Embracing the Absurd: Xander Zhou’s AW 2023 & PRE 2024 collection, “Street Corner 3.0,” features urban nomads in an unconventional cityscape. Amidst the hustle and bustle, people exercise freely in a temporary gym set up in the middle of the street, creating an air of absurdity that points to a new way of experiencing the city.
Technology-Mediated City Life: The collection emphasizes how city living is not just a physical exploration, but also an experience shaped by technology. Clothing designs enhance the human body’s performance, serving the needs of future urbanites.
Adaptable and Functional Fashion: Key pieces in the collection include a tailored jacket with a Velcro closure system for easy attachment and removal of bags and special toolkits, as well as adjustable buckles on pants to fit individual needs. Shoulder pads, orthopedic devices, and leg warmers are also featured prominently throughout.
Inspired by Misinterpretation: The designer’s search engine misinterpretation of these elements as hockey gear led to the intentional incorporation of hockey-inspired silhouettes in the collection.
AI-Assisted Creativity: To explore the potential of adding artificial intelligence to the creative process, the designer used image messaging and combined instructions to generate a hybrid helmet. The result is a unique fusion of everyday items such as navy blue winter hats with baseball caps, and masks with hollow structures and metallic sheen.
A Nod to Street Style: The collection also includes street-style pieces that pay homage to 80’s outdoor fashion and 90’s hip-hop musicians, such as low-rise cargo pants and freshly tied basic T-shirts, reminiscent of skateboarding youth’s dressing habits.
By blending innovation and tradition, Xander Zhou’s “Street Corner 3.0” collection reimagines streetwear for a new era of urban living, where fashion and functionality coexist in perfect harmony.
CREATIVE DIRECTION: @xanderzhou
CAMPAIGN PHOTOGRAPHY : @licha_licha_licha
FRONT OF HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY: @liangzhenxiang
GROOMING TEAM: Jean, Gu Yin, Ji Juanjuan
CASTING: @denisehu_
MASK & HEAD PIECE: @yvmin_official
GRAPHIC: @workbyworks
SET DESIGN: Shaozi@makemakestudio
MODELS: Bryan, Christian, He Jun, Ivan, Jeff, Kuba, Martial, Zhang Jianing
PRESS RELEASE: @saltypink
PRODUCTION: makemakestudio
PRESS CONTACT: press@xanderzhou.com
#xanderzhou