Let it be known. Gou-mania has taken over the world. She’s dominated the sound waves for the last couple of years (you’ll recognise her insatiable summer banger “It Makes You Forget (Itgehane)”), and she’s already our top Insta-stalk, but now sensational South Korean DJ, Peggy Gou, has extended her wide-reaching influence to her brand new fashion label – and we are obsessed.
KIRIN (which means “giraffe” in Korean) features “high-end high-octane streetwear,” all influenced by Peggy’s bright and bold contemporary style, and was debuted during Paris Fashion Week in partnership with Italian fashion production company New Guards Group, which is the also the umbrella company of Virgil Abloh’s imprint Off-White.
What’s on offer? First off, it’s no wallflower collection. Vibrant and energetic, it’s about instant impact with far-flung inspirations. At the heart of the label, colour-blocking, mythological Korean motifs and retro club culture graphics (so smiley faces abound).
Cyber-style vinyl trench coats, faux fur bucket hats and backless scuba dresses make for standout pieces. Elsewhere, Instagrammable looks include fluid floor-length kimonos, knitted co-ords and detachable (yes, you heard right) dungarees in acid or pastel shades.
“When I really like what I am wearing, I have confidence anywhere I go,” explains Peggy. “I want anyone who wears Kirin to feel confident. Kirin is for everyone. I don’t ever want to define style as one thing. But to me, colour is energy, just like music. When I see colour, I see clothes that are exciting to wear.”