Matter and Shape, ‘Brutalist Japan’, Make Play

The Parisian design salon Matter and Shape highlights a growing intersection between fashion and design, characterized by a shift toward accessible, modular objects and a renewed interest in retro-futuristic aesthetics. Beyond this, Japanese Brutalism challenges perceptions of the style as a "concrete monster," revealing how architects integrate traditional craftsmanship and regional vernacular, such as Okinawan breeze blocks, to create durable, functional structures. Meanwhile, the Young V&A’s "Make Play" project explores the role of playfulness in design, with artist Charlie Boyden utilizing standardized timber offcuts to create experimental objects. These diverse segments underscore a broader shift in the design industry toward storytelling, visual identity, and the integration of playful, human-centric approaches to material and form.