Head of State's Vivid Imagination Materializes in Paris

June 25, 2024

Head of State's Taofeek Abijako has been moving away from traditional runway shows in recent seasons. Instead, he opts for exhibitions that delve deeper into the brand's origins and future intentions. This Paris Fashion Week, Abijako presented Vivid Imagination, the third installment in Head of State's Exhibition Series.

Vivid Imagination reimagines the Aso Oke, a traditional Yoruba cloth handwoven on a loom, with a history dating back to the 15th century. More than just a fabric, Aso Oke symbolizes identity, dignity, and pride, highlighting the enduring legacy of Nigeria's Yoruba community in fashion and culture.

Throughout the exhibition space, the loom and various interpretations of Aso Oke stood in stark contrast to the fast-paced nature of today's fashion industry. Abijako approached the loom's installation with the same meticulous care as his garments, creating "a space for more thoughtful engagement, allowing our audience to digest our narrative at their own pace."

By Sahir Ahmed
Photography by Tom Guez

The exhibition also featured three garments in a muted sky-blue hue, incorporating traditional Yoruba elements such as draped shoulders, beaded accents, and structured lining. These pieces further engaged with the rich heritage of Aso Oke woven garments, exploring its journey, from "humble beginnings as a crop" to "art form and traded good."

Looking ahead, the next iteration of Head of State's Exhibition Series will return to New York City.

Fashion

Total Recall

Born in the Moroccan town of Tétouan and educated in Paris, Khattabi’s upbringing required him to make sense of how the different influences surrounding him could align. In turn, his designs explore the embedded codes and history of his bicultural background. Total Recall addresses this phenomon by including garments meant to reflect adaptation and transformation. Skirts made of tire covers and motorcyle tarpaulins refashioned into dresses are scattered across the collection, conveying notions of displacement. Blending these elements adds an industrial touch to the pieces while still keeping a sense of movement.

From sweatpants infused with polka dots to nostaglic slogans and banner display, the ensembles symbolize hidden identities and memories. Giving us a glimpse into his own memories, Khattabi's work evokes affection for the past. It's a nod to the interconnectedness of culture and how we interact with its complexitites creatively. View the collection below.

reward if found is available at LN-CC, 10 Corso Como, Gr8, Opener, and more selected retailers globally.

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Fear of God Essentials Holiday 2024 Collection

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Dr. Martens x MM6 Maison Margiela reveal their first capsule collection

November 12, 2024

Dr. Martens and MM6 Maison Margiela have teamed up for the first time to launch a Fall/Winter capsule collection that reinvents classic footwear with a fresh twist. The collection combines four iconic Dr. Martens styles—the 1460 and 1490 boots, the 1461 shoe, and the Penton loafer—into three unique hybrid designs, each with MM6’s special touch.

Revealed at MM6 Maison Margiela’s AW24 show, these designs mix familiar Dr. Martens silhouettes in surprising ways, adding bold new details. Each piece has Dr. Martens’ signature yellow stitching and AirWair heel loop, along with MM6’s unique numbered imprint.

The Dr. Martens x MM6 Maison Margiela collection launches November 19 on both brands’ websites, in select MM6 stores, and at limited retailers.