OBSERVATIONS & OTHER ACCIDENTS

On the 19th of November, Stivali presented King Loves Zilla’s winter collection, and I was — predictably — not there. Hardly ideal for someone who avoids discussing anything unseen. Yet every now and then, an event makes its presence felt regardless of your own. This one did, and strongly enough to warrant a few words.

If there’s one thing I definitely don’t want to do on this space, it’s write about events or collections I haven’t actually attended. Copying and pasting press releases has sadly become the norm in our profession — understandable, given the crazy pace of content production. But for me, writing solely based on press material always feels… fake, especially when we’re talking fashion.

Fashion demands presence. You need to see the materials, feel the textures, examine the details with proper attention. Without that, no critique really holds up. And, let’s be honest, pretending to be enthusiastic about something you’ve never touched? Readers see straight through it.

I couldn’t make it to the latest event at Stivali on Wednesday, 19 November, where King Loves Zilla presented their winter collection. Still, I thought it was worth sharing a few words about it — because Stivali doesn’t do anything less than pieces that live up to its space (and we deserve at least a touch of good taste, right?).

Titled Vivarium, the collection draws inspiration from spaces dedicated to observing and studying animal and plant life: a controlled, yet vibrant environment where species coexist and reveal themselves. Alexandra Lobato Faria, the creative director, brings this world to life with a sensorial approach full of intricate details.

“In this collection, I wanted to create my own ecosystem, where animals, plants and flowers manifest through materials and details. I worked with fabrics rich in floral motifs, natural stone applications, vintage silver brooches featuring animals — octopuses, monkeys, bees — and developed numerous handcrafted elements, from micro-crochet to meticulous appliqués, so that each piece became a little living habitat.”

— Alexandra Lobato Faria, brand’s creative director

The collection plays with contrasts: classic fabrics such as checks or cashmere become a canvas for unexpected adornments, turning everyday pieces into something worth a second (or third) look. Each detail reinforces the fusion of nature and fantasy, without losing the brand’s playful daring.

For Stivali, Vivarium is exactly the kind of project they aim to highlight: unique pieces, crafted with exceptional care, sparking curiosity among both national and international clients.

“This collaboration strengthens our commitment to discovering, supporting, and presenting projects that add new layers to the Stivali universe.”

— Paula Moldes, the Store Director

King Loves Zilla’s future seems to follow the same path: structured ambition, collaborations with like-minded artists and designers, and, naturally, international expansion. The collection is available exclusively at Stivali — and if you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favour.

And yes, I’m still sticking to my rule: no final verdicts without seeing everything in person. Here, we speak with eyes (and hands) wide open. Everything else? Just copy and paste.

STIVALI — Av. da Liberdade 38B, Lisbon