To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Chinese publication, Esquire magazine, a benchmark publication for men’s fashion across the world, has produced a special edition to be released in September. At the same time, an original exhibition has been organised at the 798 YUE Art Museum in Beijing featuring unique items from the most prestigious fashion and luxury goods brands, all made especially for the event.
Prada has reinterpreted two iconic models from its Travel collections for the event: a backpack and a suitcase, both made of vela nylon, decorated with the “Survival Utopia” print by Christophe Chemin, one of the most emblematic in the Fall/Winter 2016 collection. The print draws inspiration from Noah’s Ark, and features pairs of extinct animals, either real or imaginary, within an industrial, almost utopian landscape, a city without people. There are also numerous historical and cultural references to past events: pointed hats, a clear reference to the Spanish Inquisition, Japanese Kabuki masks, and certain figures giving others a lift… Only two animals, a dove and a crow, do not have a partner; they appear to have seen something, and are heading towards an unknown destination. Where they are going remains the print’s greatest mystery.
20th Anniversary of Esquire China
