Images by Original Magazine
London based clothing brand QASIMI showcases its AW21 collection ‘we all live under the same sky’ in the form of a short film.
Drawing inspiration from architecture, contemporary art and socio-political issues the brand's newest collection takes us on a journey into the unknown. The setting of the show is beautifully minimalistic, located in a dark and desolate warehouse. With little to focus on but space we are instantly directed to the models, the garments and a red and orange hued light in the background of the shot, a colour I can only assume was chosen as a reminder to Qasimi’s Middle Eastern heritage.
Featuring clean cuts and sharp edges, the collection hints to the label's military influence throughout, something also reflected in the space surrounding them. Using colours such as dark greens and navy blues we are again urged to recall warlike uniforms often seen in Qasimi’s designs. The garments colour scheme appears to be earth related which paired with the industrial background reminds the viewers of the brands narrative being based on the concept of a so called ‘urban nomad’ or ‘wanderer’. There is something almost bewitching about the notion of endless wandering into a virtually foreign, almost exotic land.
The film begins with the introduction of three powerful characters who then pause, break off from one another and move in elegant yet sharp and decisive motions. I can’t help but admire the choreography and design at play, it's almost as if time stands still and we become trapped in a motionless yet animated moment. A mixture of close and then further away shots allow us to really become part of the performance, enabling viewers to truly understand and appreciate the polished and effortless aesthetic that the garments possess.
At the start of the performance the music creates the impression of an almost eerie scene and I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps its purpose was to serve as a warning of what was to come. However with this wonder came the realisation that it was less eerie and more religious with elements of authority and power. The song reminded me of a melody played by a snake charmer to his snake. In this case the model became the snake being entranced by the mesmerising music and we became the ever eager audience that gawk at such a fascinating display.
Like the scales of a snake the patterns on the garments seem natural in such a way that it's almost as though they were meant to be there or perhaps always were. The only word I can use to describe them is effortless.
At points scenes within the show led me to believe that they were at an airport, with soldiers either leaving for war or returning home. The other models surrounding them became comrades coming and going, some without return.
The finale sees the appearance of all characters flocking to the centre of the room, pausing, and then in unison all walking slowly away. I am left questioning the world around me just like Khalid Al Qasimi would have wanted.
Article written for Original Magazine, read here.