Looks from Siki Im S/S10

For his S/S10 menswear debut, designer Siki Im dared to venture beyond traditional hemlines and silhouettes with darkly hued tailored tunics, shorts, pants and even skirts of varying lengths. Entitled Black Beat White Wonder, the Karl Lagerfeld and Helmut Lang alum’s collection was inspired by the primitive mood of Lord of the Flies. Here, Im shares with Dossier the inspirations and aesthetic behind his intriguing new label.

Deanne Yee: You started out in architecture then moved into fashion. What about fashion attracted you?

Siki Im: People think that architecture is purely about buildings. In my opinion, it is more about the void and the intangible, viz. socio-economic, political, anthropological and spiritual spaces. The same goes with fashion. But since fashion has this very immediate and instantaneous notion, it is sometimes more gratifying than seeing the fruits of a five-year-long architecture project. And I think fashion is more emotional than architecture.

Deanne: You were born and raised in Germany and previously worked for German designers. Do you find that reflected in your designs? How has your move to New York influenced your work?

Siki: Yes, I was born in Germany, but I grew up in a very multicultural environment. There was also a lot of Confucius in me as well as other sub-cultural elements growing up. So my identity embraces all fully, and with great content. Hence, I feel my vocation is to express my identity in forms and shapes of fabric—or other materials. New York City is very much included in this process and perhaps this city is the physical manifestation of all above mentioned aspects of my life.

Deanne: In three words, describe the Siki Im aesthetic.

Siki: Confidence. Peaceful. Dynamic.