Arthur Teboul Zaïane on incorporating data and diagrams into the design process

The designer Arthur Teboul Zaïane straddles two universes that are not often seen as a natural pair: fashion and architecture. When working with fashion designers, Arthur enjoys the “freedom”, the ability to express himself and put forward left-field proposals. However, more recently, Arthur has found himself drawn to the methods of architects – specifically their use of plans, diagrams and data. Arthur’s blending of fashion and architectural methods shines through in his work for Nike Forward, a collection of garments made using less carbon-intensive materials and processes. Here, we find a series of numerical dot-to-dots and jigsaw type, which enhances the technical aspects of the brand’s creations.

Much of Arthur’s passion lies in the world of type design; he’s stayed in Switzerland for a period studying the discipline, and in collaboration with the designer Lou Rais has had the opportunity to make fonts for architectural offices in recent years. Arthur sources much of his typographic inspiration from the experimental Swiss type studio Norm, known for its rigorous designs and composed of the designers Dimitri Bruni, Manuel Krebs, and Ludovic Varone. He’s also been lucky enough to gain significant inspiration from those closer afield, like his teacher the designer and writer François Rappo.