Kiko Kostadinov’s Fall/Winter 2022 Collection Debuts At DSM London

Basing his study on gaming subculture, and particularly the South Korean online game Lineage II, Kiko Kostidov’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection—which previewed back in January—has officially landed at multi-level retail space and concept store Dover Street Market.

Initially showcased in the Museo Anahuacalli in Mexico City with a local cast, the “deeply personal” collection draws on the London-based Bulgarian designer’s formative years, where he considered gaming as a safe zone. As a result, the seasonal line-up is filled with subtle armour-like tailoring pieces, referencing medieval and military styles, while shades of “Peach”, “Pistachio Green”, “Taupe”, “Fuschia”, and “Cerulean Blue” are utilised across contoured and detached silhouettes. 

“This topic gave me an opportunity to make more fantasy characters in the collection, but also something for players like a hoodie with big pants,” the designer said during an interview with WWD. “I just popped out in the morning to go and get breakfast and then go back and play.” In addition to the designer’s typical distorted shapes, the FW22 collection comprises a series of marbled jacquard knits and chevron tweeds, complemented by striped and colour-blocked designs. Jackets with wrap shawl collars serve as the seasonal highlight, while platform sandals with distressed leather and crossbody pouches round things out.