Behind-the-Scene of Concrete Sprout

Story behind the collection

For iRi’s newest collection, <Concrete Sprout>, a casual stroll through the city became a source of inspiration for founder Janet. She noticed small flowers and grasses sprouting between cracks in concrete walls and sidewalks — spontaneous bursts of life in an urban landscape. There was something whimsical in that contrast, what the team came to describe as “urban decay softened by signs of life.” With that visual in mind, Janet chose to center the collection on materiality, drawing from textures like concrete, brick, rusted metal, and the quiet persistence of nature pushing through the city’s rigid surfaces.

From 2D to 3D

To keep the spotlight on materials, the team chose to revisit iRi’s best-selling silhouettes instead of creating entirely new ones — allowing the updated fabrics to take center stage. A turning point came when Janet met a local supplier who collects discarded denim and textiles, enabling the brand to upcycle them for this collection. Denim became the visual anchor for the “urban” theme, while pops of color and mixes of bio-based materials reflect the “sprouts of nature.” After rounds of mockups and prototyping, Concrete Sprout is also proudly iRi’s first collection made with 100% sustainable and bio-based uppers.

Ideation behind our shoot

Naturally, the lookbook’s concept echoed the collection’s core theme: the unexpected harmony between nature and urban surrounding. The shoot aims to celebrate the overlooked beauty that grows through city cracks — a reminder that joy often hides in quiet corners. Playful color bursts, tactile contrasts, and whimsical placement of shoes and props became central motifs. iRi collaborated with NYC-based artist Corinna La of Lalalalalalalala Studio, who created custom metal sculptures to capture the collection’s spirit in 3D form.