Origami: inspiration in architecture, design and fashion!
The origin of paper folding and symbolism
Origami was originally an ancient Japanese tradition. Mention of folding paper decorations has however also been recorded in a wider scope in China, Spain, Germany and other countries. It is difficult to find any direct evidence of the place where this art started as paper cannot be preserved for very long. This is why we have to rely on literary references to the first mention of origami. The earliest evidence to be found dates back to 1490 in Europe where a small paper boat is depicted in the book Tractatus de Sphaera Mundi. Another piece of evidence which clearly indicates that paper folding started in Japan is for example provided by a short poem written in 1680 by the author Ihara Saikaku. This poem describes a dream in which paper butterflies fly through the air. These butterflies symbolise a bride and groom during the wedding ceremonies of the original Japanese religion Shinto. Samurai warriors even gave presents of small folded paper origami known as noshi as a small souvenir for luck.
A dress by John Galliano or Villa Origami?
The popularity of origami has in particular increased during the modern era in the Western World thanks to interest and fascination as regards the mathematical part of origami folding. Many artists have included origami features in their luxury works of art. You will for example find these in architecture, interior design and fashion, where thanks to them, interesting and unconventional works are created. John Galliano drew inspiration from the delicate nature of origami and created a wonderful luxury wedding dress and evening gown inspired by Japanese porcelain and origami for the Christian Dior brand.
The luxury Villa Origami on the Spanish island of Mallorca represents a unique and stylish architectural gem which brings the Japanese art of origami to life with a modern geometrical approach. Even the pure white interior reflects the delicate nature of white paper. The extensive complex also offers a picturesque panoramic view of the rural countryside, wonderful patios and a crystal-clear swimming pool. Villa Origami is an extraordinarily elegant and modern residence. It offers an exceptional ambience with ingenious transitions between the inside and outside areas, which are able to create the unique and special atmosphere of a luxury lifestyle.
Experiments with origami
With the arrival of the internet, origami has become accessible for people from all over the world. Thanks to this, you can get lots of instructions and visual examples of how to fold simple and even more complicated shapes. You too can thus easily become a master of origami. The art of origami is still alive and not only can you experiment with it, you can also use it to inspire others to create beautiful shapes from paper. Don’t hesitate to try creating a small crane from plain white paper to start with. If you are patient enough to create several of them and join them together with some thin thread, you will thus all of a sudden create a beautiful luxury decoration, for example to adorn your window.
