“It’s exactly our DNA. For me, it’s probably the best thing we’ve ever done,” told us Anton Janssens, co-founder of Komono, about the first collaboration between the brand and the Fashion Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. After a very successful first edition – the sunglasses sold out online almost immediately, – Komono is pairing up again with three master students to design the sunglasses of tomorrow. Let us introduce you to the work of Florentina Leitner, Karolina Widecka and Annemarie Saric.
Ever since the renowned Antwerp Six changed the landscape of fashion forever and put the small, cosy Belgian city in the international fashion map, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp has been a bastion of innovation, creativity, avant-garde and conceptual fashion design. Competing with other highly praised institutions in ‘fashion capitals’ such as London or Milan, the Academy has spearheaded a new wave of designers focusing on art, concept and beauty. With the aim to unite two renowned fashion institutions founded and based in Antwerp, as well as to promote emerging talent, Komono is now presenting the second collection in collaboration with three students from the Academy, whose result is “an outspoken collection that bolsters the fresh vision of tomorrow’s top designers.”
Inspired by the 1960s psychedelia, Florentina Leitner presents a pair of sunglasses with transparent frames and pale pink glasses. The fashion designer, who’s participated in the Global Talents contest of the latest Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, is a one to watch and has dressed celebrities like singer Charli XCX. And for this release, she’s even created an Instagram filter so you can try the sunglasses on and play with other colour options in blue and black.
On another hand, Karolina Widecka has found inspiration in ex votos and Mexican religious art, and has played with symbolism and superstition through a pair of asymmetrical sunglasses featuring a ‘broken glass’ upper bar, which serves as a token for protection for its wearer. To finish, Annemarie Saric turns her attention to the concept cars of the late ‘70s and their aerodynamic qualities, thus presenting a pair of frames that are highly sculptured, all in metallic tones.
The collection will be available on July 2nd both online and in selected Komono stores, and part of the proceedings of this sale will go to Survived and Punished, a US-based organization that supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence who have been incarcerated or targeted by law enforcement. In addition to that, Komono has also created “an exclusive colourway of the sunglasses for each student,” limited to one piece only, which will be sold during a 24-hour auction on @komono Instagram page on the 1st of July – these styles are limited to one piece per student and will not be sold through any other channels.
Inspired by the 1960s psychedelia, Florentina Leitner presents a pair of sunglasses with transparent frames and pale pink glasses. The fashion designer, who’s participated in the Global Talents contest of the latest Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, is a one to watch and has dressed celebrities like singer Charli XCX. And for this release, she’s even created an Instagram filter so you can try the sunglasses on and play with other colour options in blue and black.
On another hand, Karolina Widecka has found inspiration in ex votos and Mexican religious art, and has played with symbolism and superstition through a pair of asymmetrical sunglasses featuring a ‘broken glass’ upper bar, which serves as a token for protection for its wearer. To finish, Annemarie Saric turns her attention to the concept cars of the late ‘70s and their aerodynamic qualities, thus presenting a pair of frames that are highly sculptured, all in metallic tones.
The collection will be available on July 2nd both online and in selected Komono stores, and part of the proceedings of this sale will go to Survived and Punished, a US-based organization that supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence who have been incarcerated or targeted by law enforcement. In addition to that, Komono has also created “an exclusive colourway of the sunglasses for each student,” limited to one piece only, which will be sold during a 24-hour auction on @komono Instagram page on the 1st of July – these styles are limited to one piece per student and will not be sold through any other channels.
