“Lost in the forest, I broke off a dark twig and lifted its whisper to my thirsty lips: Maybe it was the voice of the rain crying, a cracked bell, or a torn heart.” This was a line from a poem by Pablo Neruda that was stitched into a winterwear garment. The said garment came from Siki Im’s Fall 2019 Menswear line where he combined the streetwear aesthetics of today with the melancholy and emotion of winter. What resulted was a deeply creative and highly romantic collection that was both scintillating and sporty. With its almost gothic vibe, there was a tinge to Alexander McQueen too, which Im himself confessed to having been influenced by the late designer. But here, this was all Siki Im, from the dominant draping, the streamlined silhouettes, and a few touches of activewear that didn’t disrupt the overall emotional narrative of the offering. A collection of textures in one burgundy-hued ensemble showcased his delicate play of different textiles. The robe-like outerwear, on the other hand, demonstrated his ingenious draping skills. Even with the insertion of trendy bucket hats, the clothes still stood out on their own for their challenging but strong silhouettes. Although melancholy played a huge part in designing this line, we can’t help but feel happy at how beautiful it all is!
Photo: Courtesy of Siki Im
