In 2010, Canadian diver Maxim Bouchard fell 10 metres onto a concrete floor when the board collapsed under his feet. The six-time national champion hit his hand on the side of the pool, badly fracturing it, split open his head and had deep cuts on his legs. Doctors told him he might never be able to move his arm again.
Then, after a year-and-a-half of rehabilitation and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, Bouchard made his way back to the national team. He returned to full-time competition last year.
That steely determination is why Bouchard perfectly encapsulates Dubai-born label Emperor 1688’s pre-winter collection. The 25-year-old part-time model fronts the campaign for the sporty collection, featuring tailored shirts and sweatpants.
“His story is remarkable and inspiring, which made for a great backdrop to our new collection,” Babak Golkar, one of the three brothers behind the label, tells Gulf News tabloid!. “This collection focuses on the idea of sport and active wear. As always, we focus on our metal ‘hard wear’ detailing. This season we’re introducing the croc stamp on our leather badges. It’s a collection that breathes and yet remains true to our DNA of feeling like an emperor, with detailing and cut.”
Emperor 1688 was nominated for the International Woolmark Prize for menswear in 2014. For more on the label, go to www.emperor1688.com.
