Lexus just presented a design concept by Tosin Oshinowo and Chrissa Amuah for this year’s edition of Design Miami/, entitled “Freedom to Move.” Exploring ideas of adornment, functionality, and cultural references, the project is a series of headpieces responding to what is likely the most worn accessory of the year—the omnipresent facemask.
Together, Oshinowo and Amuah conceived three headpieces, imagined in two versions each—Egaro, Pioneer Futures, and Ògún—which they approached by examining their current location of Lagos, Nigeria, along with international influences like the Japanese design principles, “omotenashi” (exceptional hospitality) and “takumi” (expert craftsmanship). Considering the head as a focal point for protection and adornment, the designers also looked at concepts of ergonomics and elegant, luxurious design to execute the collaboration.
Tosin Oshinowo and Chrissa Amuah, “Egaro” headpiece, inspired by Lexus, part of “Freedom to Move”; photo by Mark Cocksedge, courtesy of Lexus.
“Our conceptual design makes a bold stride towards our new human existence and is enraptured in a marriage of ergonomics and spectacle,” said Oshinowo.
While the intriguing masks celebrate innovative design throughout histories and cultures, they’ve also been created to eliminate contemporary challenges presented along with the necessity of wearing facemasks—including elements like transparent panels that allow for ease of communication.
Tosin Oshinowo and Chrissa Amuah, “Egaro” headpiece, inspired by Lexus, part of “Freedom to Move”; photo by Mark Cocksedge, courtesy of Lexus.
Constructed by artisan experts and 3D printing techniques using materials like leather, molded acrylic, suede, and bronze, the headpieces were each deliberately planned with influences from the past—like Egaro, named for an archaeological site in Niger; a reference to the age of enlightenment and its technological advancements seen in Pioneer Futures; and the Yorùbá God of war, metal, and technology, Ògún.
“As nomadic beings, it is unnatural to stand still, and we wanted to reconfigure how we move in a positive way in spite of the restrictions of motion the world now finds itself in,” said Amuah.
Lexus revealed “Freedom to Move” through a digital experience and a three-part docuseries showcasing the design process. Captured by Spark Creative, the series can be found on Design Miami/s website.
Tosin Oshinowo and Chrissa Amuah, “Egaro” headpiece, inspired by Lexus, part of “Freedom to Move”; photo by Mark Cocksedge, courtesy of Lexus.
