2023 SS

23SS explores the philosophy “Form follows function”, a concept originallydubbed by the influential American architect Louis Henry Sullivan.

Known as the “Father of modern Skyscrapers” Sullivan was a leading architect of the Chicago school, which developed the widespread use of steel-framed, high-rise buildings in order to remove the constraints of previous masonry-based construction.

“Form Follows Function” became a benchmark in modernist design, and was famously adopted by the Bauhaus design movement, the inspiration for our 22AW collection.

Integrating form and function with the principle “Less is More”, the Bauhaus movement reconfigured art, architecture and product design in the early 20th century.

For 23SS we unravel the connections between the Bauhaus movement and Sullivan presenting a collection that explores functionality through design and the use of innovative materials.

Key Feature
Our 23SS collection is inspired by the philosophy “Form Follows Function”.

We integrate this mantra into our designs in order to provide “details for comfort in urban environments, outdoor fields and for travel”.

For 23SS, in addition to our clothing collection we have worked with the Japanese brand Fujita Canoes to release a Folding Kayak.

Epitomising the theme; “Form Follows Function”, the folding kayak is compact, portable, lightweight and unique. The aluminium frame, with its foldable shock cords, is reminiscent of modernist architectural design, with technical details and production techniques to match.

As usual, our collection focuses on functionality, exploring new and innovative materials, and combining them with designs that offer new perspectives on everyday situations.

Production techniques and design details are chosen to ensure and facilitate the functionality and high-quality that we desire.

For example, our seam-taped, fully waterproof clothing is made of an original breathable material to ensure comfort for the wearer, even during high-performance situations.

A wide range of F/CE.’s collection can be worn unisex, providing the same quality and functionality to both men and women.

For our mens summer collection, we continue to offer a diverse range of bottoms providing an excellent variation of functionality and aesthetic, perfect for any situation.

Colourways
For 23SS we explore the primary colours favoured by the Bauhaus design movement.
Reds, Blues and Yellows feature across the collection, with more muted shades adding additional depth.

Rather than the singular tones expressed in the two-dimensional drawings and designs of the Bauhaus movement, F/CE. creates three-dimensional products, which show a diverse and rich range of tones, through shadow, texture, the use of contrasting materials, and different production techniques.

The Bauhaus movement advocated a colour theory connected to the primary shapes, the circle, triangle and square. We have incorporated these basic shapes into our SS23 collection, fusing colour theory with functionality in our own unique interpretation.

In addition to the primary colours, we will also release items in Black and F/CE.’s unique Sage Green a colour which blends grey and olive, and is inspired by dried sage leaves.

For 23SS we are excited to announce that we will launch a collection of botanically dyed items. At F/CE. we are always looking to explore more sustainable options of production, and introducing this to our collection.

This collection we have explored natural dyes and techniques native to Japan, with the intention to expand this in the future.

Biwa Leaf Dye
The loquat is a plant native to Japan, known as the “great medicinal tree” since ancient times, for its medicinal properties. Traditionally, it was cultivated in temples and other places of key significance.

The plant and fruit have such strong pigmentation, that they can easily stain fabric or clothing.

For this collection, we have explored the natural dye from the green Biwa leaf, prized for its impressive, earthy pastel tones.

Taiseiyo dye
Taiseiyo is a traditional form of natural indigo dye that results in an earthy blue tone.

Taiseiyo is renowned for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as its ability to strengthen threads.

Recently, this technique has been found to have an ultraviolet shielding effect, which is undergoing further research.

Fushizome dye
Fushizome is a traditional practice dating back to the Heian period of Japan (794-1185 AD).

Originally, one of the uses of Fushizome was to blacken the teeth, for both medicinal and aesthetic reasons.

Fushizome provides a natural black tone, with a depth unique to its botanical origin the process also adds antibacterial properties and inhibits the growth of bacteria, which are the source of bad odours.

Over time, the colour will fade to a lighter, washed black or charcoal grey.

Material
As always, the fabrics that we develop and select at F/CE. help us to provide value to our customers.

For 23SS, we have taken inspiration from the architectural great, Louis Henry Sullivan and how he reinvented the materials used in urban construction, enabling the development of the modern skyscraper.

With a strong focus on comfort in both urban and active environments, we have developed a wide range of high-performance, innovative textiles with key functions including waterproof and ultra-lightweight.

Inspired by the appeal and aesthetic of traditional materials, we have incorporated technical components and modern techniques into classic and natural fabrics in order to ensure we provide the functionality required for the modern age.

New for 23SS, F/CE’s unisex PERTEX® nylon collection offers high-specification performance essential for today’s urban and outdoor environments.

Sustainability
60% of our 23SS collection continues to be a sustainability-conscious collection.

At F/CE. our aim is to provide value that improves our customers' lives.
We believe that one way to achieve this is by encouraging our customers to cultivate a more intimate relationship, and positive experiences with nature. Incorporating this into our business philosophy, we hope to influence our customers values, sense of life and lifestyle.

From this perspective, we believe that we need to reduce our carbon footprint in order to ensure the survival of a green planet in 20 or 30 years' time, we ourselves need to be aware of and uphold our Sustainable Development Goals.

As a brand, we have spent the past four years raising awareness of environmental issues and implementing solutions where we can, in order to have a more sustainable and positive impact.

We have set realistic and achievable SDGs for our size and reach, gradually increasing our targets over time.

We believe that change needs to happen at all levels, from large corporations to individuals. We believe we can all have an impact by making more environmentally friendly decisions.