Maharam relaunches its site just in time for ICFF. In adapting with technology trends, the site has abandoned its use of flash and is html based. The new design is fresh, focused and minimal. All of its attention is on the collection and content! Yes content. A new section called Stories is overseen by Dung Ngo, the senior editor of architecture and design at Rizzoli. The focus will be on art and design with a list of contributors that include John Maeda, Maira Kalman, Stefan Sagmeister, Murray Moss, Steven Heller, and many others, all based on topics of their choice.

Nanna Ditzel is the subject on one of the site’s latest stories. Nanna Ditzel designed a fabric for Kvadrat, a textile company based in Denmark and distributed by Maharam, called Hallingdal. The fabric was celebrated this year at an exhibition titled Hallingdal 65 in Milan during Salone Internazionale del Mobile. The show included thirty two projects that incorporated the use of the fabric. Nine of those projects will be on view during ICFF at the Jil Sander showroom.

It’s exciting to see Maharam investing time and effort into these stories. The section is quite active already. We’re looking forward to seeing it grow and evolve.

Photographer Eric Kvatek has traveled the world shooting in some of the most exotic locations for brands like 45rpm, Prps, Free People and the premium Japanese clothing line, Kapital. He recently had a show at Nepenthes featuring his work in Central Mexico. But next month will see a different side of Kvatek. Instead of photographs, he’ll be exhibiting his personal collection of vintage Japanese indigo fabrics at Mondo Cane. He has managed to acquire some of the finest examples of the blue dyed textile. Mondo Cane explains:

“Photographer Eric Kvatek, on frequent trips to Japan, has scoured the early morning antique markets for these beautiful examples of Japanese indigo, some dating back to the early 1800s. These pieces are becoming almost impossible to find.”

Erik Kvatek, Japanese Indigo: Boro opens June 21st and runs through July 12th.

Nike and Vans have both worked with American textile company, Maharam to apply their signature fabrics on a few of their shoes. No longer were these fabrics regulated to furniture, curtains or pillows. Designs by Paul Smith, Hella Jongerius, and Alexander Girard were now seen on Air Force Ones and Vans slip-ons. Taking cue from its parent company, Converse is now working with Finnish textile company, Marimekko and applying the fabrics to their Chuck All Stars and Jack Purcells. Watch this interview with Marimekko’s Design Manager, Noora Niinikoski as she talks about the company’s history and the collaboration with Converse. (via Curated)