K2K - SS23 Collection

WORLD WARS

WORLD WARS

ABOUT THE COMPANY

An award-winning multi-media company, based in Trinidad and Tobago, K2K Alliance & Partners (“K2K”) is a leading design-house, that combines costume design with fashion and theatre. K2K, recognized for its artisanal craftsmanship and couture costuming, has been featured in ESSENCE, the Caribbean Beat Magazine and Discover Trinidad & Tobago Magazine. The brand has been showcased in the The New York Times, WSJ, Reuters and National Geographic. In 2019, the firm made history in Trinidad and Tobago by being the first women-led, medium-sized company to win the "Overall Band Of The Year" title, with its Collection, Through Stained Glass Windows.

OUR BRAND Since conceptualization in 2010, the brand has focused on three pillars for execution: The Look | The Fashion | The Mas, with a core focus on our 365-Day Concept, making garments that can be used after the Carnival Season.

OUR FOCUS Since inception, the brand has focused on three pillars for execution: The Look | The Fashion | The Mas

• The Look: Make-up and hairstyling

• The Fashion: Iconic trends throughout history and new fashion trends

• The Mas: Costuming

OUR COLLECTIONS | THEATRE & ENTERTAINMENT

Since inception, K2K focuses on the art of storytelling to craft each Collection, as we believe that storytelling, whether through fashion, music or in the true literary sense, affects and effects change Combining theatre, artistry and dance, the collaborative work with artists and creatives have resulted in some of the most magical shows. Today K2K brings theatre, storytelling, music, and stage plays to a viewing audience, focusing on original content written by its CoFounders. The theatrical pillar was created by creatives for creatives.

OUR AFFILIATE

In 2019, the Co-Founders of K2K started NORMÌ & NORMÌ INC. an online luxury resort brand that creates capsule pieces for women. NORMÌ, is committed to producing artfully crafted garments that provide an effortless yet glamorous statement for women. Mixing sophistication with sensual; and elegance with timelessness, the capsules are intended to capture romanticism. At the end of the day every woman desires to feel beautiful in her skin, and NORMÌ is crafted for every brand of beautiful

SECTION: THE POPPY IN A FIELD OF WARPAINT

AS SEEN IN THE

ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN BEAT MAGAZINE

Produced since 1992 by MEP Publishers as the in-flight magazine first for BWIA and then for Caribbean Airlines, Caribbean Beat is the Caribbean’s leading magazine on Caribbean arts, culture and society.

Caribbean Beat is and always has been a magazine about the real Caribbean a generalinterest, pan-Caribbean publication, produced in the West Indies by Caribbean people. The magazine’s original mandate was to get behind the familiar stereotypes of the region and diaspora to show how rich Caribbean life really is — our music, art, dance, books, sport, fashion, design, festivals, history, environment, people, lifestyle. It’s a mandate we’ve stayed true to for over 30 years, making Caribbean Beat the only magazine of its kind, and an ongoing resource for students, researchers, and lovers of all things Caribbean.

SS23 | WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOME SECTION: THE CROWING OF SHALOM

SOMETHING NEW THIS SEASON

The Private Membership

THE FIRST CARNIVAL+ PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE WITH ACCESS ONLY THROUGH AN NFT

As the world transforms to a more digital age, K2K welcomes the first members only carnival experience, where membership is accessed as a Non-Fungible-Token (NFT) and owned by the token-holder to obtain exclusive social experiences and benefits

WHAT IS A K2K-NFT?

An NFT is a Non-Fungible-Token which is owned by the token-holder. The K2K-NFT gives access to exclusive social experiences and benefits It represents a collection of digital membership passes, provided by K2K Alliance & Partners

The K2K-NFT is unique in that it connects digital artwork to a physical asset The asset is designed and crafted by K2K Alliance & Partners, and is showcased on K2K's own 3D Avatar, the Havok Kru.

SOMETHING NEW THIS SEASON

THE FIRST CARNIVAL+ PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE WITH ACCESS ONLY THROUGH AN NFT

AS SEEN IN THE

THE FIRST CARNIVAL+ PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE WITH ACCESS ONLY THROUGH AN NFT

Description: The K2K-NFT is a collection of NFTs. The art is showcased on K2K Alliance & Partners 3D rendering of their female-led, minority superhero crew, known as the Havoc Kru. The unique K2K-NFT Collection translates digital art to a physical asset that is tied to its private membership

THE FIRST CARNIVAL+ PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE WITH ACCESS ONLY THROUGH AN NFT

Description: The K2K-NFT is a collection of NFTs. The art is showcased on K2K Alliance & Partners 3D rendering of their female-led, minority superhero crew, known as the Havoc Kru. The unique K2K-NFT Collection translates digital art to a physical asset that is tied to its private membership

THE THEME

K2K’s 2023 Collection is called “World Wars – In the time of Salomé”. Salomé is derived from the Hebrew word shalom which means peace. Thus, the Collection is being interpreted as “War in a time of peace”. The irony about the theme for the 2023 Collection is that war and peace are bounded together, where one ends another begins. Thus, just as war destroys peace, peace conquerors war

INSPIRATION

In truth, the concept was accelerated from a conversation that we were having with our dad during the height of the pandemic. Our father said, “COVID is a silent war, baby; without a bomb, without a gun, without military force, this disease has wiped out thousands. Millions.” World Wars, in this sense, represents the ambush / the attack that the world in general experienced at the height of the pandemic. However, in truth, the theme can be interpreted in many ways On a more generic level, “World Wars” can represent the death, destruction and hardships brought about by harsh realities of war For instance, World War I & II or most recently, the war in Ukraine.

On a more social-political level, war can be viewed as the fight for rights, obligation, and purpose. This was seen in such movements like Black Lives Matter, the fight against gender-based violence, and policies like Roe vs Wade, Gay Rights and Same-sex Marriages On a personal level war can also be the emotional tug-of-war we face day in and out. In this case, we each are the general in life’s battlefield. Victory in this regard is not showcased by the power of a gun, but by the power of diplomacy, the shield of resilience and the weapon of choice, which is courage In the end, after the war, comes Salome.

THE SECTIONS

The theme will take the onlooker and masquerader through the journey of war and its aftermath using six sections.

• The ambush & the whispering of fields half-sown

• The wings of the battering ram

• The warpath of carnage

• The web of war & the delicate thread of diplomacy

• The poppy in a field of war paint

• The crowing of shalom

THE DESIGN

THE COSTUMES

The headpieces bridge the realm of the macabre and fantasy. Truth be told, the headpieces in particular meet at a kind of line of demarcation, with “Mad Max, Fury Road” on one side and “Pan's Labyrinth” on the other

Given the nature of the theme, it was important to ensure that there was a constant flow of positive energy within the Collection. As a result, much focus was placed on the materials used in the accessories Throughout the Collection, the agate stone has been included in the headpieces and neckpieces. This was of particular importance as the agate rock is known for its healing properties. Although the agate dates back to Ancient Greece and has been used in the seal stones of Greek warriors, the stone is also known to transforms negative energy into positive energy. The agate is a soothing and calming gemstone that heals inner anger, anxiety and helps in the strengthening of relationships. It is known to instills security and safety

An interesting fun fact about the agate is that no stone is identical. In a way, it represents people. This goes without saying that no accessory in the Collection is alike. As a means of keeping positive energy within the Collection, the agate has been paired with wood. Unlike other types of metal or stone, wood is an organic material, and it is a strong symbol of life, growth, and strength. What you will also notice is that there is a “rawness” to the way that the accessories have been created This too is intentional as it represents the “rawness” of war

With respect to the garments, we continue to build on the 365-Day Concept of the brand, providing pieces that could be worn after Carnival. The pieces therefore range between formal and causal pieces Once again this keeps with the vision of K2K brand to offer wardrobe pieces that can be used postCarnival in casual or formal settings.

The 365-Day Concept speaks to K2K’s efforts towards “sustainability in fashion”, whereby these are garments that facilitate multiple use

C A R N I V A L C O L L E C T I O N

SHALOM THE CROWING OF

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

THE MAKING

OF THE COLLECTION

THE STORY BEHIND THE COLLECTION | FROM SKETCH TO EXECUTION

Norman S TWIN

aith is the bird that crows at the inflection point of darkness

THE CROWING OF SHALOM (FROM SKETCH TO EXECUTION)

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

Every collection starts from a quiet personal place & space.

With the rise of COVID-19, came the fall of man. Then again, on the “world stage” there seemed to be so much negative ills festering, from George Floyd, to increase crime – indeed the global environment seemed to be plagued with a sort of disease, in and of itself. So perhaps, COVID-19 was simply the physical manifestation of the crumbling of the social-political / psychological / natural environment

The upside to this story is that not all is lost. If man is the cause of the WAR, then man will also be martyr of PEACE

“War & peace are bounded together, where one ends, another begins”

FIGURE STUDY FOR THE COLLECTION (WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF PEACE)

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

THE WARPATH OF CARNAGE (aka Carnage)

Carnage comes in many forms. There is the physical carnage, which is the impact from war on the environment and its inhabitants – lives lost; animals killed in the crossfire; vegetation destroyed.

On a more intimate level, there is the carnage of the heart, which is the impact from love and loss.

Norman S TWIN

THE WARPATH OF CARNAGE (FROM SKETCH TO EXECUTION)

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

THE WARPATH OF CARNAGE (aka Carnage)

The ecosystem is intertwined. Thus, destruction of one, impacts the other. Carnage, in this vein, speaks to the mental decomposition of man, as well as the physical impact war has on the physical environment (fauna & flora). Hence, the within this section, there is the screaming image of man which will carry in the wind, as well as elements of the living earth (humans and animals) which have decayed.

The thought process:

The bombing (whether interpreted as metaphorical or literal) was timed to cause as much carnage as possible

WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ THE WARPATH OF CARNAGE (FROM SKETCH TO EXECUTION)

SS23 | WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ THE WARPATH OF CARNAGE (FROM SKETCH TO EXECUTION) Norman S TWIN

SS23 | WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ THE WARPATH OF CARNAGE

Norman S TWIN FIGURE STUDY OF FORM & BACKPACK

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

THE AMBUSH & THE WHISPERING OF FIELDS HALF SOWN

Q: When COVID-19 first started how did you feel? A: AMBUSHED!

Q: What does the whispering of fields half sown mean to you?

A: Lives gone too soon; It talks to people who have only had the opportunity to live half a life

Ambush does not only relate to the impact of COVID-19. In truth, the term Ambush relates to many things that many of us experience in our daily lives. For example:

If you have been working towards a promotion and you do not receive it, how do you feel? Ambushed

If a friend betrays your trust, how do you feel? Ambushed

If you are navigating a terrible break-up, how do you feel when the break-up first happened? Ambushed

If you child comes home with an “F” in his / her report card, how do you feel? Ambushed

Many of the themes in the Collection talk to and through life experiences

Norman S TWIN

THE AMBUSH & THE WHISPERING OF FIELDS HALF SOWN (FROM SKETCH TO EXECUTION)

AMBUSH & THE WHISPERING OF FIELDS HALF SOWN

(FROM SKETCH TO EXECUTION)

THE AMBUSH & THE WHISPERING OF FIELDS HALF SOWN

Norman S TWIN

(FIGURE STUDY OF BACKBACK)

Norman S TWIN

THE WEB OF WAR & THE DELICATE THREAD OF DIPLOMACY (FROM SKETCH TO EXECUTION)

TWIN (FIGURE STUDY OF BACKPACK)

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

THE POPPY IN A FIELD OF WARPAINT

THE RELEVANCE OF THE POPPY

The history of the poppy as a symbol of respect for the war dead is now almost one hundred years old.

On Flanders fields, after the fighting had ceased in World War I, poppies sprung up in their thousands. The growth of the poppy was caused by the rubble left behind after artillery bombardments. The lime in the fragmented masonry was a great fertilizer for poppies. After a few years, when all the lime had been absorbed by the plants, the poppies largely disappeared. The poppy is a symbol of both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.

(FROM SKETCH TO EXECUTION)

Norman S TWIN

THE POPPY IN A FIELD OF WARPAINT (FROM SKETCH TO EXECUTION)

Norman

S TWIN

“Although we are are nothing more than the flowers of war, our victory will be like pollen to the breeze”

(FROM SKETCH TO EXECUTION)

Norman S TWIN THE POPPY IN A FIELD OF WARPAINT (FIGURE STUDY OF BACKPACK)

THE MAKING OF THE ACCESSORIES

WOOD | AGATE STONES | BONES

DID SOMEONE SAY BONES?

YES. BONES! WELL, SYNTHETIC ANYWAY…

New season. New drama!

With that crashing tide came a new wave of change. And with that transition, came bones!

The 2023 Collection is unlike any that we have tried, and it is sure to be a talking piece. This, I guarantee! The pious will call the art devilish. The naysayer will outwardly dislike it, without even blinking an eye. The skeptic will say, “Dat, not me!” The creative, on the other hand, will give it a chance before casting judgement. He or she will look for the meaning behind the art and find it; Find, what that artist is trying to say and find what it means to himself / herself.

Art is always such a ticklish business – If it is too ordinary, it is deemed boring. If it is too outlandish, it is rejected. This season, though, like many seasons before, there may be much ado, about nothing … and that nothing will surround the headpieces.

Let’s see how the cookie crumbles … or if, it crumbles at all… And then again, what good is art, if not for the good of conversation!

THE MAKING OF THE HEADPIECE (THE CROWING OF SHALOM)

VISUAL NARRATIVE (V - NARRATIVE)

WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF

SALOME

WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOME

THE CROWING OF SHALOM

aith is the bird that crows at the inflection point of darkness

House of Armistice & Mercy THE CROWING OF SHALOM

At the crossroad of armistice, peace and war will collide...War and peace are bounded together, where one ends another begins

THE CROWING OF

SHALOM

Just as dawn chases dusk, peace follows war

THE WARPATH OF CARNAGE

THE WARPATH OF CARNAGE

some men don't even show mercy

HOUSE OF ASCENDENCE & JUDGEMENT

AMBUSH

Love often ambushes the unexpected, with the ties of the relationship, tethered by a desperate chain of emotional bondage The only way to be free in any relationship, is for you to feel unchained enough to walk away from it

There is no greater war than carnage of the heart

House of Ascendence & Judgement CARNAGE

THE AMBUSH

& THE WHISPERING OF FIELDS HALF SOWN

When the fields whisper, they echo the tales of souls gone too soon

House of Armistice & Mercy THE POPPY IN A FIELD OF WARPAINT hrough the rain of warpaint, sprung a field of poppies

Although we are are nothing more than the flowers of war, our victory will be like pollen to the breeze

House of Armistice & Mercy THE POPPY IN A FIELD OF WARPAINT

Her voice, although light like the breeze, carries the impact of a bomb. And although her hands are steady, her eyes waver

WEB

I have always hated war, but he has always loved the delicate web it weaves

OF WAR & THE DELICATE THREAD OF DIPLOMACY

WHAT

A WEB WE WEAVE WHEN WE CHOOSE TO DECEIVE … BUT THEN AGAIN, THIS IS WAR

WORLD WARS

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

WORLD WARS

IN THE TIME OF SALOME

BEHIND THE LENZ

K2K’s campaigns are meant to tell a visual story, with the photography focusing on two of K2K’s three pillars, The Fashion and The Look, while keeping with the brands’ vision, “Fashion meeting mas with a purpose”

CARNIVAL 2023

WORLD WARS: IN THE TIME OF SALOME - ISSUE NO. 10

HAIR & MAKE-UP PLAYED AND INTEGRAL PART IN THE 2023 COLLECTION

Fierce, miliary and sophisticated encapsulated the theme for the 2023 Collection. One way that this was achieved was through long braids.

Braided hairstyles are by far the oldest way to style hair. Women all over the world use braids to protect their beauty from environmental damage as well as show off their wild imagination. Beads and metallic cuffs are only a few iterations to make your braids extra fashionable and one-of-a-kind. However, in the 2023 Collection long braids with loose fly aways brought an edgy yet sophisticated look to the set.

Not only are smokey eyes sultry, they are making a comeback! For 2023 smokey eyes are also getting a fun twist by keeping a large portion of the lids in neutral colors. Paired with neutral lips, the “Eyes have it!”. Then again, there's little not to love about a nude lip. It is classy, sophisticated, and always in style.

This season, keep an eye out for "modern smoky eyes inspired by the '60s," which are elevated with "a pop of color in the inner corner to bring even more interest to the eye.

WORLD WARS

IN THE TIME OF SALOME

LET’S TALK ACCESSORIES

Your distinctive panache could be expressed by simply adding a “statement piece”. And this season, nothing says “statement” like our oversized earrings and neckpieces.

AGATE & WOOD

For thousands of years many ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians to the Aztecs have incorporated healing stones into jewelry, cosmetics, decorative statues, amulets, and much more for spiritual, protective and even healing purposes.

The agate is known to be a soothing and calming gemstone, while wood is a strong symbol of life, growth and strength. The mixing of both elements represents transformation and resilience.

WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOME

MORE THAN JUST AN ACCESSORY THE AGATE

The Agate history goes back to the Neolithic Era, which was as far back as 10,000 BC. In Ancient Babylon, the stone was a talisman against evil energy Babylonians placed it around their homes to ward off any darkness and grant protection over their domain

In Ancient Egypt, they thought that it provided specific protection against natural disasters The Ancient Chinese on the other hand, believed it blocked evil spirits. The stone even appeared in the Bible. It was one of 12 gemstones on Aron’s breastplate, a tool used to communicate with God a millennium before the birth of Jesus.

ORANGE AGATE

Orange Agate healing crystals are grounding stones, bringing about an emotional, physical and intellectual balance They aid in centering and stabilizing physical energy. Orange Agate healing crystals have the power to harmonize yin and yang, the positive and negative forces that hold the universe in place

WORLD WARS

IN THE TIME OF SALOME

PINK AGATE

Pink Botswana Agate helps release and heal emotional issues. Pink Botswana Agate can enhance your concentration, analytical skills and perception of situations. Pink Botswana Agate can boost selfconfidence. It can be a a comforting and protective stone, it is good if you are feeling lonely, lost, or afraid

SECTION: THE WEB OF WAR & THE DELICATE THREAD OF DIPLOMACY

WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOME

TURQUOISE AGATE

Turquoise, a beautiful sea-green stone from the ancient era, represents knowledge, protection, good luck, calm, and optimism. When paired with Agate, they form an incredible combination of beauty and healing.

SECTION: THE AMBUSH & THE WHISPERING OF FIELDS HALF SOWN

WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOME

THE RAM

As a symbol, the ram often represents strength, determination, and courage. Rams are also seen as symbols of fertility and abundance due to their ability to produce large litters of offspring. In some cultures, the ram is also seen as a symbol of virility and masculinity

SECTION: THE WARPATH OF CARNAGE

WORLD

WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOME

BECAUSE YOU ARE STUNNING

Accessories are a fantastic way to individualize your outfit. If you have been dying to electrify your closet or make a bold statement, then this is your chance!

A bright-colored accessory is one of the hottest fashion trends this season. It is for the bold and the brave as well as those who just want to add a burst of life and vibrancy to their wardrobe.

These accessories will have heads turning, and Carnival is the perfect time to try something different.

WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOME

WHEN IT COME TO ACCESSORIES THE LARGER THE BETTER

This season’s necklaces are all about size and volume!

Our oversized neckpieces are a great alternative for the woman that wants to make a lasting impression. These Agate stoned accessories are more than statement pieces, they are known for their healing qualities.

WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF

SALOME

THE BEAUTY OF BEASTS MAKE AN ARRESTING STATEMENT

THE MILLINER’S TOUCH

A new emporium of luxury accessories has been revealed, showcasing a vast selection of millinery artistry

With a dainty attitude, the new eclectic collection of hats gives off a very sophisticated vibe

WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOME

THE MILLINER IN ME

A pearl headband with a large scalloped hat makes the ultimate fashion forward statement

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

Inject your look with color on the eyes, rather than the lips this season. These ringed eyes can be enhanced even further by adding dramatic lashes. Leave the skin natural-looking and let the eyes do the talking

WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOME

THE CRWOING OF SHALOM THE LOOK OF MYSTERY

Boost your eyes with shocking blues, purples and browns for a mysterious and dramatic look

THE COLLECTION (SS23|WORLD WARS)

WORLD

WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOME

WORLD WARS IN THE TIME OF SALOME

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

THE AMBUSH

& THE WHISPERING OF FIELDS HALF SOWN

THE WARPATH OF

CARNAGE

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ SECTION DETAILS

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

THE POPPY

IN A FIELD OF WARPAINT

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

THE CROWING OF

SHALOM

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

THE WEB OF WAR

& THE DELICATE THREAD OF DIPLOMACY

PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

RTW - MONDAY

CARNIVAL MONDAY PACKAGE

C O N C E P T

365 T H E

The “365-day Concept” of our brand continues to comes to life in in our RTW-M (Ready-to-wear- Monday pieces)

Everyone’s wardrobe deserves to have a mix of classic chic with a modern edge and of course versatility. The 2023 Collection provides just this! Comfortable pieces that can used and re-used after Carnival

All-in-all, 2023 has it all going on! Show stopping make-up trends, a kaleidoscope of color, sophistication with an easygoing nature, luxury with a modern edge, and effortless fluidity with a hint of sexy

WORLD WARS

War & peace are bounded together, where one ends another begins

WORLD WARS

IN THE TIME OF SALOMÉ

K2K