MAORI KIMURA - FRINGE FRIENDS - Tote bag

This pop, eye-catching bag is part of the Fringe Friends series, developed as part of the Upcycling Selvage Project.
The project explores the possibilities of upcycling "selvage," the edges of fabric produced during the weaving process. The selvages are sourced from a name tag factory in the Netherlands. These fringed tapes feature colours that vary based on brand logo designs. Inspired by the unique appeal of this material, the project seeks to transform it into new products and artworks, showcasing its distinctive characteristics in a beautiful and sustainable way.


While working on other textile and fringe-based pieces, small lint and cut-off threads—especially the fine, textured ends—were collected and reimagined. These colourful threads were embedded between transparent PVC sheets and stitched together to create a new kind of abstract textile expression.

Inspired by the random beauty of mixed colours and the visual charm of spontaneous patterns, each composition is uniquely arranged—sometimes intuitively, other times intentionally—resulting in what feels like an abstract painting made of thread.

Details

Condition: New
Age: Made in 2025
Material: PVC, lint of selvages (polyester, cotton), polyester, brass
Origin: Handmade in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Dimensions (in cm): H27 × W22.5 × D8
Colours: Pink × Yellow (each piece is unique)

This tote bag is compact yet spacious enough to carry your daily essentials—such as a wallet, pouch, and water bottle—making it easy to carry for everyday use.

Each piece is completely one-of-a-kind, with unique colour and thread combinations. One of its special features is the contrast between the front and back sides, each revealing a different expression in texture and pattern.


About the Designer
Maori Kimura explores the expressive potential of materials through playful experimentation with techniques, creating distinctive forms with structural textures and vivid colour. Her designs blend function with artistry, sparking curiosity and bringing refreshing joy to everyday life.

After studying Textile Design at Tama Art University in Tokyo, she worked as a textile and bag designer at ISSEY MIYAKE. In 2021, she expanded her practice to include glassblowing and ceramics in Denmark. Since 2022, she has been based in the Netherlands (Rotterdam and Amsterdam) as MAORI KIMURA DESIGN STUDIO.

This project was exhibited at Dutch Design Week 2024 in the gallery space of Piet Hein Eek, and later shown at the Nieuwe Instituut's Design Fair 2025 and at Systemiq, an Amsterdam-based sustainability-driven company working on systemic change across industries.

Her work has also been featured in international media, including:
Dezeen: “Six statement furniture projects by rising stars from the Dutch design scene”
JAN & JAN Living (April 2025): “Verfrissend design – Meubelmonstertjes”
RESIDENCE: “Dutch Design Week 2024: These talents caught our eye”
MIX Magazine by Colour Hive (Issue 78, 2026/27)