THE LATEST collaboration between Filipino toy designer and visual artist Juanito “Quiccs” Maiquer and global sportswear brand adidas is due out this week.

The Quiccs Forum, a reimagined iteration of the brand’s iconic Forum Low silhouette, will be available from October 15 for P6 500.

This is the third collaborative project between the artist and adidas in their partnership which began last year, following the Quiccs Manila Tees and the highly successful Harden Vol. 5 “Manila Heritage” colors.

The shoe also comes after the launch of the Forum Fall / Winter 2021 collection in July, which is also a redesigned set of the silhouette, both low and mid-top models, and anchored on the push for “inclusiveness.” and “openness to new ideas and concepts.

By proposing the Forum Low design, Quiccs sought to stay within adidas’ vision of embracing an open attitude to life and redefining the style of the future.

“Since starting this partnership, I have said how much I would love to be able to show and inspire other people that through passion, patience and hard work one can turn their dreams into reality,” said Quiccs in a statement.

“Earning my stripes” was an opportunity I only dreamed of, and now I’m living it, and I’m honored to share with my fellow Filipinos – and the rest of the world – an iconic adidas Originals silhouette with a design that was the product. my passion and creativity, ”added the designer, whose Forum version marked the first time a Filipino had designed an adidas Originals shoe.

The Quiccs Forum Low features striking red stripes which represent the “stripes won” through Quiccs passion. It permeates the classic look of the designer’s own-brand shoe, which adidas presents as a perfect representation of the Forum’s call to experiment with self-expression and new ideas.

Elements unique to Quiccs as a designer are throughout the shoe, such as its cross logo and ‘TEQ63’, its iconic character that appears in the reflective 3M upper and as a logo on the gold-tone metal deubre – an ornamental lace label – and the back heel.

As a personal touch, the Quiccs forum language also features the phrase “It was all a dream” and the date “21.01.20”, representing the official start of Quiccs’ partnership with adidas and his sense of gratitude and disbelief in the realization of his dream.

A feature unique to the Forum franchise, Quiccs Forum bracelets are available in three interchangeable bracelet designs, giving their wearers more options for self-expression and style exploration.

After receiving a warm welcome for the products designed by Quiccs, adidas is hoping that their Forum Low will benefit from the same and serve as an inspiration for others to continue pursuing their passions.

“We have seen how Filipinos and consumers around the world from Singapore, Hong Kong and especially the United States have been looking forward to seeing and owning the work of Quiccs through the Quiccs Manila Tees and the Harden Vol. . 5 ‘Manila Heritage’, so there was no doubt that we wanted it to have its own version and colourway for the very first adidas Originals designed by a Filipino, ”said John David Cortez, communications director of branding and sports marketing for adidas Philippines. .

“We hope that the Quiccs Forum can inspire the new generation to pursue their passions until they too earn their stripes.

The adidas Quiccs forum will be available at adidas.com.fr, the adidas app and adidas stores in select countries. – Michelangelo S. Murillo

Surrealism returns to New York. The clothing brand launched by original fashion surrealist Elsa Schiaparelli is moving for the first time in 60 years outside of its original Maison located in the heart of Paris on Place Vendôme. It will be a bit of a homecoming as retailer Tony Fifth Avenue made the designs 90 years ago, when the Italian designer launched her eponymous brand until it closed in 1954.

The brand is on a growth path currently being pushed back by trendy American designer Daniel Roseberry. Her designs adorn celebrities such as Lady Gaga, who wore a Schiaparelli dress with a gold dove at the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Operating as a haute couture house when it was relaunched, former design director Bertrand Guyon had started experimenting with ready-to-wear styles, particularly in knits, until his departure in 2019. Roseberry is credited with for taking the motifs of the house – the body and sound of many rooms – and reimagining them on modern designs. The codes recall Schiaparelli’s relationship with figures of the surrealist and dada movement such as Salvador Dali, Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp and Alfred Stieglitz.

However, it’s a fitting place because almost from the time the designer launched her fashion house in 1931, Bergdorf Goodman had carried the collection until it closed in 1954. According to Darcy Penick, president of Bergdorf Goodman, the connection of the two entities took over when Diego Della Valle announced that he would relaunch the house in 2012. Then, in 2018, Schiaparelli launched its ready-to-wear collection with the retailer, becoming the first partner to wear the new division . “We were both convinced that Bergdorf Goodman would be the ideal home for ready-to-wear collections in the United States. Seeing Daniel’s incredible vision – his delicate balance between heritage and modern artistic expression – has reinforced our belief that BG’s client will be delighted with Schiaparelli’s presence, ”she said.

The designated store will reside on the fourth floor of Bergdorf in space. Artistic director Daniel Roseberry collaborated with architect Daniel Romualdez and was inspired by the original decor of the Schiaparelli salons in Place Vendôme, the fruit of his collaborations with artists Jean-Michel Franck and Giacometti. It will not only resemble the headquarters of the Parisian House but will offer a similar experience.

“One of the reasons that Schiaparelli was drawn to Bergdorf Goodman is the unique standard of customer relations that our sales team maintains. The level of direct and one-on-one customer experience is unprecedented; we are able to combine a traditional luxury experience with innovative digital touchpoints, ”said Penick.

While the traditional rendezvous of the fashion house recalls Elsa’s reign, Roseberry and her team are adding a strong 21st century digital presence. “Every aspect of Schiaparelli’s momentum has continued to build our enthusiasm for this partnership. From catwalks to social media, Schiaparelli’s growth trajectory is appealing in its unique ability to balance both avant-garde creativity and true luxury, ”she continued.

The new salon will be stocked with the Fall 2021 collection and will feature all facets of the ready-to-wear collection, including suits, dresses, outerwear, energetic knits and signature accessories, in particular. eye-catching jewelry, all with a surreal twist. A selection of evening dresses inspired by the brand’s Haute Couture looks will also be offered, designed exclusively for the retailer. It subtly hints at the decades-old practice of American retailers of recreating Paris Haute Couture looks for their customers in their homes with advice from the houses themselves. Three windows on the Fifth Avenue side will highlight the new collection and recreate the codes of the house.

Penick believes this is the next step in their successful partnership. “This is not our first collaboration with Schiaparelli, and we are delighted to welcome them again with the first permanent store outside his Place Vendôme home. A deeply artistic goal, unparalleled craftsmanship and a decidedly unique point of view are through -the lines between what our client expects and what Schiaparelli offers, ”she said, noting the collection’s signature codes full of character and modernity.

Of the partnership, Roseberry explained it this way. “Our mission is to build an alternative Couture house, and our luxury ready-to-wear line gives us the opportunity to do so. We care about how people see, digest and interpret Couture across the world. by Schiaparelli Our Ready To Wear The Porter Proposal is a way for us to balance Couture’s dreamlike storytelling with commercial credibility. This incredible retail partner understands our mission and provides the perfect environment.

The brand’s connection to New York dates back to Elsa Schiaparelli’s life there with her questionable husband, Wilhelm de Kerlor. She will make round trips after the birth of her daughter and the marriage will end before settling permanently in Paris in 1922. Inspired by Paul Poiret but lacking formal training in fashion design, the aristocrat of Roman origin has channeled his love of the arts, especially surrealism on clothing. His trompe l’oeil techniques on the mesh launched his career.

At the same time back in Paris, the Schiaparelli salons will remain open to private customers, who will be able to purchase Haute Couture as well as ready-to-wear, accessories and special capsule collections. Namely, on display after the launch of the Spring 2022 collection in Paris, Roseberry explored the quiet side of Madame Schiaparelli’s life and designs. It offers beach and weekend ready dividers, such as a group of red / white and blue / white stripes inspired by the umbrellas of French and Italian beach clubs.

“We strive to provide our clients with moments that are exceptional experiences. The Schiaparelli Salons provide a unique, warm and welcoming environment while immersing visitors in the incredible worlds of Elsa Schiaparelli and her friends – Dali, Man Ray, Giacometti, Jean-Michel Franck for example. There is always something new to discover at the Salons “, explains Delphine Bellini, CEO of Schiaparelli.

African designers Lukhanyo Mdingi, Jennifer Mulli from Jiamini, Margaux Wong, Mohamed Awalé from Suave Kenya and Hamaji veil of Hamaji, presented their SS22 collections during Paris Fashion Week. Their contemporary art fused with traditional and ancient techniques has redefined the term “Made in Africa”. Ranging from jewelry, ready-to-wear and accessories, the creators of EFI are all recipients of the prestigious EU-backed program. Each creative has spent up to 2 years mentored by the best leaders in the industry, including EFI Director and Founder Simone Cipriani, United Arrows Co-Founder Hirofumi Kurino and actress and humanitarian Dakore Egbuson-Akande, in preparation for this moment. Since the mentorship ended, brands have been the path to help make fashion sustainable.

Hamaji

Designer name: Hamaji veil

Based: Kilifi, Kenya

Category: Ready to wear

Collection inspiration: Inspired by the recent move of designer Louise Sommerlatte, the Hamaji Sailing Home collection embodies the contrasting spirits of land and sea, as well as the contours and colors of the ocean on the east coast of Kenya, where a small town called Kilifi is Hamaji’s new home.

Jiamini

Designer name: Jennifer mulli

Based: Nairobi, Kenya

Category: Accessories

Collection inspiration: Spine. The spine is the first structure that forms inside the uterus. Everything is anchored to this structure, a pillar in the center of the back. From this place which supports the body and protects the spinal cord, everything flows. Its rigor creates balance; its agility allows flexible movement. Mung’ung’uti is an exploration of the spine as a compelling organic form, basic structure, and as a symbol: the backbone of life.

Margaux Wong

Designer name: Margaux Wong

Based: Bujumbura, Burundi

Category: Jewelry designer

Collection inspiration: The Daisy Capsule, inspired by one of nature’s happiest and hardiest flowers, features daisy-like and abstract petal-based designs in the brand’s signature horn and brass combination.

Lukhanyo Mdingi

Designer name: Lukhanyo Mdingi

Based: Cape Town, South Africa

Category: Ready to wear

Collection inspiration: The spirit of collaboration has always been at the forefront of the Lukhanyo Mdingi label. This season, we continue with that in mind; our new BRIDGES collection becomes a sublime celebration of the key networks and people behind the craft.

Suave Kenya

Designer name: Mohamed awale

Based: Nairobi, Kenya

Category: Accessories

Collection inspiration: Work from anywhere