#material-innovation

#material-innovation

Through an Instagram post called "Project Review", the curators describe what they consider to be the work's main attribute(s). Delving into the project's stories and the elements that make them truly inspiring, they underline what might otherwise be overlooked initiatives and study them closely, with attention to locality and context. The result is an array of diverse works, often from rural or suburban areas that have a public function or historic significance.

December invites us to pause and look back at the moments that defined architecture and cities in 2025. Reflection is not only an act of memory, but of foresight - a way to understand where we've been in order to imagine where we might go next. From shifting cultural narratives to material and technological breakthroughs, this past year underscored the importance of experimentation and adaptation across the built environment.

This past decade, many great Italian houses have made material innovation a vital leitmotif: Zegna with its 100 percent traceable Vellus Aureaum fine wool; or Tod's with 'pashmy', combining the sturdiness of glove-like leather with the delicacy of pashmina. Dolce & Gabbana keeps breaking new ground with its remarkable tapestry-style men's couture, while Loro Piana's innovative silk tweed blends Italian panache with UK poise.

BEAMS and Vans have built a reputation for collaborations that seamlessly blend heritage with fresh design concepts. Their latest Fall/Winter 2025 release continues this tradition, presenting two new iterations of Vans ' most iconic silhouettes - the Old Skool and Authentic. Known for their cultural relevance and timeless design, these sneakers are reimagined through the lens of sportswear, specifically with inspiration drawn from jersey materials. The result is a collaboration that feels modern yet deeply connected to Vans' classic DNA.

The onset of tariffs forced businesses to quickly decide whether to pass on the cost to customers or eat it themselves. Some businesses have even decided to up and move manufacturing facilities to the U.S. to circumvent at least some of the blow. From an outsider's perspective, this feels like a one-two punch for consumer goods companies, manufacturers, and supply chain practitioners-especially since many had only recently recovered from the massive disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Allbirds aims to revitalize its brand with the Remix collection, made entirely from waste materials, including landfill-bound clothing and old shoe scraps.

Papuli's sculptures, handcrafted as a 'sculptographer', redefine paper's conventional associations, showcasing its strength through their tactile forms and juxtaposing solidity with luminosity.