Evan Kinori, the menswear designer renowned for his simple yet considered silhouettes and meticulous manufacturing approach, has made his mark on the furniture world with his captivating debut collection, “apple, elm & cotton.” This exclusive exhibition in New York marks Kinori’s first show in the city and provides a rare opportunity for his devoted followers to engage with him face-to-face. Drawing inspiration from his menswear line, Kinori’s furniture is characterized by its functionality, comfort, and deep-rooted connection to nature.
Crafted from salvaged elm, redwood, and cypress, the furniture exudes a sense of warmth and durability. The low platform bed frame, elongated console, and couch are handmade to measure by a close friend of Kinori’s just north of San Francisco. The collection also features a cider developed in collaboration with Ryan James Burk of Occam Cider and a capsule collection of cotton garments developed by a breeder in the U.S. and woven in Japan.
Kinori’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is evident in his choice of natural fibers such as wool, linen, hemp, and cotton, which constitute around 80% to 90% of his fabrics. The fabrics are sourced from small Japanese mills, ensuring the highest quality and ethical production practices. Kinori believes that the simplicity of the shapes in his designs places even greater importance on the materials used.
Despite his unconventional path in fashion, having studied patternmaking at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising rather than pursuing a traditional conceptual collection development program, Kinori’s work is far from unsophisticated. His small batches and exclusive fabrics create a sense of exclusivity that appeals to menswear purists who appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail in his creations.
Kinori’s pragmatic approach extends to his business strategy. He presents two collections a year to wholesalers in Paris during the menswear markets, recognizing the importance of rhythm in production. His clothes are available at select stockists across the globe, and he takes pride in the fact that his customers treasure his garments, rarely considering reselling them.
Kinori’s unwavering pursuit of quality, sustainability, and comfort has earned him a loyal following among menswear enthusiasts and now, with his debut furniture collection, he is poised to captivate the design world with the same principles that have made his fashion line so successful.
