Fashion, like art, is an expression of the zeitgeist, a representation of the era’s dreams and desires. The JUUN.J Spring/Summer 2024 collection plunges into the collective consciousness with a line that pushes the envelope, both aesthetically and conceptually. Harnessing inspiration from the fringes of the digital age, Korean designer JUUN.J presents a groundbreaking collection that blurs the lines between the virtual and the corporeal, a manifestation of video game skins manifested on the runway.
The virtual world has seeped into our reality, and JUUN.J has embraced this shift by weaving the concept of video game skins into the fabric of his latest collection. The result? An array of tone-on-tone leather ensembles teetering on the brink of the uncanny valley, bestowing an almost alien allure on the models. Accompanied by sequined or metallic bodysuits and strikingly exaggerated shoulders, the collection evokes an out-of-this-world charm. It’s as if an alien race with an impeccable sense of fashion descended on the runway, their oval, strategically zippered handbags in tow.
Fashion is, after all, a journey, and JUUN.J seems to travel further with each new season. Whether he is exploring the depths of outer space or navigating the inner workings of the metaverse, the undercurrent of his voyage is always a unique blend of sartorial elegance and uncharted territory. For this season, JUUN.J’s journey saw a clear focus on tailoring, with pieces that are both sophisticated and cutting-edge, set to entice a new breed of fashion enthusiasts.
When questioned about his aesthetic trajectory, the designer noted, “Instinct,” as the compass guiding him toward this new horizon of heightened elegance post years of comfort and casualness.
Yet, despite this move toward a more formal aesthetic, JUUN.J stays true to his urban warrior roots. The collection brims with padded T-shirts and military-style strapped vests, with ample pockets turning cargo pants into a practical work of art. The contrast is palpable – fanciful fabrics paired with the raw utilitarianism of denim.
The collection was a triumph of silhouette manipulation, with wide, floor-grazing pants and jackets tied at the waist to create exaggerated hourglass forms. Clever use of zippers lent versatility to jackets, transforming them into vests, while a bleach wash on black denim added depth with 2D trompe l’oeil shading. JUUN.J gave us a visual experience akin to staring at a screen, yet ever so tangible.
Models, draped in sheer organza parkas and overcoats, took on an almost glitchy glow as they strutted the runway. It was as if they were holograms, emerging from a virtual world and manifesting in our reality.
© Photos: JUUN.J
Click on this link to read this article in French version
