RONNIE CHAN JRDesign Leader · Singapore
KOBA — Brand Identity
  • Brand
  • Kobayashi Woven

KOBA — Brand Identity

Overview

KOBA is a premium eco-textile brand evolved from Kobayashi Woven, a Kyoto-based manufacturer founded in 1947. The core challenge was to reposition a legacy heritage business as a global leader in sustainable fabric innovation. The branding needed to bridge the gap between 75 years of artisanal Kyoto craftsmanship and a future-forward, 'mountain forest' philosophy, all while avoiding the visual clichés of generic sustainable branding.

Methodology

I developed a 'Craft & Future' strategy that leveraged the brand's deep roots in Kyoto's mountains. The visual system pairs minimalist Swiss-inspired typography with traditional Japanese weave patterns. The identity was designed for extreme scalability—from microscopic fabric labels and ceremonial Hanko stamps to large-format OOH and high-end digital flagship interfaces. Every touchpoint reinforces KOBA’s position as the vanguard of premium, eco-conscious textiles.

Challenges & Milestones
  • Muse Creative Awards — GOLD Winner
  • Behance 'Featured of the Day' recognition - Stock
  • Behance 'Featured of the Day' recognition - Branding
  • World Brand Design Society — Featured Case Study
  • Packaging of The World — Featured Case Study
  • Braaands.co — Featured Case Study
  • Visual identity and design system scaled across digital, print, and physical touchpoints