Posing like John and Jane Wang on their annual National Holiday, models and passers-by alike — art imitating life, if you will — melt into that only-in-China tourist blockbuster feel. TǔKù [too-koo]: Imitatio et aemulatio at its fashionably finest. As demonstrated by Beijing brand MARRKNULL.
酷 [kù]First things first: A little NCIKU knowledge for those in need:
- 土 [tǔ]: 1. soil; 2. local (emphasis on the phonetics, “TOO”);
- 酷 [kù]: 1. cruel; 2. extremely; or just plain “cool”.
The “Tu Cool” trend represents a subcultural form of dressing and, more importantly, photography in China. The trend showcases a more of a sense of humor and sincerity in the face of fashion. Enter MARRKNULL SS19.
The brand’s seasonal lookbook currently boasts some heavy original “Tu Cool” inspo, showing off a picturesque series of (in)famous scenic views. The photographic case in point is more direct and literal with models set against the backdrop of Beijing’s touristic finest hotspots such as Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, Shichahai, and so the list rambles on, imitating the look of tourists taking pictures or striking park wedding photography poses in high fashion gear — passers-by welcomed into the frame. Even in fashion, the flawed truth has become the new fab cool.
Fashion’s Phantastic Ego
Art operates on three levels: Spirit, activity and result. The overall “Tu Cool” concept and spirit is a thought-provoked and -provoking one, presenting itself in the form of leisure activities. The people, aka the stars of the final result, are more than mere teasers in the frame; they are the embodiment of a increasingly large-scale subculture in Chinese art.
Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote that people need to pass and morph through three stages in life, i.e. those of camels, lions and babies. As camels, they must bear the burden of humiliation, live for others before slowly transitioning into the lion(ess). The roving eye of this predator knows how to pursue what it wants and how to be brave enough to be its own animal — instincts welcomed into the game. When all is said and done and every vintage pose has been struck, we all circle back — in true Benjamin Button style — to the cradle. Or pre-school.
Perhaps in that fashion, the “Tu Cool” spirit too returns to the truth — with the imitation of life culminating in the epitome of fashion. And fashion stops feeling itself as this phantastic ego.
Featured image: MARRKNULL Studio SS19
Contact MARRKNULL via:
IG: @marrknull_studio
Images come courtesy of MARRKNULL
Copyright@Temper Magazine, 2018. All rights reserved
Perpetually in pursuit of the greater good that is “China Fashion”, van Paridon set up The China Temper to help promote the dynamite dynamic fashion scene sprouting within Beijing, Shanghai, and China overall. Catering to anybody and everybody who reads English and/or Chinese, Temper covers all the basics and bases. From China's street style scenery to its budding photographers, internationally renowned designers, and underground quirks plus phenomena: We present one hot-hip-happening current collective weaving The New "Made in China" tag.
The term “Made in China” is undergoing the ultimate 21st Century makeover. Escorted by the increasingly strong influence of a new thinking among China’s younger generations, regarding individuality and the expression thereof, the fashion scene in the Middle Kingdom is exploding. And stretches far beyond what meets the eye. It’s appliqué, one might say.
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