Kim Shui Fall 2016 for VFILES and Kylie Jenner Front Row in the Brand’s Lace Jumpsuit

VFiles’ runway model seems right in line with the way the fashion industry and the show season is moving: customer-centric with the influence and control shifting from the elite to the masses. The brand’s foundation has youth and the street at its core and it champions new and lesser-known designers—the kind that invigorate and excite fashion season after season and go on to become the Alexander Wang’s and Altuzarra’s of the world, quite possibly. Kim Shui was among the designers who showed on the VFiles Fall 2016 runway, contributing to the celebration that is its seasonal catwalk.

Born in the US and raised in Rome, Shui honed her design chops at Parsons The New School for Design and Central St. Martins. Her Fall collection debunked the idea of autumnal neutrals, brimming with bold brights including yellow, cherry red, and even turquoise and forest green lipstick on the models for good measure. Fur called forth the season on functional shawls, metallic boots with fuzzy trim, two-tone python jackets that were for fashion’s bravest with colorblock detailing, and the crimson red lapels of a 70’s chic coat.

Romantic lace accented a ladylike shirt dress with ruffle hems, a culotte suit layered over a sheer turtleneck, a duo of dresses demure in silhouette but showstopping with green and red versions of the amorous fabric and exotic python panels. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely something daring style mavens like Rihanna and Solange could undoubtedly wear well.

Shui is absolutely one to watch and there’s no denying the Miu Miu/Prada feel here: a vibe that is admittedly hard to grasp, but very good to capture if one in fact can. The collection screamed red carpet—for those risk takers who continually push the envelope—and it will be most interesting to see how the pieces are altered for consumption on VFiles’ site in the coming months.


And young starlets Justine Skye and Kylie Jenner were spotted front row, with Kylie in the brand’s sheer lace jumpsuit.


Thoughts on the latest from Kim Shui?
Images: VOGUE.com