Charles & Keith taps virtual K-pop artist for The Sandbox virtual world

Charles & Keith is expanding its presence in the metaverse world with the launch of its first virtual world, CharlesKeithHaus, on The Sandbox platform, and has enlisted virtual K-pop artist Apoki to appear.

Pritish Bagdi

Image: Charles & Keith/ Apoki

The virtual world is modelled after the retailer's 'State of Play' spring/summer 2023 campaign and is curated to reflect the spirit of the new collection, right down to the domain's colour palette.

From March 13 to 27, CharlesKeithHaus will offer in-game quests such as quizzes and challenges, such as finding a secret room to redeem a digital wearable of its Petra Curved Shoulder Bag. There will also be an NFT gallery displaying new artworks.

Apoki, South Korea's number one virtual K-Pop artist, will make a special appearance and perform her first single of 2023, 'Mood V5,' while dressed digitally in pieces from Charles & Keith's new collection. Apoki was designed to resemble "a rabbit-like being living somewhere in space" and is trained in K-pop music and dance.

"Apoki is South Korea's most talked-about virtual artist with a global following; she inspires fans to express themselves, much like we aim to spark joy and confidence in women to experiment with fashion," Charles & Keith add in a statement.

The rooftop party will also include a catwalk where guests will be able to see the new collection in "real" time.

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Charles & Keith has teamed up with Paris-based independent footwear brand 'Both'

Charles & Keith has teamed up with Paris-based independent footwear brand 'Both' on an exclusive capsule collection.

Swati Bhat

Both, known for its unique use of rubber in its designs, have collaborated with Charles & Keith on a coordinated footwear and handbag collection inspired by 90’s punk and urban-chic streetwear aesthetics.

The collection takes a contemporary spin on the art of imperfection, drawing inspiration from the ancient Japanese art form of Kintsugi, a traditional method of utilising gold to mend cracks in ceramics or to bind broken pieces together.

For the footwear, the traditional Chelsea boot and chunky loafer silhouettes, known as iconic styles for Charles & Keith, have been reimagined in a new form with Both’s experimental curved rubber soles. Grunge streetstyle-inspired platforms have been added, while the seams on the footwear have been broken up and underlaid in gold or silver, with hammered metal toe-caps.

'Both' collaborates with Charles & Keith

While the bags take on 90s-inspired silhouettes “with a futuristic twist,” explains Charles & Keith. The baguette shoulder bags have been given chunky straps for a maximalist effect, while structured bucket bags feature a magnetic closure that folds over to create a sleek elliptical form. Inspired by punk subculture, the styles include removable charms and chains in a burnished finish, while a statement buckle, also seen on the loafers, wraps around the body of the bucket bag.

Commenting on the collaboration, Fredie Stevens, design director at Charles & Keith, said in a statement: “The blending of our brands’ sensibilities was very natural. Innovation and experimentation form the backbone of our design ethos, and we have a strong collaborative spirit in our roots, as active players in the global creative circuit.

“With Both’s expertise and one-of-a-kind rubber technique, we tapped on each other’s strengths to push the boundaries on design and translate this material into a contemporary collection we hope our wearers will love.”

Both added: “We are always looking to capture the culture, mood and people of a certain period, and this collection is an ode to the transgressive spirit of punk, reflected in the youthful zeal of the new generation, who have challenged and redefined the boundaries of so many norms.”

The Both x Charles & Keith capsule collection launches on October 7.

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Charles & Keith unveils capsule collection with Coco Capitán

July 13: Footwear and accessories brand Charles & Keith has launched an exclusive capsule collection with Spanish-born artist Coco Capitán, known for her poetic musings and artwork.

Swati Bhat

The all-black ‘Coco Capitán x Charles & Keith’ collection aims to offer wearable art in the form of a pair of loafers and a handbag, which explore the complex emotions that prose can evoke in fashion while celebrating individuality.

The androgynous and structured silhouettes of the Perline Penny Loafers and Double Handle Sculptural Tote Bag serve as the canvas for Coco Capitán’s art, which features the artist’s handwritten signature script.

Taking inspiration from the childlike innocence of the game ‘He loves me, he loves me not,’ Coco Capitán has embroidered blue daisies alongside her handwritten prose, ‘Loves Me Blue, Love Me Blue Not’ on the loafers, while the tote bag holds a hopeful tale of a solitary blue flower blooming through concrete.

Artist Coco Capitán teams up with Charles & Keith on a footwear and bag capsule collection

Each piece has been designed with deliberate and uneven stitching to offer a sense of “spontaneity and intimacy of a personalised piece,” adds Charles & Keith, as it looks to make every bag and shoe feel specially created for the wearer.

Commenting on the inspiration for the collection, Coco Capitán, said in a statement: “My art is inspired by overheard conversations, diary entries, and sudden waves of introspection. I believe that words can transcend cultures and give us a glimmer of hope for brighter times.”

Fredie Stevens, design director at Charles & Keith, added: “Charles & Keith is once again excited to be a catalyst in promoting creativity, tapping into the minds of globally acclaimed artists to create limited edition and unique pieces featuring their artwork – something we’ve never previously explored.

“Our team worked closely with Capitán to create this capsule collection that reflects her cool-girl attitude. These pieces, paired with her poignant prose, are perfect collector’s items for art lovers and the fashion forward crowd.”

The ‘Coco Capitán x Charles & Keith’ Perline Penny Loafers retail for 89 pounds and the Double Handle Sculptural Tote Bag is 69 pounds.

All Pic Courtesy: Charles & Keith Official

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