Siki Im's Silent Thunderbird Prayer for AW11.
As you know, I'm currently in New York leisurely taking in the menswear design talent strewn across the fashion week schedule. However, you might know that whilst here I have been tasked with the odd show review and accompanying interview for Dazed Digital's ever impressive coverage. One of the real highlights has been Siki Im. Ever since I stumbled across the designer at the tail end of my last visit to the Big Apple, I've kept a keen eye on this design talent. He certainly did not disappoint with his fourth collection and it was an absolute pleasure to talk through the designs with the man himself.
Once again, the former architect turned fashion designer challenged conventional notions of men’s fashion with meticulous tailoring, architectural details and inventive silhouettes in a collection inspired by the work of Native American pottery artist Maria Martinez. For his fourth collection, Silent Thunderbird Prayer, Siki Im offered a tranquil and sombre spirituality with soft, textured tailoring as Native American songs echoed around the presentation room and soil reminded observers of Mother Earth. Ever the talent when it comes to creating memorable presentations, Im chose to bring his influences to the fore to counterbalance the subtlety of the collection itself.
With an enthused nod to Martinez's black ware pottery, the designer experimented with shape and texture. Inspired by the elements, Im delivered a collection of muted hues grounded in the wonders of nature. There was wonderful subtelty and quiet texture throughout. Quadrupled layers of wool, cashmeres, swiss felts and waxed cottons combine to protect the wearer as the winter elements draw near whilst the white rabbit felt hats shield and shelter the head.
Eclipse jewellery created in collaboration with Made by Eugene adorned the body in powder coated amulets in silver which pay homage to Native American charms. Throughout the sixteen looks, there was a happy union between the Siki Im man and the Native American spirit. This is no more apparent that in the collaboration with a fifth generation Native American weaver and her mother for a section of beautiful hand woven knits.
Now that my eyes have been treated with Im's latest creations and despite a significant part of me crying out for a spate of warm sunshine, I am now longing for the time I can wrap myself up in soft, natural, voluminous fabrics such as these.
Now that my eyes have been treated with Im's latest creations and despite a significant part of me crying out for a spate of warm sunshine, I am now longing for the time I can wrap myself up in soft, natural, voluminous fabrics such as these.
Backstage photography by Morgan O'Donovan for Dazed Digital.
For the interview and more imagery, head over to DD.
For the interview and more imagery, head over to DD.
4 comments:
I like the hair as a complete reinterpretation of both the braid and the mohawk.
PS. I am finding it so hard to keep up with blogs this season as I am not there but everyone else is!
Really like the hats been looking for a Westwood buffalo for quite some time, these look like a close contender for the crown.
Really like the hats been looking for a Westwood buffalo for quite some time, these look like a close contender for the crown.
"Inventive silhouettes" - i couldn't have said this better myself. Just imagine if it was dark and you could only see the silhouettes of those in the pictures.
They'd would be some pretty odd looking ones. :)
Not to take anything away from the collection itself, it's really inspiring!
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