The rise of independent fashion: shapedafutur
What sparked your interest in making clothes?
Fashion always felt inaccessible to me, I wasn’t too interested in Photoshop and sewing never really interested me. However, I was finding artists with similar backgrounds on the internet that customised clothes with paint, patchwork, or other cut n sew work to create analog graphics. I also started noticing rappers wearing hand painted pieces and graphic tees that resonated with my art practice. Watching young street artists design jackets for Young Thug, fashion suddenly became an accessible thing to me.
What are the main sources of inspiration behind your designs?
Off top skateboarding, Afro-Futurism, and bathroom graffiti are a few things that inspire my art practice. As far as graphics, the layout of band tees are great references. Mervyn’s used to have the sickest graphic tees for cartoons. Angst and mischief are also becoming prevalent themes in my motifs/ compositions lately; I try to channel Invader Zim in my recent characters ahaha. Going to shows and raves in Oakland has probably been the most meaningful inspiration to me. There’s so many talented DJs and artists that motivate me to create.
Why do you think younger people are preferring to buy thrifted or customised clothes from sites like depop rather than clothes from high st stores?
I think it’s our generation looking to support their friends; I feel like there’s been huge shift in consciousness lately, fast fashion is ridiculously unsustainable and disconnected from the youth. There’s a sense of intimacy when you buy something that’s been personally customised.
What would you like to achieve with your brand in the upcoming months?
I have some upcoming collaborations that I’m really excited about. Ultimately, I’d like to establish a cohesive brand with my first collection; something I’ve never done before. The past 2 years I just focused on making clothes for fun, and learning what works for me and what doesn’t. With a brand, I’d like to tell a story with the concepts I’ve developed so far.
Would you ever want your designs mass produced or do you prefer them as one offs?
I still have a lot to learn about production, samples, and all that. But I do see myself having shirts locally screen-printed in limited quantities. My one-offs are statement pieces; I’d like to also design staple pieces for everyday wear.
