Issey Miyake...you be the judge

In fall of 2007, our design partner, Furnish, based in Tokyo, Japan, first introduced the Printing Vase, a clever and eco-minded item based on the idea of recycling empty bottles as vases. In 2008, a new version using EVA material for improved durability and water repellent characteristics called the Bottle Vase was introduced as well.

Earlier this spring, Furnish had the opportunity to showcase their vase series at Issey Miyake's store opening event in Tokyo. While this story would have ended with a happy ending for the design duo, we were all shocked when we heard the news of this new item being introduced by Issey Miyake, just following the event few months ago...

Designers being inspired by others to come up with something more innovative and challenging are common and invigorating for the industry. In this case, however, just few months after the event and without any notice or credit to Furnish seems a bit too blatant and disappointing indeed...especially coming from a well known fashion designer brand like them.

You be the judge.