Inspired by fairy tales and childhood magic of wishes, KHOI’s collection takes place in the mythical woods of Elysium, where the story of a young sprite unfolds one wish at a time. Woven together his passion for design, sculpture, film, writing, and performance, Elysium is a project of love, with the intention to allow the audience to escape reality, even if just for a few minutes. KHOI invites the audience to contemplate on the question: when faced with growing desire, can one hold on to its soul?
Elysium, 2021-2022
Triptych view of the short film
Elysium (Look 1), 2021, 3D printed corset, crinkled taffeta, photo by Mari Xiao
The sprite wandering the woods of Elysium
Elysium (Look 1), 2021, 3D printed corset, crinkled taffeta, photo by Mari Xiao
The sprite shedding its body one last time
Elysium (Look 2), 2021-2022, crinkled taffeta, polyester tulle, organza, satin, steel hoop skirt, photo by Mari Xiao
The sprite transformed by the dandelion's magic.
Elysium (Look 2), 2021-2022, crinkled taffeta, polyester tulle, organza, satin, steel hoop skirt, photo by Mari Xiao
The sprite admiring its newfound self
Elysium (Look 2), 2021-2022, crinkled taffeta, polyester tulle, organza, satin, steel hoop skirt, photo by Mari Xiao
An active view of dress as unfurling as the sprite takes flight
Elysium (Look 3), 2021, hand-rolled brown paper, discarded memories and dreams, photo by Mari Xiao
The sprite's husk. More than 500 yards of brown paper, i.e discarded husks of trees, were rolled and macrame'd together. The rolls were mainly made by KHOI, however, some were collected from others. The designer requested each person to think about their traumas and desires while rolling as he has done.
Elysium 3D printed corset sculpture, 2021, PLA, acrylic paint, photo by Mari Xiao
A corset printed from a scan of KHOI's torso, metamorphosed digitally before fabrication.
Elysium petticoat installation, 2022, nylon tulle, polyester organza, photo by Mari Xiao
More than 500 yards of ruffles layered to form the explosive flora.
Elysium vine husk installation, 2021, hand-rolled brown paper, discarded memories and dreams, photo by Mari Xiao
The sprite's husk, draped on fallen trees, unactivated by the body. More than 500 yards of brown paper, i.e discarded husks of trees, were rolled and macrame'd together. The rolls were mainly made by KHOI, however, some were collected from others. The designer requested each person to think about their traumas and desires while rolling as he has done.