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For the launch of Zombie, the new video by Baloji, KOMONO makes its capsule collection curated by the charismatic artist globally available. Critically acclaimed for his modern interpretation of Congolese music, Baloji infuses his savvy and modern style into four unique styles, each a tribute to the people that influenced him most. The over-sized Kitoko frame is inspired by 80s hip-hop styling and above all, by the glasses worn by Baudouin I, the Belgian king (1951-1993), nicknamed “Mwana Kitoko”, meaning ‘beautiful white man’, or ‘handsome young man’ in Lingala.Pierre Mandjeku “Dizzy” is a legendary Congolese guitarist. He has mastered the Congolese musical revolutions over the past five decades and during recent years he has joined Baloji on stage. To Baloji, Dizzy is more than a band member; he is a role model, a surrogate father, and undeniably the most elegant musician ever. The Dizzy frame is a true artist’s style to be worn on stage.

Tshala Muana AKA the Congolese Donna Summer, a living legend. With hypnotic trance rhythms, her music finds its natural extension in a secular dance: the Mutuashi. Her apparently frivolous music and provocative choreography tackles big questions: the role of women and their right to pleasure in African society. She inspired Baloji to develop the Tshala, a libertine style with feminine gold rims.

Mujinga is a tribute to Baloji’s mother. It was thanks to her big, almond-shaped eyes that he recognised her amidst the crowds in Lubumbashi market when they met for the first time after 25 years, a reunion that inspired this “Cat’s Eye” shape. Gold emphasizes the eyebrows, creating a distraction, and the gold teardrops are like a permanent reminder of the melancholy that inhabits these women. The malachite acetate is a constant throughout the collection and has been developed exclusively for KOMONO.

Bailey Moss
Photos: Kyle Weeks

The four models are available online here.