DESIGNERS Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang of Shushu/Tong have partnered with footwear and accessory brand Charles & Keith on a limited-edition capsule collection. Featuring two pairs of bags and shoes centred around floral motifs, specifically roses, embodying the feminine touch of the brand, understated elegance is balanced with the design ethos of Charles & Keith.
“The rose has become a significant symbol in literature and art, usually representing love and desire,” explain the duo behind Shushu/Tong.
“Traditionally, roses only bloomed once a year, which means it was destined to live for a short period of time. A fragile, withering rose exudes fleeting beauty. Sharp thorns line its soft, delicate branches; this danger is a metaphor for the price we sometimes need to pay for love,” they say.
Charles & Keith x Shushu/Tong
Charles & Keith x Shushu/Tong
The beloved Mary Janes, a style adored by clients of Charles & Keith, are reimagined in patent leather with a chunky heel with rose embellishments intertwined on the side. The bags on the other hand, are designed in a rectangular shape with an adjustable ribbon strap allowing you to either carry it under the arm or as a top handle.
Speaking to Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang on the collaboration, the designers explain their process.
Charles & Keith x Shushu/Tong
How would you describe the Shushu/Tong x Charles & Keith collaboration? Talk us through the design process.
We knew that Charles & Keith had a great global reputation as a footwear and accessories brand. They gave us plenty of space to exercise our creativity during the collaboration process and supported our ideas throughout the development of the product.
The Charles & Keith design team showed their professionalism and expertise as we worked closely together to translate our creative vision and perfect the designs.
Our hard work resulted in this capsule collection of four thoughtfully-crafted products that we are excited to finally present to everyone. The creative chemistry between our teams made this whole process nothing but beautiful.
Charles & Keith x Shushu/Tong
How did you present the DNA of Shushu/Tong in this collection?
We used flowers and bows which are recurring motifs we’ve employed in our previous collections. The rose takes center stage in this capsule, its beauty, prickly complexity and uniqueness are part of the Shushu/Tong design DNA.
What is special about this capsule collection?
We chose styles and shapes that we felt was most suitable and complementary to the rose — the capsule’s muse. Be it a Shushu/Tong or Charles & Keith friend or fan, we hope one will be empowered while discovering a different facet of their identity when they wear the collection pieces.
by Imogen Clark