Dear Filep and iDEALS, Day 1 of the AW13/14 Paris men's week kicked off with Alibellus+ showing for the 1st time on the official schedule. For the 3rd collection of his very young label titled 'The watch of mermaid', Paris-based Hong Kong's designer Titi Kwan was inspired by the french capital's night & club scene in the '80s.
Reviving the memorable days (I should rather say nights !) of Le Palace or Les Bains Douches, he sent out new wave dandies, children of David Bowie & Billy Idol (remember his lip number ?), disciples of DAF, to a coldwave electro soundtrack.
In black or purple, the silhouette is boxy and uses leather, plasticized silk, lace, shiny fabrics & glittery effects. Omnipresent high-waisted trousers are paired with jackets that are either tucked into the trousers or cropped, a quilted trench-coat, a furry biker jacket or a wadded leather sweat-shirt. Belted is the keyword and the accent on the waist. Served by a great casting in punk-style hairdo, Asian-inspired make up & wooden geta type shoes, all the 30 looks are accessorized with fetish-like leather chokers resembling belts.
In his new opus Kwan demonstrates a strong sense for fine tailoring and definitely makes Alibellus+ one to watch.
Text & photography
by
Jean-Luc Dupont
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