Singapore-based brand CHARLES & KEITH has joined forces with Parisian footwear label both, for an exclusive collection inspired by the ancient Japanese art form of Kintsugi.
Taking cues from '90s punk and contemporary streetwear, the collaboration celebrates the art of imperfection, the very thing that Kintsugi too celebrates, through the collection's gold marble print which features on its accessories. Available in three clean colorways of black, white and marble, the collection features two footwear silhouettes and two bags, comprised of a traditional chelsea boot and a chunky loafer, alongside a baguette shoulder bag and bucket bag. Protective Toe Caps
Drawing on both's signature rubber material, both footwear silhouettes feature the brand's curved rubber sole alongside a grunge-inspired platform. Inspired by noughties street style in Camden and Harajuku, the footwear silhouettes aim to balance on and off-duty in the best way. Footwear seams are broken apart and underlaid in gold or silver, complete with hammered metal toe-caps for the ultimate edginess.
In keeping with the collaboration's '90s theme, bags in the collection fuse classic silhouettes with a futuristic twist, adding chunky straps to delicate baguettes and removable charms to structured bucket bags. The bucket bag also comes complete with a statement buckle and magnetic closure.
"The blending of our brands' sensibilities was very natural. Innovation and experimentation form the backbone of our design ethos, and we have a strong collaborative spirit in our roots, as active players in the global creative circuit," explains Fredie Stevens, Design Director of CHARLES & KEITH in a press release. He adds, "With both's expertise and one-of-a-kind rubber technique, we tapped on each other's strengths to push the boundaries on design and translate this material into a contemporary collection we hope our wearers will love."
"We are always looking to capture the culture, mood and people of a certain period, and this collection is an ode to the transgressive spirit of punk, reflected in the youthful zeal of the new generation, who have challenged and redefined the boundaries of so many norms," adds both.
Composite Toe Covers The new collection is now available for purchase from CHARLES & KEITH's website and both's website.