STAFF: Haru
instagram:haru_02018
Hello! I’m Haru, a fashion geek!
I’ve been looking forward to this for over half a year—
a brand I personally love to bits.
KHOKI
A Japanese brand launched in 2019 by a group of members
who have each gained experience at various other brands.
The "Avengers of the fashion industry,"
operating under the concept of "craftsmanship where you can see the human touch."
The clothes woven together by these individuals,
each with different backgrounds,
are approachable through their vintage-inspired roots,
yet possess one-of-a-kind designs that show deep respect
for the cultures and craftsmanship of various countries.
The creativity that emerges precisely because it is a group,
rather than a single designer,
is unique to KHOKI,
and can be read in designs that combine cultures
that would never normally intersect.
It is, quite literally, fashion without borders.
You can feel a certain "heat" unique to KHOKI,
different from other brands,
that bestows individuality upon the wearer.
And now, with the curtain finally rising
on the 26AW collection,
there is no way an enthusiast like me wouldn’t be excited!!
I am beyond fired up, haha.
In this blog post,
I’m going to start by talking about the concept for this season,
rather than the items themselves!
I want to start talking about it already, so let's jump right in, haha.
The theme of the 26AW collection is:
"Things that felt boring during childhood."
The rural landscapes and city streets of our younger days.
What would happen if we expressed that perspective,
which we didn't notice back then, but do now that we are adults,
through the filter of KHOKI?
That is the sentiment imbued in this
26AW collection.
Scenery and memories that were boring at the time,
but carry a touch of melancholy when you look back on them now.
In terms of fashion,
things like tailored jackets felt stuffy to us as children,
and I think most people back then
didn't understand their charm or the inherent interest of the clothing.
By wrapping that in the current atmosphere,
KHOKI’s traditional methods and craft—which evoke human warmth—
conjure up faint, nostalgic memories.
It’s reminiscent of the 25AW collection,
but because it focuses on a different set of universal emotions,
there are parts here that really resonate.
As we grow older, the emotions of our childhood fade,
and I feel they become detached from who we are today.
While that’s proof that we are becoming adults,
there is a certain loneliness in knowing that the "boring daily life" of our childhood
is gone forever.
For those of us living in this rapidly moving modern society,
I think this season encourages us to recall those forgotten, fundamental landscapes.
Beyond the "boring daily life," there is one other theme:
"Flea Markets."
Because a flea market is a chaotic place where items from different eras, countries, and uses
are displayed without rhyme or reason,
it is packed with "KHOKI-ness," which is clearly reflected in the items.
By combining things that at first glance don’t seem to belong together,
what might seem chaotic transforms into "individuality,"
which KHOKI turns into humor.
This is a sophisticated level of creation that could easily
look cheap or "tacky" if done wrong, but they make it possible.
In 26AW, traditional handicrafts from around the world
serve as the foundation of the collection.
Indian Kantha embroidery, Central Asian Suzani, local quilts, and more—
they combine techniques and textiles that originally belonged to separate cultures and eras,
layering them together into a single garment.
This, too, can be said to be an element of the "flea market."
I’ve been watching KHOKI for a long time, and
this season, both the quality of the items and the creation itself
have matured even further;
it’s no exaggeration to say this is their best lineup ever, with many pieces that are truly electrifying.
It’s only been a few days since the arrival,
and the stock is already steadily decreasing,
so now is the best time to experience the world of KHOKI
while the full lineup is available—I hope you'll take a look.
My Fashion Obsession Diary EP. 261
