“Growing up is for adults” by Stijn Koks

GROWING UP IS FOR ADULTS is mocking adulthood, and celebrating the now. Kids embrace the now, adults worry mainly. The medical industry is a characterizing element of adulthood. Pills, COVID-tests, needles and other medical waste are a representation of the constant awareness of the future. An attempt to escape death. I contradict this notion with my fascination for childhood toys and action figures. Playing with an action figure is the purest form of living in the now. The unconditioned child does not have a notion of time, as it is just exploring the world without preconditioned limitations. It has imagination that can create anything. Kids show not to be limited by boundaries, judgements, laws and regulations, nor by what seems to be impossible in the adult mind.

This collection starts with classical adult like shapes, and slowly evolves into a mutant-like intermezzo. Rearranging the known. As the celebration of the kids fantasy follows. With usage of prints both the medical and childhood elements are being enlightened. Bomber jackets and wide cut trousers bring a youthful, and light atmosphere. Whereas medical waste creates an evil doctor like feel. A plea to take on a more playful view on life, learning from the kids perspective to enjoy it, bringing the positive, playful expression tangibly into our daily life, reflecting on our seriousness. Garments my generation. Showing off our childhood memories.

PHOTOGRAPHY JELLE KOITER
FASHION DESIGN STIJN KOKS
MODELS KRISTIAN STEIN, MARTIJN TOONEN, MOHAMMED BARRIE, OBBE VAN DER WEIDE