By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Singaporean fashion house Charles & Keith has announced an “unprecedented collaboration with BLVCK Paris, intended to “reimagine reality.”
Building on the over-arching concept of reimagined realities, the brands have engaged with generative AI to introduce a series of specially created AI-generated assets. “These digital creations feature the collaboration products set against surprising and unconventional backdrops, further exploring the theme of juxtaposing the ordinary with the extraordinary,” the partners said.
Launching exclusively online, the Charles & Keith x BLVCK collection will be available for registration on 25 September, followed by a pre-sale on September 27, and an official release on October 1.
Additionally, selected Charles & Keith and BLVCK stores in notable fashion cities will be transformed into experiential spaces, offering customers the opportunity to try on the products whilst immersing themselves in the collaborative range.
BLVCK Paris is a lifestyle and fashion brand renowned for its bold ‘All Black’ designs. Founded in 2017 by the visionary French designer Julian O’hayon, BLVCK Paris has become synonymous with the ‘All Black Lifestyle,’ offering apparel, accessories, and leather goods with an extremely distinctive style that transcend traditional fashion norms.
The collaboration with Charles & Keith represents a shift in culture and reflects a shared commitment to reimagining reality by pushing boundaries and redefining style, the collaborators explained in a statement.
“The #CharlesKeithxBLVCK collection is an exploration of the delicate intersection between physical and digital landscapes,” they add. “With a focus on uncommon proportions and unexpected moments, this collaboration pushes one to experience fashion in a way that challenges the conventional perceptions of reality.”
The collection, which appears to play off the increasing influence of digital art, virtual worlds and the unpredictability of generative AI in art and design, features four bold pieces: a pair of sleek, gender-neutral black boots, two versatile black bags, and a statement-making black teddy bear charm.
Each item embodies the utilitarian yet stylish ethos that both brands are known for.
Charles Keith, a fashion house and retail chain founded in 1997, says the partners will soon be announcing a number of locations in cities around the world where they will mount experiential spaces.
“These spaces echo the collection’s theme by blurring the lines between the physical and digital realms, encouraging visitors to reimagine what reality can be and to experience fashion through a new lens,” Charles & Keith says, adding the announcement of the cities and chosen locations will be announced soon.
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