photos/7314460@N04/
Tessellations sighted in the bottom hem of a Hugo Boss dress ad in the September 2007 issue of US Vogue.
The August - September 2007 issue of Beadwork Magazine features an
"Origami Bracelet" by Leslie Rogalski on pages 62-3. "A long
strip of two-drop peyote stitch is transformed into a dramatic bracelet through
origami folding." http://www.interweave.com/bead/beadwork_magazine/back_issues/08_07.asp
Brazilian Jum Nakao makes incredible paper dresses with inticate cut outs,
shaping and folding. His “A costura do invisivel/sewing the invisible”
fashion show in April 2005 even had his most delicate paper dresses getting torn
apart at the end. In addition, he has made folded paper installations for
product launches and advertisements. http://www.jumnakao.com.br/
http://pingmag.jp/2007/12/03/jum-nakao-paper-fashion-art/
Jum’s installation for the Eggo
launch: Letting the mini washing machine get delivered by a stork made of a
thousand paper sheets. Photo by Mauricio Marconi.
January 2008 - Italian lifestyle company "Zoogami" sells fashion, eyewear, music, etc. in an entertaining way - nothing related to origami except the name matches that of a book by Gay Merrill Gross. http://www.zoogami.net/
February 2008 - Denim brand Lee Cooper this week launches new styles and logo
by French designer Ora Ito, to celebrate its centenary. Ito’s pieces are based
on origami, and his Ora-gami Jeans and Jackets will launch in the later this
year, along with a T-shirt featuring a ‘dog print’ created from the diamond
logo, seen below.
Fashion week London - February 2008 - Gareth Pugh's collection included
origami printed outfits, with crease patterns of stiff triangles providing
volume and shape.
February 22, 2007 "Betty Jackson Celebrates 25 Years in Fashion" by
Kin Woo - "The collection started off sombre and austere with lots of
black, paired with quirky accessories like origami-inspired belts" http://www.dazeddigital.com/incoming/betty-jackson-celebrates-25-years-in-fashion/
Threadless T-Shirts offers a design called "Dog Fight" with an
origami dog and a balloon dog facing off. The origami dog's thought bubble shows
a picture of a pin, the balloon dog's thought bubble shows a picture of a match.
http://www.threadless.com:80/product/1233/Dog_Fight
May 2008 - Reef put out a shirt that features folding instructions for a
fortune teller. http://reef.com/girls/productdetail/girls/sportswear/tanks/RF-00N040
Floro Enterprises Inc. in the Philippines has introduced the Origami
collection under the Yours by Yvette brand. Origami is a set of three handbags
made of nubuck and fine-grain leather. www.feibags.com
Three Quarter Sleeve Origami Shirts from "The Magic Scarf Company"
are packable, crushable and stylish. They are sure to please your most
discriminating customers who love easy care Travelwear. Fits Sizes Small to XL
beautifully. Each shirt is comprised of two colors, the top color spreads to
reveal a contrasting color beneath in intricate floral design folds. 100% Silky
poly, delicate wash, dry flat. http://www.amazon.com:80/Three-Quarter-Sleeve-Origami-Shirt/dp/B0019N80VI/ref=sr_1_31?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1213906859&sr=8-31
