“Fashion is very much about building a world around you that doesn’t necessarily exist in the real world.” – Gareth Pugh

The idea of a “Shangri-La” enters the room.

A “Shangri-La”, a mythical earthly paradise, a permanently happy land, isolated from the outside world, parallel to the mystical, harmonious valley in Lost Horizon by James Hilton, is what this collection VALHALLA aims to create. The ethereal landscape of Iceland, be the running rivers through the mountains or the snow covered plateau, could hardly match the beauty of this land.

The inhabitants of this mystical land, introduced in this collection, are the survivors of an ancient sunken continent and the descendants of great warriors, scholars, high priests and priestesses. The air of this land makes them almost immortal, and free of diseases. The inhabitants are isolated from the rest of the world, yet not ignorant of it. They have observed the world they escaped from; nevertheless, chosen not to interfere, so as not to upset the balance and harmony of this land and not to corrupt the purest forms of ancient values: Respect, Honesty and Love, they inherited.

The collection VALHALLA displays a more romantic take on the designs. Rather than the usual strict silhouette, there is a subtle shift towards layering. Inspired by an ancient civilization of Babylon, the designs incorporate light knits and sheer fabric to create elongated, loosely-fitted dresses, cloaks and long tunics. Yet, the fierceness of Dystropolis is preserved in fitted pants, faux leather jackets and kilt, and body harnesses. Since this world is inspired by the Icelandic landscape, the designs are aptly named after the Norse Gods.

The romantic connotation of this collection is closely linked to my journey of recovery, self-discovery and a search of my own Shangri-La, my own safe place. As this mystical land offers sanctuary to its inhabitants, fashion offers sanctuary to me. I am quite ready to be taken away by my mystical wings to this sanctuary and to break free from all that is confining me in this world. Perhaps, by this fantastical escape from the reality, the healing can then finally begin.

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​photo| CanadaWears | Raymond Chow

styling| Pretty Deadly Stylz | Tasha Farrington

accessory| COVEN by Sonia Kang

hair| Spellbound Hair Design

makeup| M by Maddie