Origami Mask Fashion Mask

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This project was inspired by the traditional origami technique of folding a single sheet of paper and the functionality of washi paper, with its texture and breathability, a technique and material born in Japan. This origami mask is a project that combines two traditional elements that are familiar to Japanese people: washi and origami.

Dimensions & Packaging

package：M(170mmx2mmx50mm) L(123mmx2mmx59mm )
mask：M(125mmx90mmx105mm)L(150mmx100mmx125mm)

Tags

fashion, japanese paper, origami, mask, traditional

Production Technology

Instead of gluing or sewing, it was designed to form a three-dimensional dome using the technique of origami, which involves folding a single sheet of paper. The design makes the most of the charm and functionality of the material, such as the texture and breathability of Japanese paper.
The mask is compact when packaged, but when it is used as a mask, it expands into a dome shape when both ends are pulled to create a space around the mouth.

Design Challenge

Mass production was difficult because of the complicated manual processing involved. By establishing a rule that the creases where the gold leaf is applied are the mountain folds and those where the gold leaf is not applied are the valley folds, the work process became visible and work efficiency improved, and mass production was successfully achieved.

Project Duration

The project began around May 2020 with talks with production areas and factories, and was launched in November 2020.
In January 2021, they were distributed at a coming-of-age celebration in a washi production area.

Operation Flow

When opened by holding both ends, it becomes dome-shaped. When opened, the mask is large, but when folded, it becomes small and compact. The compactness of the mask allows it to be enclosed in invitations for weddings and other parties.
From the viewpoint of infection prevention, the mask can be folded and stored in the package at meals and other occasions to keep the table clean, and people will not have to worry about where to put the mask.

Research

As a social change after the spread of the new corona infection, it has become customary to wear a mask. The same applies to "special occasions" such as weddings and other celebratory occasions, tea ceremonies, flower arrangement, and theater performances. Special masks for "special occasions" have never existed before. In our research, we discovered this need and tried to design an "etiquette for special occasions" as an origami mask.

Inspiration

It is becoming customary to wear masks in all situations where they meet people. This is also true for "special celebrations" such as weddings. By decorating the folds with gold leaf, this mask has been designed as a "tool for attire" suitable for special occasions, rather than something to be worn out of necessity. In cooperation with the washi production area, we created variations in the design to match the different functions and textures of the materials in different production areas.

Image Credits

Photographer: Yusuke Tsuchida, Model:Nui

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