Within the last edition of Cone Denim, the specialised US denim manufacturer, debuted Wander, a denim collaboration with garment finisher Tonello, videographer Eduard Nijgh and AMK Atelier, a creative studio in Amsterdam run by Swedish designer Maria Gunnarsson.

 

The collaborative collection was inspired by the outdoors and the mental health benefits of being immersed in nature and includes garments made with a range of Cone Denim fabrics completed by a specially designed Cone Denim Mental Health Awareness selvedge.

 

“Project Wander grew organically after a conversation with Maria last year at Kingpins Amsterdam," explained Pierette Scavuzzo, design director, Cone Denim. 

 

"We worked together on a prior Cone Denim collaboration, The Very Best of Times, while sharing the same passion for how being outdoors can benefit an individual’s mental health, an aspect that inspired this collection. The opportunity to work with AMK Atelier, Tonello and Eduard Nijgh on a cause-oriented collaboration and raise awareness through our reach in the industry has been a profound experience.”

Wander carries a dual meaning. On one hand, our minds can wander and cause our mental health to be challenged. On the other hand, wandering in nature positively affects our mental health. Being nurtured by nature benefits both our physical and mental well-being, as reported by the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. Their research cites the benefits of nature therapy on mental health and wellness. Studies have shown that spending time in nature is therapeutic. The simple act of spending time outdoors has been associated with lower rates of depression and reduced stress. 

 

“It was natural to design an outdoor collection based on our lifestyle in the mental health fabric from Cone Denim. I would be honored if this collection could inspire anyone to take a breath, go for a walk and look outside for what nature has to offer,” AMK Atelier's founder and designer Maria Gunnarsson.




The Wander capsule collection showcases 13 garments inspired by nature and the outdoors. Gunnarsson’s concept for the collection is focused on nature, recovery and function.

 

The Cone Community Mental Health Awareness fabric is highlighted by a neon green ID, symbolizing the importance of mental well-being as a central element in her designs. Each garment also carries a well-known J.R.R. Tolkien's quote–"All who wander are not lost," lasered into the fabric.

“The Wander collaboration with Cone Denim and AMK Atelier was a bit like getting lost, only to find yourself again. A finding oneself understood as being in greater contact with nature, as well as in finding a balance with it,” said Alice Tonello, marketing and R&D director, Tonello.

 

Created in 2019, The Cone Community Collection of fabrics supports and raises awareness for worthy causes that align with the values of Cone Denim. Mental Health was the fourth to launch in the collection and has a neon green ID symbolic for mental health awareness. Made from Cone Denim selvage, this collection has an authentic, '80s-inspired construction in 100% cotton. Cone Denim donates a portion of sales from this collection to Child Mind Institute, a national US non-profit association.

 

 

 

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