A series showcasing Toyota's activities in non-automotive fields. This time, carmakers come together for... a fashion show?!
This article doesn’t feature any actual cars, but we do mention Honda Civics and Super GTs. What’s going on?
When we heard that car-loving designers from various companies were involved in unusual extracurricular activities, we had to find out more. At a roundtable discussion, we heard comments like “Too serious, Toyota!” and “That Nissan piece is amazing!” They were certainly up to something different.
A fashion show by car designers
First, let’s start with this photo.
These outfits were made from pieces of seat cover material discarded during car production.
They appeared at a fashion show organized by JAID, an association of interior and CMF designers from nine major carmakers, including Toyota. The group teamed up with apparel manufacturers to create clothing from scrap materials generated in the carmaking process.
Held at the World Kita-Aoyama Building and open to the public, this fascinating show featured some rather unconventional creations from each company.
[Nissan] Celebuton
For when you’ve been invited to a party but don’t want to care about makeup or dressing up, this is the ultimate blend of laziness and elegance—your bedding becomes a dress. Made with discarded automotive airbags and fabrics.
[Honda/Isuzu] Oyako Tsunagi
This is a collaboration between Isuzu, known for safety and reliability, and Honda, a renowned leader in driving performance! It combines scrap automotive materials with used clothing from the vintage boutique Ragtag. The Oyako Tsunagi offers kids the excitement of going for a ride.
[Toyota Boshoku] Kakera no Down/Kafu Tsunagu Fuku
Now, from the production floor scrap bin to the runway. Shining the spotlight on materials discarded during car seat production, Kakera (shreds) down vests are filled with shredded offcuts. The first photo in this article also features the company’s creations, made from car seat covers.
[Toyota Auto Body] Kimochi Booster
The Kimochi Booster changes color and shape to reflect the wearer’s mood. Built-in fans allow it to inflate and glow like an erupting volcano when angry or shrink to a diminished presence when feeling down. It was made with scrap materials from an airbag plant.
Looking beyond automotive scraps, Daihatsu presented a new upcycling approach.
[Daihatsu] PVC Raincoat
Old analog records were crushed up and recycled as polyvinyl chloride, then upcycled into raincoats, creating the perfect accessory for outdoor music festivals.
And finally, Toyota made use of a peculiar substance featured in one of our previous articles...
[Toyota] Toyota Quartet
One-of-a-kind guitars, musical instruments made from bits of wood, leather, and that grotesque substance discharged when making resin parts for FCEV hydrogen tanks.
Keisuke Takahashi, president of World Group’s apparel company, was involved as an advisor and says he senses great potential in the many ideas that give apparel manufacturers a run for their money.
Keisuke Takahashi, President, World Group-Affiliated Company
Automotive interior designers look beyond the car to the lifestyle it helps create. That’s what brings such interesting ideas! The materials used in cars are very carefully crafted, and you can sense all kinds of possibilities.
Next up, designers from the various companies come together for candid discussions full of surprises. Find out what they really thought and how well everyone gets along!