KTZ SS14!

Background of the Brand - After touring the world as a renowned DJ throughout the 1980’s, Sasko Bezovski generated the umbrella of retail stores and brand ‘Kokon to Zai’ in London and Paris, combining his passion for music and fashion that has birthed a renowned cult hybrid since opening of business in 1996.

               

                KTZ unveiled their much awaited SS14 collection at this year’s London Collections: Men. Spectators were transported to sunny and sandy Arabia, through the collections distinctly Arabian feel. Dessert themed clothing was prevalent, with fabric covering models faces and mouths. The collection also featured draped hoods, taking obvious inspiration from Middle Eastern Religions.

                Symbols have recently become KTZ’s trademark, as were featured abundantly in their AW13 collection. This time they've changed the typically Christian symbols to the widely known ying and yang symbols, which sit centre on long gowns. As well as symbols, KTZ have played with print, coating an entire look in the same colour and print scheme.

                A classic and complimenting palette of sand, black and white gives way to red and blue as a maximalist message gradually infiltrates the collection. At first glance the trousers and shirts seem to be loose and unfitted but upon closer inspection, detailing of waistcoats and delicate buttoning, additional pockets and pouches appear. Of course, a KTZ collection wouldn't be a KTZ collection without some good old fashioned grunge, so the long layers and strategic fit are complimented with leather and bold jewellery in piercing and menacing silver tones. Jewellery that take the shape of spikes, orbs and studs feature on snapbacks, shoes, wrists and skirt linings the menacing metallic additions brought this collection into an even tougher scene whilst still retaining its religious themes. 

The piece de resistance of the collection for me is a studded leather headpiece covering the entire face.

                The subliminal message here might not hit home straight away. World affairs are being in-explicitly played through symbols, prints and flag like capes, with words like “Terror” and “Poison” probably insinuating more than first thought. Whatever the message, KTZ demonstrated an incredible eye for detail, finishing and print-work through this fantastic collection.