Kim Shui Spring/Summer 22

September 15, 2021

In celebration of her Asian heritage, Kim Shui proves herself, yet again, to be a brilliant designer full of layers, deeper meaning, and insurmountable thought and creativity. Showcasing her Spring/ Summer 2022 Ready-To-Wear collection on September 12th, the New York-based designer brilliantly shines with her take on western wear all the while paying homage to her Asian culture. With the continuing fight for representation in the fashion world, designers and brands alike are partaking in this call to action, and this collection just does that. Featuring a cast of mostly Asian models, Shui felt that this was the time to highlight a community that is often tokenized in Western culture.

With a total of 39 looks, Kim Shui effortlessly and seamlessly melds both worlds while taking ownership of societal narratives that have often been at the forefront of these tropes. While the silhouettes represent the kitsch of Western wear, the details embody Asian elements where the real beauty lies. The looks shined with layers of hand-beaded crystals, silk, leather, corduroy, and a signature jade element that was highlighted throughout.

Text by: Cassie Jekanoski
Photos by: Sarah Schecker, David Gannon, and Geoffrey Baptiste

office had the exclusive opportunity to visit Kim Shui in her studio days prior to the show where we watched in awe a mastermind at her craft. While sitting down with her, we asked her about her inspiration on the looks she created, along with a deeper dive into exactly how she played these motifs off of one another. “We were playing with a lot of different prints. So, if you look at the roses, I zoomed in on a lot of them onto different fabric combinations, including the western shirt with the binding but mixed with the dragon print,” explains Shui. Crediting early 2000s red carpets look, combined with the old Hollywood kitsch and flair, the designs stand out on their own not only as ready-to-wear but standout pieces all on their own.

The show offered excitement, suspense, and a continuous, “what’s next?” mindset as each model made their way down the spotlighted runway. Not only did each model stand out on their own, they complimented each other harmoniously and effortlessly. With makeup provided by Patrick Ta and TooD, the models natural beauty were highlighted and tapped into each individual’s character. To top off an already remarkable and standout show of this season’s fashion week, Kim Shui outdid herself again by having none other than Azealia Banks close out her show. Everyone in the audience was floored, to say the least, by this grand finale surprise and Azealia showcased her own beauty while strutting down the runway.

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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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.