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The Shaker System Is a Modern Utilitarian’s Dream

08.22.22 | By
The Shaker System Is a Modern Utilitarian’s Dream

Continuing with their nine year long collaboration, Kvadrat and Raf Simons have launched a line of lifestyle accessories inspired by the Shaker culture. Aptly named The Shaker System, the collection is characterized by its simplicity and utility, which is what the Shaker style has become known for. Simons was also inspired by John McCracken, who used color intensity and surface finish as a means of expression through his minimalist sculptures.

pink lifestyle accessories on a wall

pink lifestyle accessories on a wall

The Shaker System consists of 26 items in four colorways. The foundation of the collection is a modern integration of a Shaker peg rail, a horizontal bar set in a single color. This main object keeps order and can stand on its own, almost like a sculptural piece of art. Vidar 4, the main fabric of the Kvadrat/Raf Simons collection, was used to upholster the bar, as well as most of the accessories, giving it a precisely tailored look. 

teal lifestyle accessories on a wall

teal kvadrat tray

Guided by function and needs over aesthetics, the accessories can be categorized by place of use. For the entryway, there’s a key chain, cap, tote bag, and shopping bags. For the living room, there are wool throws and cushions, a leather-clad mirror tray, accessory boxes, leather magazine straps, and storage sleeves. “The original idea was to think about a whole house, room by room, not literally but more of a way of thinking – how do we actually live,” explains Simons.

kvadrat raf simons throw blanket

teal lifestyle accessories on a wall

The Shaker System launched its first collection earlier this month, with its second collection following shortly. 

 lifestyle accessories on a wall

 lifestyle accessories on a wall

 lifestyle accessories on a wall

 lifestyle accessories on a wall

kvadrat raf simons sign

kvadrat raf simons sign

To learn more about the Shaker Collection, visit shaker.kvadratrafsimons.com.

Furniture by Axel Einar Hjort.
Photo copyright by Philip Messmann.

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She's probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.