Wallace Stores has recently teamed up with renowned Hong Kong photographer Wing Shya to reinterpret his cherished collection of classic Martin Margiela designs alongside their own Remake series, drawing inspiration from Hong Kong's unique cultural background. This collaboration not only continues the longstanding synergy between Wallace and Wing Shya but also skillfully merges street style with artistic photography.
Their creative partnership dates back to 2006, when Wallace served as the creative director for Fingercroxx and collaborated with the American streetwear brand X-Large and Wing Shya to produce a series of street culture works. Years later, this creative friendship is still burning bright, as Wing Shya has been invited once again to shoot for the first Archive collection of Wallace Stores.
This collaboration can be described as a spark of creativity and aesthetics, focusing on the classic designs of Martin Margiela from the millennium era. These precious pieces are reinterpreted against the backdrop of Hong Kong streets, featuring the uniquely stylish model Este, who cleverly blends vintage designs with contemporary street vibes.
Wallace stated, "I have always hoped to infuse these classic pieces with a fresh perspective through the unique essence of Hong Kong. Margiela's designs are rich with historical significance, yet they resonate in contemporary trends, and that's what I most want to convey."
To capture the most quintessentially Hong Kong scenes, the shoot took place in the deep of night, with the streets of Central becoming the perfect backdrop as the midnight bells chimed. Wing Shya and Wallace's team wrapped up the shoot in just two hours, enjoying an easy yet spontaneous process, showcasing a seamless blend of Margiela's avant-garde designs with the rich depth of Hong Kong's culture through the interplay of light and shadow.
Wing Shya expresses that this shoot brought him back to his purest creative state. "In the past, fashion shoots often focused on grand scenes and commercialization, but this time it felt like a game, wandering casually through the streets of Central, relaxed and fun."
He mentioned that this shoot allowed him to reconnect with his past ties to Martin Margiela, especially when he saw those early 2000s pieces, which felt so familiar. "These vintage garments carry a sense of history, yet they still resonate with today's streetwear trends, and that's what makes it so fascinating."
In addition to the newly shot Archive collection, Wallace Stores also showcases the classic photography works and books of Wing Shya, allowing visitors to appreciate the creative journey of this Hong Kong photography master. Wallace emphasizes that the exhibition is not just a display of past works, but also hopes to become a platform for local trend enthusiasts to connect and share.
