Kiko Kostadinov's Optical Allusions

October 05, 2023

Tactile meets sensual, sensitive greets speed, heels are crumbled up in a far off corner because the Kiko girl has somewhere to get to — with a feverishly flowy silk trail sweeping behind her. Laura and Deanna Fanning’s SS24 collection ticks every box we aspire for femininity to be. Designed by women, dressed by women. It’s not always necessary to make the distinction, so let’s leave it at that, for now.

This season served as an extended successor to the early established Kostadinov vocabulary, in constant and consistent dialog with menswear no less. The three Central Saint Martins’ alumnus speak the same language, constructing the same codes and equipping their audience with the right tools to pick from whatever rack they desire.

Viscose mixed with silk draped across and around the figure, short textured skirts contrasted technical trousers – curved through the use of asymmetrically rising buttons. Striped jerseys and crinkled knits confronted the eye through optical illusions – Fanning's cut-out techniques furthering these joyful allusions.

Text by Vilda Krog
Photos by Mathilde Favel

Light layers of knitwear and patchwork acted as a glue throughout the collection, a thematic element inspired by women artists Sonia Delaunay and Sonia Rykeil. The lineup was embellished with crossbody bags, chain necklaces and poetic glass marble collars – an infusion embodying the spirit of innovation, much like the twins do.

The ongoing evolution of Kiko Kostadinov feels playful yet mature. It’s inspiring to see such a young brand – the sisters have shown in Paris since 2019, but this was their debut on the official schedule – that emphasizes craftsmanship and clothing, rather than the conceptualization of disconnected references. The clothes are designed not only to be worn, but to be lived in.

Fashion

Escaping the Glass Cage

November 19, 2024

For years, she stood still, watching life rush past her, a quiet observer behind the glass. Now, the glass is broken, and she steps out into the unknown. She walks through the city, caught between two worlds—part of it, yet apart from it.

Her journey is quiet but bold, searching for something she’s never understood, something just out of reach. On church steps and under glowing city lights, she questions everything: the rules, the past, and where she truly belongs. Each step feels both freeing and uncertain.

A curious soul in a borrowed life, she keeps moving forward, leaving behind only whispers of her escape, like a fleeting shadow in the night.

Photography by Robbie Augspurger
Talent Jennae Quisenberry
Styling by Emily Drake
Hair by Jerome Cultrera
Makeup by Charlotte Willer
Production by Robbie Augspurger
Photo Assisting by Ross Morrell
Text by Enzo Holdt

JENNAE wears COAT by MARNI.

LEFT: JENNAE wears TOP, SKIRT, BAG and SHOES by N21 BY ALESSANDRO DELL’ACQUA

RIGHT: JENNAE wears COAT, MINI SKIRT by DAVID KOMA, SHOES are STYLIST’S OWN.

LEFT: JENNAE wears TOP, SKIRT, BAG and SHOES by N21 BY ALESSANDRO DELL’ACQUA

RIGHT: JENNAE wears COAT, MINI SKIRT by DAVID KOMA, SHOES are STYLIST’S OWN.

LEFT: JENNAE wears JACKET, SHOES by MCQUEEN BY SEÁN MCGIRR.

RIGHT: JENNAE wears GOWN, SHOES by EMMA JOAN FOLEY.

LEFT: JENNAE wears JACKET, SKIRT by YOHJI YAMAMOTO, SHOES are STYLIST’S OWN.

RIGHT: JENNAE wears DRESS by GENNY, SHOES by CASADEI.

Fashion

The North Face Unveils Snowsports Collection for Fall 2024

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.