K'ANG FW25 "I've Been to Hell and Back and It Was Wonderful"

Kang's Fall/Winter 2025 collection, provocatively titled "I've Been to Hell and Back and It Was Wonderful," unravels a deeply personal narrative.

The phrase is more than just a name, it’s a statement that encapsulates the designer’s journey through a tumultuous year. K'ang, known for weaving emotional complexity into his work, reflects on a period where darkness became an unlikely source of illumination. For him, “hell” wasn’t just a place of despair; it was also a space for rediscovery, where flickers of light emerged to transform suffering into growth.

This duality, of anguish intertwined with beauty, forms the foundation of the collection. Rather than dwelling solely in the shadows, Kang explores the notion of opportunity within hardship. He imagines hell not as a bleak void, but as a landscape with unexpected pathways out, a sentiment that resonates throughout his work. In his hands, this paradoxical theme unfolds as both a challenge and a celebration, embodied in his designs.

The concept draws inspiration from Louise Bourgeois’ 1992 exhibition, a landmark exploration of psychological depth and emotional rawness. As admirers of Bourgeois’ work, we at LUCENTEMENT immediately recognized the parallels. Having recently experienced an exhibition of hers in Tokyo, we found Kang’s interpretation striking, translating Bourgeois’ artistic ethos into fashion. His ability to reference such profound artistic dialogue while channeling his own personal story adds layers of meaning to the collection.

With this collection, Kang reminds us that even in the deepest abysses, beauty and light can emerge, making the journey not only bearable but profoundly transformative. It’s an evocative meditation on resilience, crafted into wearable art.

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