Shalou is an up-and-coming clothing label from Taiwan that aims to reimagine menswear with a fresh perspective. Founded by Ko during his undergraduate years at Tokyo’s Bunka Fashion College, the designer now officially inaugurates the label with its first seasonal collection for Fall/Winter 2024.
Entitled “ZHUANG YUAN,” the collection satirizes Asia’s education systems and draws reference to Ko’s personal experience. Throughout the lookbook, a particular spotlight is directed at the necktie.
According to Ko, the necktie serves as a symbol to students whose freedom is restricted under these systems. While the purpose of the necktie in school uniforms is to represent one’s pride and confidence to its alma mater, in Ko’s version, he likens it to a leash instead.
The name of the collection, “ZHUANG YUAN” is a term that describes the top scholar of an imperial exam in ancient China. In this context, it adds to the satire of Ko’s rebellious school setting with reimagined “uniforms.”
Check out the lookbook for “ZHUANG YUAN” in the gallery above. The collection is now available to shop via Shalou’s official website.
Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
