Camper and Issey Miyake unite for a collaborative capsule collection
Madrid – Mallorca-based footwear brand Camper continues to broaden its footprint and profile as an international brand. It has now surprised the industry with the announcement of a collaborative capsule collection designed in partnership with the historic Japanese fashion house Issey Miyake. This special project highlights Camper's distinctive approach to brand development_ differentiating its specialist footwear offerings from the increasingly independent Camperlab_ which embraces its new nature as a lifestyle brand.
Following its successful relaunch at Paris Fashion Week Men's_ where Camperlab_ formerly known as its "designer footwear" label_ was presented to press_ trend forecasters_ and international buyers as a fully-fledged fashion and lifestyle brand_ Camper remains in the spotlight. This time_ the focus is on the latest initiative from its creative and design department_ led by Finnish designer Achilles Ion Gabriel_ who also heads Camperlab. Camper opened its creative department and archives to Issey Miyake_ allowing its current creative director_ Satoshi Kondo_ who assumed the role in September 2019_ to shape a collaborative capsule collection. Kondo blended the core DNA of both Camper and Issey Miyake_ from both a formal and metaphysical perspective.
"Issey Miyake embodies the innovative spirit and creative prowess of its founder_ who presented his first collection and exceptional design philosophy in 1971_" Camper explained in a statement. "Since then_" they noted_ and especially under Kondo's creative direction_ "Issey Miyake womenswear has designed and crafted garments that explore the relationship – the ease and 'ma' (unoccupied space) – between the wearer's body and the fabric_ conveying a sense of universality that transcends Western and Eastern apparel design conventions." This avant-garde nature is once again evident in this capsule "created by Kondo_ designer of Issey Miyake"_ for Camper.
Available from 15 July
Marking one of Camper's most unique projects to date_ coinciding with its 50th anniversary in 2025_ the collection comprises two reimagined models from Camper's "Peu" footwear family. These designs_ now released as part of Camper's autumn/winter 2025 offering under the name "Peu Form"_ will be available from Tuesday_ 15 July. They will be sold through Camper and Issey Miyake stores worldwide_ as well as selected distributors and Camper's online store.
Available in four colours_ ranging from neutral black and white to more vibrant Klein blue and Camper's signature clay red_ the collection features a Peu Form "Camper x Issey Miyake" mule_ designed to be worn with or without the heel covered. The collection also includes an ankle boot design_ available in the same four colours. The designs are distinguished by their use of exceptionally soft_ high-quality Italian leather_ reflecting the shared commitment to quality between Camper and Issey Miyake. A polyurethane insole and a sole made from 20 percent recycled thermoplastic polyurethane provide enhanced comfort while reducing the designs' environmental impact. Furthermore_ the designs are shaped by Issey Miyake's "a piece of cloth" principle_ with each shoe constructed from a single piece of leather.
"Taking Issey Miyake's emblematic 'a piece of cloth' concept as a starting point_ the footwear designs reference Camper's iconic 'Peu' family while exploring how a single piece of material can envelop and cover the foot." Camper observes that "the result is a playful_ sensual_ and organic silhouette that draws on the legacy of both brands." This collaboration celebrates originality_ functionality_ and craftsmanship_ bringing them to everyday life with a responsible approach and a pioneering spirit_ setting the tone for Camper's upcoming season.
