Joeri reynaert
This collaboration with Shanghai based furniture brand Matsu and Tibetan leather brand Lhayak, took us to the roof of the world, The Qinghai Tibetan plateau. The result is a collection of furniture and accessories, using yak leather and yak hair wool, directly purchased from and produced by nomad herders within the Tibetan highlands.​
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Several research trips and many unforgettable encounters inspired a collection that is a tribute to the unique ecological balance between herder and animal. Due to urbanization and industrialization this unique nomadic lifestyle is slowly disappearing. The Skin project aims to support local families and set up local workshops within the mountain villages, in order to sustain these traditions and this craftsmanship.
Nomadic yak herding is a prime example of a circular eco system, where animals sustain the grasslands and vice versa. At the end of the yak its lifetime, nothing is going to waste. Hides are used for cloths and leather tools, hair is used to make garments and fabric for building homes, meat and milk is consumed, even yak dung is used as a construction resource as well as fuel to keep warm and cook.
This reflects into the Skin collection, where the cushions are upholstered with yak leather on one side, and yak hair fabric on the other side. The yak hair fabric features unique shades of black, grey, brown and white, depending on the yak hair used by the women weaving these fabrics. Subtle elements from Tibetan culture and architecture are implemented into a contemporary collection.
Produced by:
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Photography:
Matsu (CN)
2022
yak leather and fabric / oak wood / upholstered plywood and pu foam
ChenHua Studio / Liu da / Joeri Reynaert