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Kim Shui Proves Paris is Always a Good Idea

A perennial favorite of It-Girls-about-downtown, Kim Shui gave a wink and a nod to the boys in the form of her first menswear looks in a collection deeply inspired by a whirlwind summer trip to Paris. Surface caught up with the designer as she prepares to return to the City of Lights to show the collection in the CFDA/Vogue Americans in Paris showcase during Paris Fashion Week.

Image credit: @vitaminctho

Three words to describe the collection:

Sleek, sexy, fun.

Which look is your favorite?

The men’s look with the mauve tie dye apron and tie up pants because it felt like a plot twist. 

What was the inspiration?

Kintsugi, Joan Fontcuberta, and Matthew Barney’s terracotta works [from a] show at the Cartier Foundation this summer.

Kim Shui's favorite look from her SS25 collection. Image credit: @vitaminctho.

Do you have any favorite parties or events from fashion week?

I never get to go out during Fashion Week because we’re working and prepping late for the show. After, I usually need some time to rest. 

Seeing close friends for dinner post-show and going all together to our afterparty. My friend arranged these sparklers for this season at dinner. I’m scared of sparklers, but that was fun.

 

Crush Sahara DJs Kim Shui's afterparty. Image credit: Deonte Lee/BFA.

At a time when so many designers have moved to show in Paris, or off-calendar, what keeps you showing in New York on the CFDA calendar? 

New York is where the magic is—something about the pure density of the city allows for serendipity. New York is also the city that gave me a chance when nobody else would. I like showing during the CFDA calendar because it’s vibrant then. I like being a part of all designers showing together during a week that represents American fashion.

L: Kim Shui at work on her SS25 collection. Image credit: Courtesy of Kim Shui. R: BTS from Kim Shui's SS25 runway show. Image credit: Deonte Lee/BFA.
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