KHY x Dilara Findikoglu Are Reclaiming Femininity in a New Era
In a powerful convergence of influence and artistry, Kylie Jenner's burgeoning fashion brand, KHY, has unveiled its latest collaboration with Dilara Findikoglu, the London-based designer renowned for her unique blend of dark glamour and couture. This partnership marks a significant moment, as it brings together Jenner's undeniable trendsetting power with Findikoglu's provocative vision, redefining feminine silhouettes as symbols of defiance and strength.
Findikoglu, a Central Saint Martins graduate, has carved a distinct niche in the fashion world since establishing her eponymous label in 2016. Her aesthetic often draws from Islamic mythology and Italian horror cinema, weaving together ethereal, shadowy narratives with artisanal techniques and a punk-infused angst. She is known for staging unconventional shows – from strip clubs to churches – that challenge norms and provoke discourse. Her past collections have explored themes of toxic masculinity, divine feminine power, and societal rebellion, often incorporating elements of Victorianism, burlesque, and S&M. This collaboration with KHY appears to extend that boundary-pushing spirit, infusing it with Jenner's global reach.
The KHY x Dilara Findikoglu collection, which dropped exclusively on Khy.com this morning, featuring a striking lineup of garments designed to empower. The pieces embrace a "baddie vibe" with their sinuous halter dresses featuring corseted ribbon closures, micro-minis edged with hook-and-eye hardware, and moto-inspired jackets and trousers accented with industrial details. These elements hint at a blend of raw edge and refined tailoring, characteristic of Findikoglu's work.
Highlights from the collection include a puckered corseted zipper bralette, a silk mini dress with an 18th-century square neckline, and a sheer mesh catsuit with exposed boning. These specific designs are particularly resonant, as they transform historical symbols of confinement, like corsetry, into contemporary expressions of empowered femininity. The corset, in particular, has a complex history, evolving from a garment of rigid structural support in the 16th century to an emblem of idealized, often restrictive, beauty throughout subsequent centuries. In the late 20th century, designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and subcultures like punk began to reclaim the corset as outerwear, transforming it into a symbol of sexual empowerment and rebellion. Findikoglu's reinterpretation within this collection continues this subversive tradition, emphasizing choice and self-expression.
Kylie Jenner, as Creative Director and Co-Founder of KHY, conveyed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating it had been "truly a dream" to partner with Findikoglu, whose designs she has long admired. Jenner added that together, they had developed a collection that felt "feminine, sexy, and romantic," all while staying true to Findikoglu's "unique and edgy aesthetic." She specifically pointed to the Long Sleeve Corset Dress as a "statement piece" that perfectly embodies their shared vision, suggesting a piece that marries the collection's themes of historical reimagination and contemporary allure. The launch of the collection was celebrated with an exclusive event that gathered Kylie's influential "power circle" and key figures from the fashion elite. Attendees included matriarch Kris Jenner, sisters Kendall Jenner and Khloé Kardashian, model Amelia Gray, socialite Hailey Bieber, longtime best friend Anastasia Karanikolaou, and Venezuelan personality Victoria Villarroel, among others. The presence of this high-profile cohort underscored the significance of the collaboration, not only for the fashion industry but also for the broader cultural discourse around celebrity-driven brands and designer partnerships.
KHY's strategy, which often leverages Kylie Jenner's immense social media influence and employs limited-drop models, seeks to create FOMO (fear of missing out) and perceived exclusivity. While this approach has generated significant initial hype, some critics have raised questions about product quality and brand consistency in previous KHY drops. However, the collaboration with a designer of Dilara Findikoglu's caliber, with her established reputation for bold, conceptual designs and couture techniques, may signal a strategic move to elevate KHY's artistic credibility and offer a more distinct design identity.
