Levi’s & Kiko Kostadinov Speak a Hybrid Language

August 16, 2024

Both cult favorites in their own right, the first collaboration between Kiko Kostadinov and Levi’s dives into their joint psyche — models lounge in a pink, blue, and purple inflatable bouncey castle, with denim looks that mirror their playful surroundings. The capsule collection blends Levi’s classic denim with key elements of Bulgarian design, delivering a visual language filled with subtleties.

Both labels find common ground in functionality; they naturally incorporated utilitarian elements like leather belts and patch pockets into their symbiotic narrative. Top-stitched jackets and askew striped tops capture Kostadinov's love for irregular patterns and tranversive tailoring. The June and March 2024 fashion shows offered a sneak peek at the menswear and womenswear looks, foreshadowing the collaboration's official launch, available to preview below.

By Julia Silverberg
Images courtesy of Kiko Kostadinov x Levi’s, photography by Dexter Lander

Fashion

Night Shift

LOUIS wears COAT by JEAN PAUL GAULTIER from BYRONESQUE, SUNGLASSES by BALENCIAGA x JULIAN-JAKOB KNEER

LOUIS wears COAT by JEAN PAUL GAULTIER from BYRONESQUE, SHOES by BALENCIAGA

LOUIS wears COAT by JEAN PAUL GAULTIER from BYRONESQUE; DYLAN wears ALEXANDER MCQUEEN and COMME DES GARCONS HOMME PLUS from BURIED DEEP ARCHIVE

LOUIS wears COAT by JEAN PAUL GAULTIER from BYRONESQUE, SHOES AND SUNGLASSES by BALENCIAGA x JULIAN-JAKOB KNEER

LOUIS wears FULL LOOK by JUNYA WATANABE from BURIED DEEP ARCHIVE, MASK by MAISON MARGIELA

LOUIS wears DRESS by JUNYA WATANABE, SCARF by ANN DEMUELEMEESTER, SLEEVES by RICK OWENS from BURIED DEEP ARCHIVE, STUDDED CUFFS stylist’s own

LOUIS wears DRESS by JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, BOOTS by RICK OWENS

Fashion

Ashton Michael Marks a Decade Milestone with 'Punk-Tsugi'

The collection featured 3D-printed oversized safety pins, piercings, and studs plated in 24k gold and silver. Distressed metallic knitwear, hand-painted puffers, Kintsugi-style denims, and miniskirts crafted from Mongolian fur and pony hair, all defined by the signature Ashton Michael color palette of black, gold, and silver.

The inspiration behind 'Punk-Tsugi' draws from the Japanese art form “Kintsugi” (translates to “to join with gold”), known for embracing and highlighting imperfections. The collection weaves the philosophy of Kintsugi with Michael's distinctive Punk bondage aesthetic, creating a dynamic interplay between fragility and resilience.

Described as a love letter to the city that both molded and remade him, 'Punk-Tsugi' reflects Michael's gratitude to Hollywood for the past ten years and anticipates many more to come.

“Thank you, Hollywood, for the past 10 years, and many more to come!” says the designer behind it all, Ashton Michael.

Check out photos from the Punk-Tsugi showcase below.