Fashion designer Kristof Buntinx turns model.
For his latest collection Belgian fashion designer Kristof Buntinx gives his designs a new look. And this can be taken literally, as the stylist himself shines on campaign images by photographer Pieter De Smedt-Jans. The result is a brilliant series of photos with the colourful Buntinx at the centre of attention.
By being his own model for his new collection – a summer collection for men, from which women will want to steal a boyfriend T-shirt – Kristof Buntinx creates a realistic image of his designs. “It is much more ‘genuine’ to see clothing on a regular guy. The only option was therefore to push up my own sleeves, as it were.
The designer owes the fact that it has become a particularly vibrant collection in addition to a summer collection to his dislike of black outfits. “Whenever I see everyone dressed in black in the street, I immediately get depressed. I do understand that many want to play it safe, but Belgium would be a much nicer place if more people would put themselves out there and take a risk with their look.” Kristof Buntinx put his money where his mouth is with a collection full of colour and the witty prints and slogans we have come to expect of him.
The cheerful combination of the strawberry shirt and green trousers with the Buntinx logo is striking and fresh, in true Buntinx fashion. This ensemble will be made to measure for you.
The Cucumber & Banana T-shirt refers to two eponymous Channel 4 drama series, which explore the English gay-scene from various points of view with typical British humour.
The MTV T-shirt plays with language as only Kristof Buntinx can and explores the boundary between fame and happiness.
This outfit consists of shorts, T-shirt, raincoat and socks and is called ‘The Artist’, not coincidentally also Buntinx' profile name on Grindr. The logo of the famous gay dating app is hence also processed in the clothing. As an extra feature you can have your own profile name printed on the coat.
The Broken Palmtree shirt is a parody on the overload of palm tree prints on show on the high street this past summer. Available in a bespoke, luxury version.
For the Little Shit shirt Buntinx was inspired by his 12-year old, chatroom fanatic niece, whose favourite emoji appears on the front of this T-shirt.
Style is an Old Word, this T-shirt headlines. Doing your own thing is the new stylish.
People change their mind, their vision. “τὰ πάντα ῥεῖ καὶ οὐδὲν μένει" (Ta panta rhei kai ouden menei) Plato once wrote. That everything flows and does not remain the same, is therefore the point of departure for the Don’t Believe Everything you Read T-shirt. Whatever people write about you, the truth is not written in stone.
On the YOLO-shirt the You Only Live Once-concept clashes with the Buddhist promise of reincarnation. Since the image of the Dalai Lama combined with the acronym contrasts a reflective and thoughtful existence with today's fast-paced lifestyle.
A Roof Over Your Head: With his Tuscan roof tile motif this large, square umbrella will provide you with a (temporary) roof over your head. What is more, a sturdy roof, as it was made in windy and rainy Scotland.
Kristof Buntinx pampers rain-shunning art lovers with The Last Judgement, a dome-shaped umbrella after Vasari’s fresco in the Duomo in Florence. Walking in the rain has never been so much funs under this heavenly canopy.
The box: These box-shaped shoes are not for the shy and retiring but embody Buntinx’ belief in the invention of your own system: hence don’t think out of the box but think the box. These leather shoes were produced by the Dutch shoemaker René van den Berg, who has made shoes for Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Thierry Mugler.
COLLECTION NOW
‘Collection Now’, as the designer has called his new series of designs, consists of six unisex T-shirts, three men's ensembles with shirts, trousers, shorts and a coat that can be tailor-made, a pair of shoes, two umbrellas and a bag. Prices vary from 120 euros for a T-shirt to 2,000 euros for a bespoke trouser-shirt combo.
The full SS16 collection is for sale now on Buntinx’ brand-new online store. “By selling online I am able to capitalise on my ideas much faster,” he justifies his unusually early date of sale, “I don't see why buyers should have to wait a full season for my designs.”