Sharp lines and thought provoking themes, this is 1999 The Studio. Inspired by the world around us and a tight-knit crew of friends, their fierce designs are grounded in mutual uplifting and support. For AW23 Digital Presence the collection’s crucial message is, “Don't believe everything you see on social media, and don't let the screen become a substitute for living in the real world.” The designer Kenny Kamba looks out for his own generation and the negative impact social media has had on their mental health.
On the topic of health, an IV drip has been rolled out for the campaign shoot. Still a provocative image, this life-saving process has been made part of the fashion lexicon by Bella Hadid who receives her treatment for Lymes disease and has been photographed with a pic line. As the serious medical world enters the playful fashion world, we might feel hopeful that some fun be injected into both areas as the binary image of the two collapses. “It’s a representation of how we're not just users of technology but also sometimes beholden to it.” says Kenny of the drip that he prefers to use as a symbol of requirement.
You cite your mum and Alexander McQueen as your key inspirations, as well as the people around you. Who are the people around you that inspire you?
That's a great question, and I'm thrilled to talk about the inspirations in my life. I draw inspiration from a diverse group of people in my everyday life. As the question suggests, my mother and Alexander McQueen are my key inspirations when it comes to creativity.
Also my friends are a constant source of inspiration. Their creativity, resilience, and unique perspectives on the world often spark new ideas and fuel my passion for what I do.
I know a bunch of people, but I've got this small, tight-knit crew of friends I've known forever. They’re my colleagues and mentors, who have been a big part of my journey. They're always giving me advice and sharing their passion for what we do, which keeps me pushing for the best.
So to answer the question: The people who inspire me the most in my design process and life are Andrew, Blessing, Milton, Nathan, and Oliver. I can always count on them to provide honest and motivating feedback.
I also find inspiration in everyday individuals who are pursuing their dreams and making a positive impact on their fields. Their stories of determination and success in the face of adversity remind me of the power of passion and perseverance.
Ultimately, it's the collective energy and creativity of the people around me that drive me to explore new horizons and push the boundaries of what's possible in my work.
Your collection Digital Presence AW23 reflects on the Internet making us available 24/7. Is it a celebration, a lamentation or a mix of both?
I’ll definitely say a mix of both. In my collection Digital Presence AW23, I explore the complex nature of the Internet. It's a space where we've become accustomed to 24/7 availability, and the digital rules dictate quick responses. However, this constant connectivity comes with a double-edged sword. While it offers permanence to our online presence, it also tricks us into believing we can easily erase or hide our past actions.
Yet, the Internet is a powerful tool. It allows us, as a brand, to showcase our work to a global audience. It's like having the entire world in our contact list, and whether someone responds or not is up to them.
As I worked on this collection, I pondered whether it was appropriate to critique the world when we're facing so many crises. But perhaps, it's a reminder that we're constantly evolving in our relationship with these digital platforms, striving for a healthier connection, especially for the next generation. It's not just criticism but a call for improvement in navigating this ever-evolving digital landscape.
Apparently 1999 the Studio wouldn’t exist without the Internet. Can you tell us more about your relationship with your phone and laptop?
I love my phone and laptop, no doubt here (laughs)!
My phone and laptop are my lifelines in my work. They're my research hubs, my wellsprings of inspiration, and my gateway to connecting with the world in ways I couldn't have imagined otherwise. They're the cornerstone of my creative process, enabling me to thrive in the digital age.
However, it's worth noting that there are times when I can also become weary of them. Sometimes, paradoxically, I can feel disconnected when I'm just glued to my phone. It's a reminder of the importance of striking a balance in the digital world to ensure a genuine connection with the real world.
Why did you choose a drip to represent our dependence on technology in your collection images? Have you had a medical experience with drips yourself or were you inspired by Bella Hadid’s normalisation of regular transfusions for Lyme disease in the media?
I love this question, and I believe it's crucial to delve into the essence of the concept!
I chose to use a drip as a symbol of our dependence on technology in my collection images because it encapsulates a powerful message about our modern society. While I haven't had any personal experiences with IV drips before, the idea came to me during the winter of 2022 while I was working on the collection. I wanted to convey something meaningful about the impact of the digital world on our lives, and this concept was born from my research into the societal challenges we face.
Interestingly, my perspective was further shaped during a visit to the emergency room after breaking my wrist. There, I observed the various tools and equipment to which people were connected, and it struck me: What if we replaced the usual medical fluid in the IV drip with a smartphone? This moment crystallised the concept, allowing me to visually explore how we've become so intricately connected to our devices in our daily lives.
Furthermore, I began to consider the idea of replacing balloons with smartphones, with models holding them. This added layer of symbolism helped me illustrate how the internet, in a way, has taken control, becoming an ever-present force in our lives. It's a representation of how we're not just users of technology but also sometimes beholden to it.
You have expressed, "Creating this collection compelled me to contemplate voicing concerns during times of upheaval.” What are the concerns you are voicing in this collection?
I've been deeply moved by the discussion surrounding the well-being of young people in Denmark over the past year. Numerous studies have highlighted the challenges faced by Danish youth, both socially and academically. Many of these studies point towards the profound influence of social media, which has fostered a culture of perfectionism. On these platforms, there's a constant pressure to measure up, to appear flawless, and to project an idealised version of one's life.
I come from a large and relatively young family, and like many, they are active on these digital platforms. It has weighed on my mind to convey a crucial message, particularly to the younger generation around me. That message is this: Don't believe everything you see on social media, and don't let the screen become a substitute for living in the real world.
Personally, I'm quite conscious of this when I'm on social media. However, there are still moments when I find myself inadvertently comparing my life to others. Thankfully, I'm surrounded by a close-knit group of friends who are equally vigilant. We remind each other not to fall into the trap of believing everything we see online. It's a practice we've embraced to maintain a healthy perspective in this digital age.
This collection has become a medium for me to voice these concerns. It's a reflection of my belief that amidst the digital noise and the pursuit of perfection, we must remain grounded in reality, cherishing the beauty of our imperfections and the richness of genuine, human connections.
Paying attention to the things around you is a big inspiration for your design process and you often take pictures to remember these things. Can you let us know what’s in your camera roll for Digital Presence AW23? And for next season?
Sure, let me take you with me through my camera roll.
My camera roll is a treasure trove of inspiration! For Digital Presence AW23, you'd find a mix of images that couldn't make it into the campaign due to regulations in the royal garden. There are photos of masked faces, symbolising the filters we all wear on social media, surveillance cameras, representing the digital footprint we leave, and visuals depicting people blindly following the crowd and being connected to electronic cables, akin to The Matrix.
As for the next season, I'm excited about what's brewing. I aim to continue working with concepts that are authentic and relatable to people, drawing inspiration from the world around us.
