What if a print was strong enough to shape the material it is applied to? What if from pure printed shape a form could be created that is durable, strong and develops a piece of fabric into a work of art? The solution is an invention from the Japanese printer Kenichi Shirai. His company Aporo has been experimenting with a special, innovative silkscreen printing technique that Shirai san calls “muscle print”. Axel Hildenbrand has designed several circular patterns that enfold to be a spherical shape once attached to a cord. Hildenbrand and Aporo let this cord be an electrical cord that holds a bulb socket and a mounting and – quite magically – turns a simple piece of cloth into a stylish lamp shade. This new way of applying the “magic muscle printing” technique literally illuminates the cooperation between the German designer and the Japanese techie with a passion for print and results in a product development that can be an individual design piece and eventually a consumer product for a larger target group. This is what happens when people start thinking in 3D.

One could elaborate on the difficult and extremely time-consuming task of designing, preparing and creating cloisonné enamel objects, but all the hard work seems to become insignificant once the finished object shows its incredibly precious colors and utter perfection. Just like a good drink after a hard day’s work. The collaboration of Axel Hildenbrand and Hatakeyama san began in exactly this situation. “Do you like Sake?”, “Yes. Do you?”, “Yes.” was all to say the first evening and all that needed to be said to work out the idea for the “Levitate” cup-set. Orient and occident united: the form of the cups with different shapes albeit with the same filling capacity is designed to be produced from 925 sterling silver in a 3D-printer. The meticulous cloisonné technique which requires quite a large number of hours of the artist’s time remains untouched and exclusive. The cup-set consisting of four cups that can be stacked as a beautiful sculpture of single drops will be produced in an exclusive art edition of 8 pieces. To be levitated to higher spirits even before drinking.

beer glass collection for connoisseurs of individual and valuable craft beers. The current craft beer trend gives rise to new flavors. The guest tastes different varieties and has a completely new beer experience. The glasses of the series Siegfried allow to enjoy different formed beer tastes. The beer goblet is on a massive glass base (ice). So the beer is put into a special position. Offered are glasses in size 0.2 / 0.3 l. Siegfried, the brave hero from the Nibelungen with his special taste is the inspiration for the goblet-like design of the series.

Tea Tin Set
For Kisen Wolf has designed three tins. They are for tea and sweeds besides the tea.
The tea tins are proportioned as a beautiful product family.

FEM combines function + emotion
FEM is based on individual spheres of light in diameter of 60 mm. They can be installed separately or in various arrangements. So individual places can be built - for example in the gastronomy or even complete installations.
The FEM light illuminates either purely functional in the desired brightness or emotional - in a cycle between the individual spheres controlled by an App. The result depends on the setting from harmonic to active dynamic lighting effects.

It is a iconic design, with a new kind of dynamic design within the golf marcte.
Based on layers which motivate the player to focus to to the front direction,
and it is focusing on the sweetspot as theme, it is rememberable.
The iconic symbol itselves offfers potentials to be a brand within the product line.

LongLong is based on the Chusen dying technique used for the traditional tenogui.
Three times the length of a traditional tenogui, LongLong is a decorative multipurpose product. As such it can be used as a tablerunner, wallpicture or curtain.
According to the nature of the dying process, both sides of the fabric have the same intensity of the color. Most images are based on hand drawings.

The company Niagara from Aomori has forged blades and knives for eight generations now! Each under scorching heat handcrafted knife, is like an unique work of art - and at the same time a highly functional product. Blade and handle are manufactured in one piece, the end of the grip zone is marked by a round cutout.
When developing the knife series I was inspired by historical samurai swords. I learned that visualizing the function can produce perfect beauty. The blades are sharp and look sharp, they possess an aura around their sharpness, evoking respect and caution. You can feel the embedded power of the product, a force that grows from masterly craft in connection with deliberate design!

Nigara - forged knives. Blade and handle are manufactured in one piece, the end of the grip zone is marked by a notch

- Brix Stool
A stool made of cardboard can be comfortable and attractive: Brix!
It is easy to build by few simple steps. This takes place with Japanese precision. If the stools aren’t in use they can be stacked to an appealing sculpture. Different colors and prints make the stools attractive. The stools are offered in a handy box.
Brix Stationery
The Brix stationery consists of two practical boxes for storing of writing utensils. Thanks to included magnets, these can always be folded or unfolded. Brix stationery is made of paper and represents Japanese art of paper in a new form.
Different colors and prints make the series permanently interesting.
A painting by Caspar David Friedrich inspired me to design BrixsStationery: ... nature, risen from nature, the cliffy geometry, almost architectural structures that spring from the underground ...

Infinity – An endless line describes the continuity of the nutrition chain: Nourish yourself consciously and enjoy it, because what you eat will be part of your body, of your life. With other words: „you are what you eat.“

Infinity is a serving set – consisting of different spoons, knives, forks and asian chop sticks. Here four spoons and a knife are shown. With Infinity nearly all kinds of food from various culinary cultures can be served. Especially the way how it is presented – in the package and later at the table –
is defining a new way.

The separat products of Infinity:
-Serving knife for butter, cream cheese, spreads & pestos and more

-Spoon for tapas, antipasti, fruits, legumes, chutneys, marmelades & pudding and more.
The notch at the side allows fluids to be poured.
-Spoon for vegetables, tapas, antipasti, fruits, legumes, chutneys, desserts and others
-Spoon for salad, vegetables, potatoes, pasta, among other things
-Spoon for salad, vegetables, potatoes, pasta, rice, fish, meat, soups and stews and more

-Fork for tapas, antipasti, fruits, french fries and others
-Fork for tapas, antipasti, fruits, fish, meat and more
-Fork for vegetables, tapas, antipasti, fruits, legumes, chutneys, dessert and more
-Fork for salad, vegetables, pasta, fish, meat and others
-Fork for salad, vegetables, pasta, fish, meat

-Chopsticks for serving of dishes like salad, vegetables, pasa, fish, meat and more.

OriOri, Foldable Cushion
A classic cushion size, 40x40 cm, with a twist. It shows both sides of the Ori fabric.
It can be folded back to front and bound on either side with a knot.

Ori is an old established japanese traditional fabric, using a simple weaving technique with a beautiful effect. The back side of the fabric is the exact opposite of the front.
Ori in japanese also means „folding“.
So OriOri in this sense is a foldable japanese fabric.

OriOri, 2-Face Bag
Small bag (iPad Size)
The front and backside of the same fabric is used for the bag.
Just by turning it back to front there is a different color image
(back to front not inside out).

Ori is an old established Japanese traditional fabric using a simple weaving technique with a beautiful effect. The back side of the fabric is the exact opposite than the front.
Ori also means „folding“ in japanese.
So OriOri in this sense is a foldable japanese fabric.

Edo Komon Scarf Collection
for men / unisex / length 2m
4 scarfs for 4 seasons are designed using hand carved pattern from the Edo period.
Each scarf assembles two pattern and a color according to each season (spring, summer, autumn and winter).

„Mitsu Uroko“ Scarf Collection
for men / unisex / lenth 2m
The scarfs are designed using different hand carved patterns from the Edo period.
Each scarf includes the very classic „Mitsu Uroko“ pattern, which represents a good charm to avoid desaster combined with one additional pattern from the Edo period.

Both collections are produced using the traditional crafts dying technique Edo Komon.
The color is applied through stencilled paper patterns, on a classic size of fabric, generally used for Kimono.

With 2 m in length, it is longer than the average men scarf and comfortable to use for trendy binding techniques.

When a wealthy Japanese needs a new obijime, a decorated sash to tie his kimono, he will most likely order from Takashi Fukuda - Ryokobo. Fukuda san and his family produce their luxurious belts exclusively from 100% pure Japanese silk since many generations. Of course, the market for Kimono accessories in Europe is rather small. To make available the luxury of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with an item that is also very useful for consumers all over the world, Axel Hildenbrand and Fukuda san thought of something that would show Japanese values in a modern product world and at the same time be a reminder of Japanese heritage. They came up with the obvious, an evolution from tradition. A metamorphosis from one shape into another allowed to design different functions in one cord. The result connects the regal practice of weaving with the renowned quality of another Japanese tradition: the culture of photography. Axel designed a collection of camera cords that are produced in one piece and are as soft and comfortable to wear as they are indestructible. And of course they are stunningly beautiful. This imperial equipment will be available as a hand belt and shoulder strap for cameras.