“Raw materials can be saved by reusing existing products. At the same time, we’re interested in substantially upgrading used materials,” explains Farid Mhedbi. “It’s something we’ve all experienced: The moment we no longer use something, we dispose of it and buy something new, losing our awareness and appreciation for raw materials in the process. Cheap industrial production has become a part of our lives, while individuality and sustainability take a back seat. This is precisely where Uniqamo comes in.” But fortunately, an awareness of the importance of sustainability is growing in industrial societies today – and so upcycling is now in vogue, paving the way for Uniqamo’s success.

Launched by a trio
The young and optimistic company which, like so many other start-ups, had its beginnings in a garage, is spearheaded by a trio that combines a passion for unique design, careful workmanship, and a high-quality product. It was marketing specialist Bianca Zimmermann who came up with the idea for Uniqamo’s first piece of designer furniture, and so the Bianca side tables proudly bear her name: “It’s important to me for our designer furniture to give each and every living room that special something – which is why I always keep an eye on current trends and designs.” Then there’s Eloy van der Sman, a former banker.

With his extensive expertise in sales, he ensures that Uniqamo customers have an incredible experience every time: “Anyone who visits our show- room should immediately feel our positive vibes. We want Uniqamo to be something our customers really experience – they should realise right away how much passion there is in every single piece.” The third member of the group is Farid Mhedbi, a trained electrician and advertiser who created the brand and can often be seen at his workbench, continually developing fascinating stand-alone designer furniture: “I love to pay attention to even the smallest details. Collegiality, transparency, and absolute reliability in dealing with our customers and partners are also integral parts of our philosophy.”

The world is not enough
The idea of giving a second life to used wine crates came to Bianca and Farid when they were searching for a specific kind of table. Unable to find what they were looking for, they lost no time in getting hold of a handful of wine crates and created their own designer furniture. When friends reacted enthusiastically, the idea of founding their own company was born. And after an initial set-up phase, the very first Uniqamo collection is now available in an attractive online shop, which presents products that impress both with their simple, unpretentious de-signs and their uniqueness and originality – preserving, for example, the tree rings in the wood together with the various letterings and signs of use. Selected roller, glass, and steel components further enhance the upgraded used materials.

The unique, elaborately handcrafted Swiss designer furniture can be used in living rooms, as a side or bedside table, a liquor bar, or as an attractive style element. And importantly, Uniqamo works with carefully chosen partners in obtaining the basic materials and for the multistage upgrading process – the Zurich-based St Jakob Foundation for the Dis abled is the primary partner for production. And while Farid is putting the finishing touches on a solid wood cable drum from the Muota Valley, he is al ready eagerly anticipating the accessories collection that is slated to be launched next: “We won’t be running out of ideas anytime soon!”