“THE PICTURE OF A MONK”
performed at 180 Studios (London) / Libération (Paris)
exhibited at OTHER/WISE (Paris)

Inspired by the raw and provocative photography of the late Ren Hang, the collection tells the imaginative story of a young monk who dreams of being one of Hang's models. Drawing from Key’s Taoist family background, this collection to explore the monk’s inner journey, where his peaceful and disciplined life meets his desire for self-expression and the excitement of the physical world.

Like Hang’s work, the collection places a strong emphasis on the body, though in a more abstracted and symbolic way. The garments’ flowing shapes and the incorporation of hoods and shawls evoke the monk’s traditional attire, while also allowing for a reinterpretation of how the body is presented and perceived.

“The Picture of a Monk” is a celebration of the intersection between spirituality and sensuality, presenting a softer, more introspective view of masculinity.

The performance, combined choreographed movement and spontaneous improvisation to embody the collection’s theme, was a captivating exploration of inner transformation and external expression. The stage featured a dynamic interaction between three performers, each dressed in hand-painted Irish linen dungarees – sky blue, monk red, and turmeric yellow. Their movements, both structured and fluid, mirrored the tension between the monk's disciplined life and unfulfilled desires, drawing inspiration from Hang’s evocative imagery.

“I cannot make you understand, I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. One morning I woke up from uneasy dreams and found myself transformed.”



Fashion & Textiles: Ka Wa Key Chow, Jarno Leppänen
Performance Director: Jarno Leppänen
Choreographer: Jarno Leppänen
Casting: Ka Wa Key Chow, Jarno Leppänen
Photographer: Jarno Leppänen
Videographer: Jarno Leppänen
Stylist: Ka Wa Key Chow

Makeup: Yin Lee
Hair: Brendan O’ Sullivan
Performers: Lee Hoy, Max Gershon, Ryan Appiah-Sarpong
Models: Jimmy Newman, Remi Sayers, Jordan Ross, Eric Perrins, Stavros Karopoulos, Oscar Kenny, Philip Georgiev
Yarn sponsor: COFIL