Like one of our other SS 2019 darlings — Discount Universe — Kim Shui is a young designer with VFiles connection. Shui has been a citizen of the world since childhood, with a background that includes the US (where she was born), Rome, and London (where she studied at Central St. Martin’s). Whether or not this international background influenced her designs is a question that only she can answer, but looking at the Spring/Summer 2019 collection, one suspect there is. This becomes particularly apparent in the mixing of the cheongsam style which has its origins in China with tie-dying, a process made famous by the American hippy.

There is also an interest in textures that is pursued to innovative, and very successful ends. The use of crushed velvet, taffeta, and chiffon transposes flourishes that might normally be found on a gown onto lightweight airy summer pieces. It’s an incredibly original approach, and its remarkable to see a young designer with such a strong signature to her style.

Readers interested in seeing the collection up close for themselves should visit 320B Canal Street where the collection has moved and been transformed into a pop-up until September 14th.