The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitecatwalk T he metaverse is truly taking over. I can’t decide if I’m utterly terrified by the idea of an AI robot brain con- juring up fashion designs or if this is awesome, and we should lie back, plug in, and let the avatar world wash over us like a virtual tidal wave. I'm more for the old-fash- ioned side of things. My wayward fears aside, the brilliant designer Kay Kwok recently returned to the runway this season after an eight-year hiatus under a newly rebranded title, KWK. Based in Hong Kong, Kwok ventured across the pond after graduating from the Hong Kong Polytechnic to attend the London College of Fashion. From here, he won the coveted Mittelmoda competition and was the first Chinese designer to do so in 20 years. He then presented his first collection at LFW 2013. Ever since, he has earned a significant following for his ingenious take on menswear. Now, a more liberal, genderless aesthetic that aims to captivate everyone has taken over his design mind- set. His SS23 collection marked his triumphant return to the catwalk with an incredible showing of avant-garde and impeccably curated and crafted looks that were not only editorial spread worthy; honey, these pieces are front cover! Daring to bridge the gap between the present and fanta- sy-futuristic-wonder-world of fashion, KWK brings forth an array of pieces that stop traffic. He and his team worked tirelessly to produce this collection. “You need a good team to make everything efficient, and you must try hard to en- sure things are on the right track. The problem-solving ability matters the most when putting together a line,” Kay Kwok told ASOB magazine in September 2022. His work has long centred around the collective idea of suit- able for all, deserving love, peace and acceptance. This col- lection represents that inclusivity. Male models walked in flirty pink micro-minis, ultra-cropped tops and clear acryl- ic heels, while the ladies wore over-the-top bubble dresses. The swirling marble prints paired against muted pastel ba- sics while metallic alien-like bones and balloon-like animal sculpted accessories wrapped around these long, lean bod- ies like über excellent steel hugs. Looks #9 and #15: let’s applaud the beauty of these silver hands that made such a dramatic statement for a second. I’m dying to see something like this adorn an A-list celeb- rity on the red carpet at Cannes or look #22’s structural, almost cartoon-like silver boa at the MET Gala. KWK un- derstands the current industry’s assignment: provide fresh, exciting, fun fashion for all that severs the gender norms and ushes in a new shining era of exciting clothing! https://kwk.digital KWK by KWOK FASHION WEEK LONDON Spring/Summer 2023