Xander Zhou's SS19 Collection Welcomes a World of Male Pregnancy
Dystopian hospital chic.
Xander Zhou returned to London Fashion Week Men’s with yet another fantastical collection for Spring/Summer 2019. The Beijing-based designer has always been known for indulging in strong, dystopian-tinged narratives, and this season’s sartorial plot was no shortage of drama. SS19 ran amok into a supernatural future of male pregnancy, Blade Runner-esque hospital scrubs and cyberpunk chastity belts, where Zhou’s recurring design elements took on another chapter of evolution.
The show was set in the Queen Elizabeth Hall and soundtracked by of a robotic female voice chanting eerie phrases such as “I am digitized.” Male models marched down the runway bearing prosthetic pregnant bellies and eerie blue contacts lenses, symbolizing the blurred lines between human and extraterrestrial being. The collection itself channeled the theme with more wearable, unisex silhouettes that featured technical fabrics, colorful layering and prints referencing digitalism. Flagship pieces included the sheer hospital scrubs and trousers capped with protective knee pads, while Zhou’s signature motifs of boxy office attire and traditional Chinese detailing (the button knots) brought back an element of familiarity.
The accessories range furthered the futuristic theme, which sunglasses by Gentle Monster sunglasses and innovative footwear such as Nike‘s React Element 87 and thigh-high cyberpunk boots. Perhaps the most statement “accessory,” however, was a trench coat’s peacock-like cape that was made of prosthetic arms.
Check out the Xander Zhou SS19 menswear collection show above and be sure to follow our Fashion Week SS19 coverage for the latest designer content.
