Kimhēkim | Paris Women’s Fashion Week AW25
Words by Tatiana Gaborit, Photos courtesy of KIMHĒKIM.
Maison KIMHĒKIM’s Fall/Winter 2025 Atelier Collection presented a beautiful evolution of nearly a decade’s worth of craftsmanship distilled into a stunning, cohesive vision. This collection wasn’t just about clothing; it was about movement, structure, and the delicate balance between heritage and modernity.
For FW25, Creative Director Kiminte Kimhēkim masterfully blended crisp, tailored silhouettes with softer, more ethereal elements. The sheer dresses were particularly breathtaking - almost ghostly, yet strikingly powerful despite their transparency. There was something undeniably poetic about the way they moved, effortlessly embodying the collection’s theme of fluidity. The pearl detailing along the backs of the collars added a regal, almost ceremonial touch, while the sea jewel-accented hair clips provided an elegant nod to tradition with a fresh, contemporary feel.
Beyond the ethereal, the collection also delivered sharp, sculptural silhouettes. One of the collection’s standouts was a sleeveless black cloak-style outerwear piece, which exuded an air of mystery and quiet power. It was a garment that felt both timeless and subversive, a true testament to Kimhekim’s ability to challenge conventional shapes. I was also drawn to the precise, tailored tops designed for men. These elements presented an unexpected, bold shift in menswear. A seamless, near agender narrative was ever-consistent within this body of work, becoming one of its most compelling aspects. The collection played with traditionally ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ elements in a way that felt organic, rather than forced, making a powerful statement about contemporary fashion’s evolving landscape.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the collection was Kimhēkim’s reinterpretation of traditional Korean attire. While deeply rooted in heritage, the garments felt refreshingly modern, with innovative fabric choices and structural experimentation breathing new life into classic forms. The influence of the Stockman mannequin—a staple in the atelier—was also evident in some of the couture pieces, paying tribute to the creative process itself.
The collection as a whole was a stunning blend of precision and whimsy, structure and softness. From heavier tailoring to sheer femininity infused throughout, juxtaposition became central to this decadent selection. As KIMHĒKIM continues to grow, this collection reaffirmed the brand’s place in the industry, bridging history and innovation in a way that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant.
About Maison KIMHEKIM
Founded in 2016, KIMHĒKIM takes its name from an ancient Korean royal family renowned for its exquisite decorative arts. The brand expertly merges its heritage with modern design, crafting collections that fuse minimalism with playful experimentation. Since 2021, the label has explored avant-garde detailing and silhouettes through its ‘Obsession’ series, continuously pushing the boundaries of couture.
With its headquarters and first flagship store in Seoul, KIMHĒKIM aspires to expand into major cities worldwide, offering fashion lovers a deeper connection to the brand’s vision. At its core, KIMHĒKIM is not just about fashion—it’s about joy, balance, and self-expression.
Kiminte Kimhēkim: The Visionary Behind the Brand
Born in Korea, Kiminte Kimhēkim’s love for design was nurtured from childhood, dressing Barbie dolls in traditional hanbok alongside his grandmother. His passion led him to Paris, where he studied at Studio Berçot and refined his craft under Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga. Since launching KIMHĒKIM in 2016, he has continuously redefined modern couture, showcasing collections at Paris Fashion Week that bridge the past and the future, the structured and the fluid, the minimal and the extravagant.
Designer Kimhēkim