London-based Korean contemporary menswear brand Jekeun is making a bold entrance into the fashion scene with their debut Pre-Fall24 pre-collection. Designer Jekeun Cho takes us on a journey that delves deep into the complex psyche of modern man, exploring the paradox of coming-of-age.
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Drawing inspiration from vintage child’s school blazers and rugby jerseys, Jekeun intricately upcycles and slashes these garments, juxtaposing them against oversized tailoring. This juxtaposition beautifully captures the essence of a young boy yearning for adulthood, while being trapped in the slow passage of time.
In this season’s philosophy, time takes centre stage, and Cho embraces its inherent tension. Through his designs, he invites us to view time through a two-way lens: in youth, time seemingly drags on as we eagerly await a future full of potential and opportunity; in maturity, we find ourselves looking back with nostalgia and melancholy as time slips through our fingers.
One standout piece from this collection is the deconstructed shorts, upcycled from oversized trousers. These garments play with sizing, embodying the overwhelming experience of a boy lost in the world of adults, and vice versa. They symbolize the internal struggle of a man caught between his inner child, riddled with nervousness and hesitation, and the desire to overcome these barriers.
With their debut pre-collection, Jekeun showcases a profound understanding of the male psyche, beautifully expressed through their innovative designs. It is undoubtedly a collection that will resonate with fashion enthusiasts who appreciate the exploration of emotions and the complexities of growing up.
