An elegant yet goofy loafer whose sole pools at our feet and a quite literally statement mini bag comprise the capsule collection that Charles and Keith x Coco Capitán launched last week. Sturdy yet delicate, the designs are androgenous. Appealing to our inner child, Coco Capitán reinterprets Charles and Keith classics with her familiar scruffy handwriting and unflinchingly cool attitude.
Capitán’s familiar script takes over the logo, Perline Penny Loafers and Double Handle Sculptural Tote Bag. Her prose, “Loves Me Blue, Love Me Blue Not” reframes the childhood game, with not crossed out. It’s optimistic, empowering, and cheeky. Meanwhile, the bag’s poem etches an image of blue daisies pushing up and growing through concrete – a relatable image for all those city-dwellers thriving against the odds. Although, this particular design actually focuses on hope surrounding the strength of nature sculpted out of soft calf leather. “My art is inspired by overheard conversations, diary entries, and sudden waves of introspection. I believe that words can transcend cultures and give us a glimmer of hope for brighter times,” shares Capitán. When asked what do you want people to feel when carrying the products? She asserts, “Optimistic.”
Deliberate uneven needlework gives the pieces a spontaneous intimate feeling, as if personalised, much like the hand embroidered naval shirts recently released by the artist separate to this collaboration. The series seems to be an extension of her photo-book that deals with the same colour: blue or exhibition in Tokyo Naïvy. On finding inspiration for the project, Capitán said, “I work when I have to work […] Waiting for inspiration is a bit pointless.” It proves when you sit down to it, the answers usually come. As a previous collaborator of Gucci, Dior and Louis Vuitton the artist has made some truly collectable pieces for the Singapore-born store.
