KidSuper AW24 “String Theory” Review
The bull in a china shop has done it again. This past fashion week, Kidsuper has yet again garnered a massive amount of media attention. Attention is much deserved for the young brand. Nor is it shockingly seen being given. Kidsuper has had some of the most creative fashion shows amongst its peers. These shows include a comedy show, a theater play, a claymation film, and an art auction featuring art by founder Colm Dillane. Many brands stick to the standard format of a fashion show. This season, Kidsuper does the unusual and sticks to the format. Brand owner Colm Dillane tells the media, “This is a fashion show, so you better review it as so!”
Light began creeping down the catwalk with a violin following. It signifies the beginning of the show. We see the ceiling dripping with white yarn as a male ballerina follows the light with pirouettes and pliés. He wears a black ruffle tunic piece, reminiscent of the dress Dillane's mother wore opening his SS20 show. SS20 was the first show in Paris for Kidsuper. It is as though we are witnessing a full-circle moment for Colm Dillane. Here the core theme of the show is exposed. String Theory, in short, everything is connected in ways we may not immediately see.
The ballerina dances back down the catwalk to the first of four looks of this menswear show of forty-three total looks. The second model wears a black dress that expands upon the first tunic look with more vavavoom. It is also ruffled but BIGGER and made of a mesh fabric while accessorized with a black hat with yarn dripping from its brim. She grabs the tunic of the first model as he pulls away and twirls to unveil the first look. Now unveiled is a black double-breasted suit. The suit features Colm Dillane's illustrations in white on its front. A darker black fabric lining the collar and edge.
The darkness is not as sharp following the first three looks. It begins to get balanced with the lighter sides of this collection. The fourth look introduces us to this side with another suit. Here we get a better taste of the styling done by Wisdom Kaye. Whose work elevates the collection in its entirety. A multi-color overcoat look expands from darker colors in the middle and outward into light colors. It’s paired with the work-type boot seen throughout the collection in maroon red with matching mini bag.
This brighter portion of the collection introduces a slew of fur, shearling, and thick knitwear. Look Sixteen has one of several fur trapper hats featured throughout the collection. It’s paired with a light-washed denim set and an oversized blue and white graphic button-up. Following is seventeen, which takes the form of another woman's look. She wears a shiny black slip dress with a blue graphic of a Kidsuper labeled dress figure. It is styled over baggy jeans and paired with a hat and two multicolor bags. Wisdom Kayes’ styling shines with these two looks.
The star of the show was not one of the several celebs in the crowd including Trippie Redd, Gunna, and Pierre Bourne. It was soccer superstar Ronaldinho. He walked down wearing a Blue collared windbreaker under a fur trench coat with baggy blue jeans and Ronaldo’s signature Kangol hat he wears on an average day. Colm Dillane is a longtime fan of the sport and player. Ronaldo acts as a treat for guests and a reward for Dillane’s labor.
Ronaldo brings the final half of the show. Looks now vary from suits to sportier moments featuring Kidsuper soccer jerseys. The final look of the night is unveiled by an arrangement of yarn opening to reveal the model. They walk out wearing a black knit top and bottom set. As the model walks his knit set unravels. It tugs at his body as he walks forward. The scene reminds me not long ago Kidsuper wasn’t in Paris and was denied to join the calendar. Despite resistance, Colm Dillane continued to push through and the universe rewarded him with abundance for his fortitude. As the model reaches the end of the runway a cleanly tailored white suit in a corduroy-type fabric becomes apparent. The cycles of dark to light throughout the collection show Kidsuper superpower. Kidsuper always finds a way to bring light out of the darkness
