THE MAKERS

INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATIONS

Follow along as we meet a select group of creators from across the globe. Discover how they embrace working with new materials and techniques to redefine traditional crafts and architecture.

Taiwanese shoemaker EJ So sitting at his work station
Taiwanese shoemaker EJ So holding a brown shoe
THE INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER
Shoes that will stand the test of time

In this episode, Taiwanese shoemaker EJ So reveals rather than following trends, his goal is to design beautiful seasonless shoes that customers will still be wearing in 10 years and beyond.

Revive, repurpose, reimagine

EJ strives to celebrate the beauty of upcycling with clothes his clients bring to him that they no longer wear. He breathes new life into the fabrics by crafting his shoe designs from them.

A pair of men's black shoes, designed by Taiwanese shoemaker EJ So
Taiwanese shoemaker EJ So looking into the distance

“Modern luxury is having something custom made to meet your needs. It could be an extension of yourself.”

EJ So, Shoemaker

Taiwanese shoemaker EJ So standing next to a red 2023 INFINITI QX55 crossover coupe

Pushing the boundaries

The INFINITI QX55 was designed to push boundaries to make a provocative statement. EJ uses a similar approach with his designs. His concepts break the rules to create shoes that incite conversation.

The INFINITI QX55 was designed to push boundaries to make a provocative statement. EJ uses a similar approach with his designs. His concepts break the rules to create shoes that incite conversation.

The INFINITI QX55 was designed to push boundaries to make a provocative statement. EJ uses a similar approach with his designs. His concepts break the rules to create shoes that incite conversation.

MORE EPISODES

Watch season 1 & 2 and the new international chapter episodes here.

The Makers
INFINITI designer Nada Debs leaning on a desk

EP 1 – The International Chapter

In this chapter of The Makers, we meet Lebanese  designer Nada Debs, who believes craft is a feeling that goes beyond geography, language and culture. Here, we hear her discuss her creative process in depth.
Taiwanese shoemaker EJ So holding a brown shoe

EP 2 - EJ SO

In this second chapter of international inspirations, we hear from Taiwanese shoemaker EJ So, whose focus is on maintaining the value of shoe craftsmanship to produce pieces that will last a lifetime.
Line design on a white background

EP 3

Coming this March
Dotted design on a white background

EP 4

Coming this April
Close-up view of a Japanese craftsman working in Kyoto, Japan.

EP 1 – RYUE NISHIZAWA

In the first episode of the new season, we meet Ryue Nishizawa, a Japanese architect based in Tokyo who discusses the connection between luxury, nature and space in Japanese architecture. 
Japanese architect, Shigeru Ban standing on his Zen Wellness Seinei building in Hyogo.

EP 2 – SHIGERU BAN

Shigeru Ban is an award-winning Japanese architect known for his innovative buildings and use of unconventional materials. In this episode, he talks about how buildings should exist with nature.
Japanese architect, Junya Ishigami wearing a brown blazer.

EP 3 - JUNYA ISHIGAMI

In this episode, we meet Junya Ishigami, a talented architect who, when it comes to design, likes to blend traditional elements with new ones. Here, we hear him discuss his creative process in depth.
Japanese architect, Yuko Nagayama, staring up at an orange and black ceiling

EP 4 - YUKO NAGAYAMA

Yuko Nagayama is a leading architect, heavily influenced by texture and nature. In this episode, she talks about how her buildings draw on leaf patterns, water and natural geometry.
Close-up shot of architect Yuri Naruse sitting on wooden furniture

EP 5 - YURI NARUSE

In the final episode of the season, we meet Yuri Naruse, a talented architect whose simple yet functional designs are elevated to create an awe-inspiring feeling.
A Japanese craftsman handling tools in Kyoto.

EP 1 - TEA CADDY

Takahiro Yagi’s family-run workshop uses ancient Japanese design practices, such as shitate and mitate, to bring his traditional tea caddy creations to life.
A Japanese craftsman working with metal wires in Kyoto.

EP 2 - METAL KNITTING

At the sight of his tattoos, Toru Tsuji was snubbed by his peers. But like his unique aesthetic, Tsuji-san is using unconventional methods to help his craft thrive.
A Japanese craftsman hammering a wooden bowl in Kyoto.

EP 3 - WOODEN BUCKETS

He stepped out alone to forge his own craft. Now, Shuji Nakagawa’s mix of contemporary and modern design aims to redefine Japan’s very definition of beauty.
INFINITI The Makers Episode 4 Preview

EP 4 - WASHI PAPER

Horiki Eriko left a career in banking to become an expert washi maker, a traditional form of Japanese paper-making that dates back over 1300 years. 
INFINITI The Makers Episode 5 Preview

EP 5 - CERAMICS

The sixteenth generation of his family to make beautiful tea ceremony wares, Hosai Matsbayashi combines traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.
INFINITI The Makers Episode 6 Preview

EP 6 - BAMBOO

Tatsuyuki Kosuga used to hang out with biker crews. Nowadays he’s a leading craftsman. He creates everyday objects from natural materials that improve with use and age.
7 Japanese craftspeople standing for a photo.

THE MAKERS ROUNDTABLE

The season finale. This episode serves as a wrap up to season 1 of the Makers series. It features all 6 Kyoto craftspeople in deep conversation with Taisuke Nakamura, Head of INFINITI Design, as they delve into modern Japanese craftsmanship, timeless beauty, and more.

THE STORY CONTINUES

Follow along as we reveal future updates and announcements.

 

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